- Rebecca Tomasis
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
Ever thought you found the perfect name for your business, only to discover the .com domain is already taken? That’s where .co comes in.
.co is a generic top-level domain (TLD) that stands for “company” or “corporation.” Originally launched in the early 1990s for websites connected to Colombia, it has since evolved into a global favorite for anyone seeking a short, snappy and modern domain.
The turning point came in 2009, when the Colombian government transferred control of .co to CO Internet S.A.S., a private company. This led to an ambitious global marketing campaign that repositioned .co as a versatile domain extension perfect for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives across the world.
And it paid off. From startups to major brands like Twitter, which uses t.co for its URL shortener, .co has proven itself as a smart and credible alternative to .com. Today, the .co domain is recognized as a global TLD and is part of the Domain Name System (DNS). It's widely used by businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking a memorable and relevant online identity.
Learn more: What is a domain?, What is a parked domain?
Who uses .co domains?
.co domains have made a name for themselves as the go-to choice for startups, tech innovators and entrepreneurs. They’re snappy, memorable and instantly recognizable, which is perfect for anyone wanting to make their mark. But what makes .co even more exciting is its global appeal - because Google recognizes it as a generic domain instead of one tied to a specific location. This means it’s great for organizations that think big and serve an international audience.
Key benefits of a .co domain
Some of the main reasons for using a .co domain include:
Branding: it's trusted and associated with reputable organizations and large businesses. Major players like Twitter (using t.co for link shortening) and Google (g.co for its product redirects) have reinforced .co’s credibility on a global scale. If leading brands trust .co, it’s a testament to its reliability and professionalism.
Global recognition: it's versatile when used internationally and is instantly recognizable as a business related domain associated from anywhere, making it a good choice for businesses that market internationally.
Easy to remember: it's short, simple and easy to remember, the number one rule for choosing a domain name because it can help customers recall your business name.
Alternative to .com: it can present a viable, sometimes cost-effective, alternative option while still maintaining a level of authority if the .com domain you want is already taken.
Edgy: it isn't .com, so if you use it you can potentially make a slight statement that you're choosing to do things a little differently with your business. For some brands, this is important.
In 2023 several .co domains were amongst the highest value domains sold. With payments.co selling for $48,600 making it 14th on the list and regeneration.co selling for $47,350 and coming 15th on the top 100 domain sales chart for the year.
Well-known, large brands using .co domain extensions include:
Why not use a .co domain?
A .co domain can appeal to some businesses looking for a short and modern web address. For brands with a distinct vision or an audience that already knows to look for their .co address, it might just work. But before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the possible challenges alongside the benefits.
One common concern is that many people are so familiar with .com that they might instinctively type it instead of .co. If the .com version of your desired name is taken, your potential visitors could end up on someone else’s website by accident. This kind of mix-up could mean lost opportunities or confusion for your audience.
That said, if you’re set on a .co domain, consider pairing it with a strong branding strategy to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, using clear messaging across your channels can help guide visitors to the right place. At the end of the day, the best domain is one that’s memorable, simple and makes it easy for customers to connect with your business.
.co vs .com domains and which to use
A .co domain often signals a forward-thinking, innovative approach. It's particularly popular among startups, tech companies and social enterprises that wish to differentiate themselves from more traditional entities.
On the other hand, the .com domain remains the most recognized and established domain extension worldwide. It conveys a sense of reliability, credibility and longevity. Businesses that choose a .com domain are often perceived as being more established and traditional. This domain is ubiquitous across industries and is often the default go-to for customers typing a web address directly into a browser.
The choice between a .co and a .com domain can affect public perception and brand positioning. Businesses must consider their target audience, industry norms and overall branding strategy when deciding between these domain extensions.
When to choose .co
The .co domain is a great choice for brands looking to project an innovative image. For startups aiming to align with the new economy, .co can help you stand out. It’s also a practical alternative if your ideal .com domain is already taken—allowing you to keep your branding short, clean and memorable without resorting to long or complicated URLs.
Consider choosing a .co domain if:
You're a tech startup breaking into a competitive industry.
You're a creator or building a personal brand with a focus on a fresh and forward-thinking identity.
Your brand is appealing to younger, digitally conscious audiences who associate .co with innovation and contemporary trends.
When to choose .com
A .com domain is ideal for businesses focused on trust and credibility. It’s familiar, professional and easy to remember—perfect for reaching broad audiences. Most people think of .com when typing a web address, making it a smart choice for businesses prioritizing recognition and reliability.
Industries like finance, healthcare, retail and real estate benefit from .com, as it signals stability and professionalism. It’s also great for boosting SEO and organic traffic, as users often type .com first.
Consider choosing a .com domain if:
You’re building a long-term, established business with plans for growth over decades.
You want to serve a wide demographic where trust and recognition are key to gaining customers.
You're involved in B2B or consulting services where a polished, traditional presence matters.
Website examples using .co domains
Looking for inspiration? Here are some standout examples of businesses using .co domains to make their mark online.
The Mighty Spice Company
This company brings the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian cuisine to your kitchen with its range of curry pastes, including the flagship Mighty Spice line and the Vegan Sadhu collection for plant-based cooking. Perfect for food enthusiasts and home chefs alike, these pastes deliver complex, traditional flavors with ease. Choosing a .co domain reflects the brand’s contemporary, accessible approach, making it an inviting choice for a global audience craving bold and authentic dishes.
Mastery
Mastery LLC is a brand and web consultancy that helps businesses grow more efficiently by creating clarity in design, messaging and strategy. Using a .co domain underscores Mastery LLC’s cutting-edge approach, appealing to forward-thinking businesses aiming to stand out in their markets.
V-Labs
This tech company offers tools and enhancements for virtual meetings. Their audience primarily includes businesses looking to improve collaboration and engagement in online environments. It's use of the .co domain extension helps establish its global focus and establish trust amongst potential clients.
Generation She
This female founded and led podcast aims to help Gen Z female business owners unlock investment potential and grow their businesses. With its lively and empowering tone, the platform inspires and equips young women to excel in business. Opting for a .co domain reflects the brand's energetic, bold personality, emphasizing a modern approach that aligns perfectly with its youthful, ambitious audience.
Nuhom
This real estate company uses its sleek and professional .co domain to reflect its expertise and drive in helping buyers and sellers navigate the property market. Targeting modern, tech-savvy clients, Nuhom simplifies what’s often a complex process with its user-friendly tools and streamlined services. Choosing a .co domain reinforces its approachable, forward-thinking image in an industry steeped in traditional practices.
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Are .co domains legitimate and safe?
The .co domain is a legitimate and widely recognized domain extension. Many businesses and organizations worldwide use .co domains for their websites. .co domains are registered through accredited domain registrars, similar to other top-level domains which makes them legitimate and safe.
Learn more: Best domain registrars
.co domains are also subject to standard domain registration and renewal practices. Ensure that you renew your .co domain on time to maintain ownership and keep your registration information up to date.
Many well-known brands and organizations use .co domains for their online presence. This further establishes the legitimacy and acceptance of .co as a valid domain extension.
Making sure that your domain is safe means also ensuring your website security offers robust and advanced security capabilities. From 24/7 monitoring, to bug bounty programs, to HTTPS and SSL/TLS.
.co and third-level domain extensions
Third-level domain extensions are the parts of the domain name that come after the second-level domain. For example, in "blog.org.co," the third-level domain extension is "co." It's important to note that the term "extension" is often used interchangeably with "top-level domain" (TLD). In the example, ".co" is both the TLD and the third-level domain extension.
co.co
org.co
info.co
edu.co
gov.co
While .co as a TLD is used to represent global brands and websites, as a third-level domain extension it's more commonly used by local entities and organizations.
How do I register and buy a .co domain?
Registering a .co domain is a straightforward process and can typically be done through domain registrars, domain hosting companies or accredited registrars authorized to sell .co domains.
If you’re learning how to make a website, Wix simplifies the process—choose a premium plan, and you can register your domain and extension at the same time.
Find the domain owner and registration details for a website with a Whois domain lookup.
01. Choose a domain registrar
Select a reputable domain registrar that offers .co domain registration services. Or opt for a website builder that allows you to choose your domain, or extension and then register it.
Learn more: How to register a domain
02. Check domain name availability
Use the registrar's search tool to check the availability of your desired .co domain. If the domain is available, you can proceed to the next step. If not you'll need to rethink your domain name or domain extension. Check its availability with a domain name search with Wix. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator, which can help you find a similar domain name.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
03. Provide all necessary contact and payment information
Then follow the registrar's instructions for completing the registration process. This typically involves providing your contact information, payment details and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
04. Configure DNS settings (if relevant)
After registration, you may need to configure the domain's DNS (Domain Name System) settings. You can either use the registrar's default DNS or set custom DNS records for your hosting or website. With Wix, this step is automatically done for you.
It's important to note that .co domains are typically available for registration by anyone globally and they’re not restricted to Colombian-based entities. However, it's advisable to check with your chosen registrar for specific registration requirements or any restrictions that may apply.
Learn more: .org vs. com vs .net domain extensions
.co and ICANN
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization which manages and oversees the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) and IP address allocation. When it comes to domain extensions like .co, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs) to ensure consistency across the whole World Wide Web/Internet.
ICANN ensures that .co follows the guidelines and standards set for all TLDs. It manages the registration process, ensuring that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar, and registration dates.
A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the World Wide Web. It consists of the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS), the domain name (which includes the TLD like ".company"), and the specific path to the resource on the web server. ICANN ensures that URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards.
.co domain extension FAQ
Who can register a .co domain?
.co domains are open for registration to entities and individuals worldwide. They’re not restricted to Colombian entities.
Are there any restrictions on registering a .co domain extension?
What's the cost of a .co domain extension?
How long is the registration period for a .co domain?
Can I transfer my .co domain extension to a different registrar?
Can I renew my .co domain after it expires?
Are .co domain extensions more expensive than others?
What are top-level domains?
Can I use a .co domain for business emails?
What is the difference between .com and .co domain?
Please note that specific policies and procedures may vary between registrars, so it's essential to check with your chosen registrar for precise details regarding .co domain registration and management.