- Maryam Fouad
- Jun 30
- 11 min read
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain→
Website trends may come and go, but a domain name is meant to last. It serves as more than just a web address—it's a pillar of brand identity and credibility. Popular domain names, renowned for their memorability and ease of recall, are powerful tools for building brand recognition and fostering customer trust.
Since a strong and unforgettable domain name attracts users to your business, it also wields considerable power in search engine rankings, attracting organic traffic and positioning your brand as a leader in its industry. This article will explore popular domain names to consider as you start a business or consider how to create a website to support your brand.
What is a domain name?
In order to understand what is a domain, think of it as a digital address for your website, similar to how a physical address directs people to your store or office.
It's the URL that customers enter into their browser to find you (e.g., “www.wix.com”). This name is unique to your website and acts as a memorable identifier in the vastness of the internet. By owning a domain name, you secure a professional presence online, helping customers find you easily.
Tip: Be sure to use a trusted domain registrar to help you choose and purchase an available domain name.
Ready to turn your vision into reality? Grab your free domain name and create a website now.
What is a domain extension?
A domain name consists of two elements: the top-level domain and the second-level domain. The hierarchy of domains moves from right to left so the top-level domain (TLD) (a.k.a. domain extension), is the last piece of text in the domain name. It’s the part of a web address that comes after the final dot. In Wix.com, for example, the top-level domain is ".com” and the second-level domain (SLD) is “Wix.”
As more websites are created and competition for domain names grows, new domain extensions have been introduced to give businesses more choice. In addition to learning more about what .com is, what .net is and what .org is, you can now choose something more unique to your industry like .photos, .shop or .agency. Explore the most common industry domain names to help identify patterns or trends that resonate with your target audience
As Cameron Walker, general manager at Name.com shares:
"We're incredibly excited about the continued growth and future of domain extensions. At Name.com, we see these new options as a powerful tool for both individuals and businesses to express their unique identities and thrive."
Tip: Read more about .org vs .com vs .net and how to choose a domain name that suits your business.
Premium domains
Premium domains are concise and memorable domains. They usually consist of only one or two short words so that they’re easy to remember and type into a browser. They are considered premium because they match exactly with business or brand names and are often rare, or already registered by another user.
These domains also tend to be very expensive. For example, in 2016, Elon Musk paid $11 million to acquire the domain name tesla.com to match his updated Tesla branding.
Learn why some business owners are wiling to pay $100+ a year for a premium domain.
Expired domains
When a user purchases a domain, they are not purchasing outright ownership of that domain name indefinitely. Instead, they are paying to register the use of that domain for a specific period.
Upon expiration of this term, the domain must be renewed to maintain ownership by the same individual or entity. If a domain name is not renewed, it becomes an expired domain, available for registration by others, potentially resulting in its acquisition by a different owner.
Domain names may expire intentionally, such as when a business closes and no longer requires the domain, or inadvertently if the owner fails to pay the required renewal fee.
Tip: If you are planning to buy a new domain name, you should always check the domain history.
Learn more about smart domain name management strategies to keep your online presence strong.
Popular domain extensions (TLDs)
With over 1,200 possible TLDs available, you can easily craft a unique domain name that conveys your brand’s story without incurring premium prices or waiting for ideal domains to become available.
Here are some of the most popular domains this year, organized by trending categories.
The most common domain extensions
Some domain extensions never go out of style. .com is the most recognized domain globally, making it a safe and effective choice for businesses across all industries. .net, originally associated with networking services, has evolved into a versatile option for tech startups, communities and more. For non-profits and charities, .org conveys trust, credibility and a clear sense of purpose. .co has grown in popularity as a modern, startup-friendly option that's short, clean and ideal for businesses looking for something fresh and memorable. Classic extensions like these are perfect when you want your domain to be clear, credible and universally understood.
Popular domain extensions: location-based
Whether you’re looking to be local or global, location-based TLDs (a.k.a., CCTLDs, short for “country code top-level domain”) instantly tell visitors where you're located or who you cater to.
Local extensions can boost local SEO and build trust with potential customers searching for services nearby. Broader options like .global and .world showcase the expansiveness of your online reach. No matter your target market, if location matters to your business, a CCTLD extension can help you connect with the right audience online.
Popular domain extensions: tech-related
Technology and the internet go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that tech-themed extensions continue to be among the most popular domains in 2025. The use cases are variable and extensive: .tech for a cutting-edge startup, .cloud for a secure storage solution or .app for a mobile innovation.
These extensions immediately signal an affiliation with the tech industry, fostering trust among tech-savvy visitors. Unlike generic options, these popular domain extensions stand out in a crowded online space, and can instantly communicate the core function of your service.
Read more: Domain name trends
Popular domain extensions: competitive positioning
Showcasing industry expertise or a higher level of service with popular domain extensions is an excellent way to set your business or brand apart in as little as three to four characters.
Use your domain name to communicate your competitive advantage, with TLDs like .pro for seasoned professionals or .best to convey exceptional service. These popular domain extensions prime potential customers to expect a superior experience. In a competitive market, they offer a powerful way to showcase your expertise and claim your position as the best in class.
Popular domain extensions: news and trends
Digital platforms continue to be primary hubs for news and information. According to the Pew Research Center, 57% of Americans said they prefer to get news from a digital device in 2024. It’s no surprise that domain extensions related to news, trends and timely delivery of information are among the most popular domains.
Domain extensions like .news, .today and .buzz can help convey where you fall in the industry—whether you focus on more traditional, current, viral or breaking news. By understanding the unique strengths of these TLDs, you can effectively communicate your purpose and attract a targeted audience eager for the latest news and insights.
Popular domain extensions: multi-purpose
These extensions are versatile and instantly recognizable, strengthening your brand identity while ensuring your website is easy to find and remember. With popular domain extensions like .site or .online you can create a web address that perfectly reflects your brand.
Popular domain extensions: influencer/community leaders
The domain name landscape has evolved to reflect the growing importance of online communities and personal branding. Extensions like .life, .cyou, .club and .icu offer influencers and community leaders a way to create memorable domain names that resonate with their audience. These popular domain extensions convey a sense of connection, individuality and self-expression—all essential elements for building a strong online presence.
Popular domain extensions: topical trends
Domain extensions that directly reflect emerging or growing industries will continue to gain popularity. For example, the TLDs .bet and .live have seen tremendous growth.
The rise of .bet coincides with the surge in online betting as more and more states have legalized online sports betting. Domain names using the .bet extension have been sold for significant amounts, highlighting their value in the betting industry. For instance, "bet.bet" sold for $600,000 and "casino.bet" sold for $200,000.
The .live extension continues to be popular among consumers who embrace live streaming and real-time event coverage. By using .live, sites can set themselves apart from competitors by touting their timeliness directly through their domain name.
Popular domain extensions: niche markets
The domain name landscape is becoming increasingly specialized, with niche industry extensions gaining significant traction. Extensions like .art for a creative studio or .agency for a marketing firm act as powerful storytelling tools.
Industry-specific domain extensions concisely communicate your core business function. If connecting to customers is key to the success of your business, industry domains are one way to attract a highly targeted audience who understands your value proposition at a glance.
Popular second-level domain names (SLDs)
Second-level domains are parts of a website address that comes before the top-level domain, like ".com" or ".org". They typically represent specific entities or organizations, which offer a unique identifier within the larger domain name system. These popular SLD keywords reflect some of the same registration trends as top-level domains.
The most popular second-level domains include:
.jobs: Ideal for career portals or companies seeking to showcase their open positions.
.foundation: Perfect for non-profit organizations and charitable trusts.
.info: A versatile option for informational websites offering resources and educational content.
.home: Great for personal websites or online portfolios.
.services: Clearly communicates that your website offers professional services.
.tech: Instantly identifies your website with the technology industry.
.health: Ideal for healthcare providers, medical institutions and health-related resources.
.digital: Conveys a focus on digital products, services or marketing strategies.
.life: Suitable for websites with a broad lifestyle focus, encompassing wellness, hobbies or personal growth.
Popular SLD | Description | Best fit for |
.jobs | Perfect for career sites or companies showcasing open positions. | Job seekers, recruiters, HR teams |
.foundation | Great for nonprofit organizations and charitable trusts. | Nonprofits, charities, philanthropic groups |
.info | A flexible choice for websites sharing resources or educational content. | Educators, researchers, resource hubs |
.home | Ideal for personal websites or online portfolios. | Individuals, freelancers, creatives |
.services | Clearly shows your website offers professional services. | Consultants, agencies, service providers |
.tech | Instantly connects your site to the tech industry. | Startups, developers, IT companies |
.health | Perfect for healthcare providers, medical institutions and wellness brands. | Doctors, clinics, wellness businesses |
.digital | Highlights your focus on digital products, services or strategies. | Marketers, SaaS companies, eCommerce |
.life | Great for lifestyle sites focused on wellness, hobbies or personal growth. | Bloggers, wellness coaches, hobbyists |
Website examples using popular domain extensions
Get inspired by these standout websites that creatively use popular domain extensions to showcase their brand, connect with their audience and stand out online:
.com website example: Leanne Morgan
Leanne Morgan is a successful comedian with a massive social following and a Netflix special. Her website's clean and professional design makes it easy to navigate, with a prominent tour schedule that keeps fans engaged. The .com extension is perfect for her global audience, as it’s universally recognized and easy to remember.
.org website example: Liga De Arte
This 50-year-old nonprofit art institution in Puerto Rico provides scholarships and aid to talented students with limited resources. The .org extension highlights their nonprofit status, building trust and credibility with donors and supporters. Their site beautifully reflects their mission, showcasing student artwork and sharing impactful stories.
.net website example: KSM Candle Co.
A Baltimore-based candle and fragrance shop offering workshops, owned by a woman entrepreneur. The workshop booking system is seamlessly integrated, making it easy for customers to engage with the brand beyond just shopping. The .net extension gives them a professional yet approachable online presence, perfect for a growing small business.
.co.uk website example: Three Trees Tarot
A creative and mysterious tarot business thriving in the UK, generating impressive revenue. The .co.uk extension emphasizes their UK roots, appealing to local customers seeking a trusted, homegrown service. Their site’s design reflects the mystical nature of their work, drawing in curious visitors.
.fr website example: Mea Book
Mea Book is a French website that lets customers create unique, personalized books. The .fr extension reinforces their French identity, making it clear they cater to a local audience. A standout feature of their site is the intuitive book customization tool, which makes creating a custom book a fun and effortless experience.
.ca website example: The Ice Cream Truck
Kris and Carli, a husband-and-wife duo, run a nostalgic ice cream truck business in Canada, bringing joy to events and birthdays. The .ca domain extension proudly highlights their Canadian roots, helping them connect with local customers. A standout feature of their site is its vibrant and playful design, which perfectly mirrors the fun and nostalgia of their ice cream truck.
.store website example: Oak and Willow
Oak and Willow is an eco-friendly brand with a great success story, offering 100% sustainable products. The .store extension makes it clear that they’re an online shop, making it easy for customers to find and shop their products. A standout feature of their site is the dedicated section on their sustainability practices, which reinforces their commitment to the environment.
.shop website example: Candle Bakery
Candle Bakery creates candles that look like baked goods, blending creativity with craftsmanship. The .shop extension is a perfect fit, instantly signaling their focus on retail. A standout feature of their site is the incredible product photography, which makes their candles look so realistic you’d think they’re edible.
.edu website example: Montana Bible College
Montana Bible College offers a range of theological programs in a faith-based environment. The .edu extension establishes their credibility as a trusted educational institution. A standout feature of their site is the detailed program pages, which provide all the information prospective students need to make confident decisions.
How to search for and select a domain name
No website is complete without a domain name. When it’s time to select the domain, make a list of keywords that are most relevant to your business. Include your business name, descriptors, industry keywords, etc. Once you have a strong list, you can start searching for possible domain names. Popular domain extensions can help you define your industry (.beauty, .media, .design), instill confidence in your brand (.pro, .expert) or build a community (.bio, .club, .group).
With a website builder like Wix, you can register a free domain for a year. You can experiment and see what’s available by searching for domain name options and using tools like the Domain Name Generator.
Popular domain extensions FAQ
What is the most popular domain extension?
The most popular domain extension is .com. It’s widely recognized, trusted and often the first choice for businesses, organizations and individuals. Its universal appeal makes it highly competitive, so securing a .com domain can sometimes be challenging.
Which domain is trending now?
Extensions like .ai, .io and .xyz are trending, particularly among startups and tech companies. These modern TLDs cater to niche audiences, such as artificial intelligence for .ai or innovation-focused ventures for .io. Their fresh appeal makes them increasingly popular alternatives to traditional options.
What is the best domain extension other than .com?
Other than .com, extensions like .net, .org and .io are highly regarded. .net is versatile and often chosen by tech-forward companies, while .org is trusted for nonprofit and educational purposes. For startups and innovators, .io is an excellent choice due to its modern and tech-friendly image.
Is .org or .co better?
Both .org and .co have their strengths, depending on your goals. .org is often associated with nonprofits, charities and educational institutions, making it ideal for building credibility in those spaces. .co, on the other hand, is often used as a shorter alternative to .com and works well for startups or businesses looking for a modern feel.
What are some good and bad domain extensions?
Good domain extensions are relevant, easy to remember and fit your brand, such as .com, .net and .ai for specific industries. On the other hand, extensions with reputations for spam or low credibility, like .xyz (used improperly by some), or regional TLDs misused out of context, may pose challenges. Research the reputation of an extension before choosing it.
What should I do if my preferred domain name is unavailable?
If your desired domain is taken, consider creative alternatives like adding keywords, hyphens or using another reputable extension such as .net or .co. You can also reach out to the current owner of the domain to negotiate a purchase. Tools like domain name generators can help you brainstorm fresh ideas if you’re stuck.
Are there downsides to using less common TLDs?
Using less common TLDs, like .biz or .info, may carry some risks, as they aren’t as trusted or familiar to users as .com or .org. They could also negatively impact your website’s memorability or credibility. However, newer, niche-specific TLDs like .tech or .design are gaining traction and can be excellent choices for the right audience or industry.
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