- Abi Djanogly
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
A .shop domain is an excellent choice for any business focused on ecommerce. This domain extension clearly signals your website's purpose, helping you attract customers who are ready to make a purchase.
By choosing a .shop domain, you can build a strong brand identity centered around retail. It's memorable, relevant and tells the world you're open for business.
Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today.
TL;DR: Is .shop a good domain?
Short on time? Here’s the quick summary of what makes a .shop domain a great option for your business. If you're creating an eCommerce or retail website, this top-level domain (TLD) may be the one for you.
Feature | Description |
Purpose | Clearly communicates that your site is for shopping. |
Branding | Creates a memorable and relevant brand identity. |
Credibility | Builds trust with customers looking for online stores. |
Availability | Offers more name options compared to traditional TLDs. |
SEO | Can positively impact search rankings for commercial queries. |
Best for | Retailers, online stores and ecommerce businesses of all sizes. |
What is a .shop domain?
A .shop domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that launched in 2016. It was created specifically for eCommerce businesses, online retailers and anyone selling products or services. Unlike more general domains like .com, the .shop extension immediately tells visitors what your website is all about: shopping.
Learn more: What is a domain?
Benefits of a .shop domain
Choosing a .shop domain for your website comes with several advantages that can help your business grow. It’s more than just a web address; it's a strategic branding tool.
Main benefits include:
Instant clarity: When potential customers see .shop in your URL, they instantly understand your site’s function, creating a clear expectation and attracting an audience with strong buying intent, making it an intuitive choice for any retail-oriented venture.
Enhances brand memorability: A short, relevant domain name is easier for customers to remember. Pairing your brand name with .shop creates a catchy and intuitive URL that sticks in people's minds. For instance, 'yourbrand.shop' is direct and easy to recall.
Builds credibility and trust: Using a domain extension that matches your business type makes your brand appear more professional and legitimate.
Improves domain name availability: With .com domains becoming increasingly saturated, the .shop extension opens up a new pool of options, giving you a better chance to secure a domain that perfectly matches your brand name without needing to add extra words or hyphens.
Aligns your brand with growing trends: As of 2024, global online retail accounts for 20.1% of all retail sales worldwide — pushing online shopping beyond one-fifth of total retail output. A dedicated domain extension like .shop signals to customers (and search engines) that your site is built for commerce, which aligns with the broader eCommerce growth trends.
Common challenges of a .shop domain
There are a few potential challenges to consider before you commit to the .shop domain:
Less familiar than .com: Some users might not be as familiar with newer extensions like .shop, which could lead to confusion or them mistyping your URL.
Potential perception issues: Although growing in popularity, some users may still perceive newer TLDs as less trustworthy than established ones like .org, .com or .net. Building a professional website with clear security features, like an SSL certificate, is important to overcome this.
Limited to ecommerce: The .shop domain is highly specific. If your business expands beyond retail into areas like blogging, educational content or corporate services, the .shop extension might no longer fully represent your brand's scope.
Examples of .shop domains
"If your desired domain is already taken, consider using alternatives like .net, .shop or .info. These can still effectively represent your business. Another strategy is to add relevant keywords to your domain name like industry or location. This way, you can create a memorable and relevant domain name for your business." - Keren Friedlander, Product Manager at Wix
Many brands are successfully using the .shop domain to create a strong retail identity.
For example:
netflix.shop: The streaming giant uses this domain for its official merchandise store
jasonderulo.shop: This popular musician uses a .shop domain to sell his merchandise directly to fans.
wix.shop: Wix uses this domain to provide resources and information specifically for business owners looking to build an online store
Learn more:
How to get started with a .shop domain
Choosing the right domain extension is easier than ever with Wix. Wix offers a wide variety of domain extensions and makes it simple to find ones that are available for your business.
As you search, Wix recommends relevant domain extensions that match your brand, helping you discover the perfect fit—whether that’s .shop or another option, such as .xyz domain, .ai domain or .llc domain. With domain extensions for every industry and location, Wix gives you everything you need to secure a strong, memorable online identity.
Ready to launch your online store with a .shop domain? Getting started is straightforward. With Wix, you can find and register your perfect domain name and build your website all in one place.
Here’s a simple guide to get you going:
Step 1: Brainstorm your domain name
Think of a name that is short, memorable and reflects your brand. Try to use your business name if it's available.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
Step 2: Use a domain name generator
If you're stuck for ideas, a domain name generator can help you find creative and available options. Simply enter a few keywords related to your business.
Step 3: Check for availability
Once you have a name in mind, use a domain search tool to see if it's available with the .shop extension. Wix makes it easy to find available domain extensions for your business.
Step 4: Register your domain
If your chosen name is available, you can register it right away. With Wix, you can even get a free domain for the first year with most yearly premium plans.
Learn more: How to register a domain name
Step 5: Build your website
After securing your domain, it's time to build your online store. Wix offers a wide variety of professionally designed templates and powerful eCommerce tools to help you create a stunning and functional website.
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Is .shop a good domain FAQ
Is a .shop domain good for SEO?
Yes, a .shop domain can be good for SEO. While Google has stated that new gTLDs don't have an inherent ranking advantage, a relevant domain extension like .shop can help signal your site's content to both search engines and users. This can lead to a better click-through rate from users searching for products, which is a positive signal for SEO.
Can I use a .shop domain if I'm not an ecommerce business?
You can, but it’s not recommended. The .shop extension is universally understood to mean a site is for shopping. Using it for a non-retail purpose could confuse visitors and create a disconnect between their expectations and your content. It's best to choose a domain that accurately reflects your site's purpose.
Is .shop better than .com for an online store?
It depends on your goals. A .com domain is still the most recognized and trusted TLD. However, a .shop domain is more descriptive and immediately tells visitors you're an online store. If your preferred brand name is taken as a .com, .shop is an excellent alternative that clearly communicates your business focus.
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