.blog domain
What is a .blog domain extension?
.blog is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). It’s one of the many domain extensions used for creating websites. The .blog domain is specifically designed for any website creator or business owner looking to establish a clear online presence for blogging and sharing content.
The .blog domain was introduced to provide a dedicated space on the internet for bloggers and content creators. It’s managed by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, one of the most popular blogging platforms. Automattic applied for and was granted the rights to manage the .blog gTLD after paying approximately $19 million for it. The domain extension was officially made available for registration in November 2016.
Learn more: What is a domain
Who uses .blog domains and why?
Many individual bloggers use .blog domains to create distinct and memorable web addresses for their blogs. It helps them establish their blogging identity and attract a relevant audience.
Professional bloggers and content creators often opt for .blog domains to showcase their expertise and dedication to their niche. It can also make their blog more brandable.
Businesses that maintain blogs as part of their content marketing strategy may use .blog domains to separate their blog from their main website. For example, a company mi
ght have "blog.example.com" as its blog, or it might use "www.example.blog" to signify the blog's importance.
News organizations, online magazines and editorial websites can use .blog domains for specific sections or dedicated blogs. This allows them to maintain a clear separation between news articles and blog content.
Professionals in the digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) fields may use .blog domains to demonstrate their expertise and share insights with the online community.
Looking to start a blog? Get started with the Wix Blog Maker.
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How to register a .blog domain
To register a .blog domain, the following steps are a general guide:
Learn more: How to register a domain
01. Choose a domain name registrar
Select a domain registrar that offers .blog domain registration services. If you create a website with Wix, you can choose a domain name and register a domain name as part of creating your site, once you opt for a Premium Plan.
02. Check domain name availability
Use the registrar's domain name search tool to check if your desired .blog domain name is available. If it's available, you can continue to the next step of the process.
03. Provide contact information and make payment
After confirming your domain availability, follow the registrar's instructions to register the .blog domain. This typically involves providing your contact information, selecting the desired domain registration period and making a payment.
.com vs .blog and which one to use
The choice between using a .blog and a .com domain depends on your website's purpose and your branding goals.
Use .blog if you’re primarily focused on blogging and content creation or you want to communicate that your website's primary purpose is to provide content.
Use .com if you want a more versatile domain that can be used for a variety of purposes, if you prefer the trust associated with .com or if your desired .com domain is available.
In some cases, website owners also choose to register both a .blog and a .com domain and use one to redirect to the other to capture traffic from users who type either extension. Ultimately, the choice should align with your website's identity and objectives.
.blog and ICANN
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS) and IP address allocation.
When it comes to the use and supervision of domain extensions such as .blog, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs). ICANN ensures that they follow the guidelines and standards set for TLDs. It oversees 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), used to access resources on the World Wide Web, 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's ensures that URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards.
.blog domain extension FAQ
Can anyone register a .blog domain?
Yes, .blog domains are generally available for registration by anyone who wants to use one for their website.
How much does a .blog domain cost?
The cost of a .blog domain can vary depending on the registrar and any additional services or features you choose. Prices typically range from a few dollars to several dozen dollars per year.
Are there any specific requirements for registering a .blog domain?
Generally, there are no specific requirements for registering a .blog domain. It's open for registration by anyone interested in blogging.
What is the minimum and maximum registration period for a .blog domain?
The minimum registration period is typically 1 year but you may be able register a .blog domain for multiple years with some registrars.