.co.uk
.co.uk is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United Kingdom. It’s one of the many domain extensions used for websites associated with the United Kingdom.
The .co.uk domain was introduced in 1985 and is one of the earliest ccTLDs. It’s managed by Nominet UK, a non-profit organization responsible for the administration and management of various domain extensions associated with the UK.
.co.uk domains have been widely adopted and are commonly used for websites and businesses based in or serving the United Kingdom. In general, .co.uk is used only by businesses and individuals, other types of organizations have their .uk domain extension.
Other UK-specific domain extensions include
.org.uk (Usually used by nonprofits, for example, British Heart Foundation - https://www.bhf.org.uk/)
.ac.uk (Usually used by higher education institutions, for example, Nottingham University - www.nottingham.ac.uk)
.net.uk
Some large UK institutions have their own .uk domain extensions
Parliament.uk (The British Parliament)
nhs.uk (The National Health Service)
Learn more:
Who uses .co.uk and why?
Businesses: many businesses in the United Kingdom use .co.uk domains to establish their online presence. It is a popular choice for local businesses looking to target a UK-based audience. For example, "www.example.co.uk" can represent a British company.
Local organizations: local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions in the UK often use .co.uk domains to convey their locality and relevance to a specific geographic region.
Individuals: some individuals and families use .co.uk domains for personal websites or blogs. It's a way to showcase their identity or interests while emphasizing their UK affiliation.
eCommerce: UK-based e-commerce websites often opt for .co.uk domains to indicate their focus on the local market. It helps build trust with UK consumers.
Media outlets: newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets in the UK use .co.uk domains to provide local news and content.
UK-based service providers: service providers, such as law firms, healthcare providers and financial institutions, use .co.uk domains to highlight their services within the UK.
Most expensive .co.uk domains registered
As of October 2023 here are some of the most expensive .co.uk domain extension sales registered:
Andy.co.uk - £29,950
Punter.co.uk - £21,600
Coupons.co.uk - £18,500
CarLease.co.uk - £18,000
There are believed to be around 10 million .co.uk domains registered worldwide.
Websites using .co. uk domains
.co. uk works well for organizations, or in this case a school, where location is everything. This domain extension is the easiest way to show that you're a UK based organization or school.
When it comes to renting property, it's important to make your location clear from the outset. .co. uk is the perfect way to do that.
With health and homecare being such a local need, using a domain extension that makes your location obvious, like, .co.uk, is important. It's a strong, trusted domain at the same time, something that's equally important in the medical industry.
.com vs .co.uk
The choice between a .com and a .co.uk domain depends on your website's purpose, target audience and branding goals.
Use .com if you want a versatile, global domain extension and your website is not specific to any particular country or region. It's an excellent choice for international businesses and websites that cater to a worldwide audience.
Use .co.uk if your website is primarily focused on the United Kingdom, your business or organization is based in the UK or you want to establish a strong connection with the UK market.
In some cases, businesses and individuals also opt for both a .com and a .co.uk domain to cater to a global and local audience, respectively. For example, with some large brands, their .co.uk domain redirects to their .com. UK supermarket giant Asda is one example of this: asda.co.uk > asda.com
It's important to consider your website's identity and objectives when choosing a domain extension. Then ensure that the chosen domain name is relevant, memorable and aligns with your branding strategy.
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How to register a .co.uk domain
To register a .co.uk domain, there are a few general steps to keep in mind:
01. Choose your domain registrar
Select a domain registrar that offers .co.uk domain registration services. Many accredited registrars can facilitate the registration process. Tip: If you build a website with Wix, you can choose and register a domain name as part of your site creation process, with a premium plan.
02. Check domain name availability
Use the registrar's, or website builder, domain name search tool to check if your desired .co.uk domain name is available. If it's available, you can continue the registration.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
03. Provide all necessary registration information
You’ll need to provide accurate registrant information, including your name, address, and contact details. Ensure this information is up to date, as it's used for domain ownership verification.
04. Complete your domain registration
After confirming domain availability and providing your registrant details, follow the registrar's instructions to complete the registration. This typically involves selecting the desired domain registration period (usually in years) and making a payment.
ICANN and .co.uk
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. In the context of domain extensions like .co.uk, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these country-code top-level domains (TLDs). ICANN oversees that it follows the guidelines and standards set for 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.
Is a .co.uk domain safe?
The safety of a .co.uk domain, or any domain for that matter, is not determined by the domain extension itself. Instead, the safety of a domain depends on various factors, including the intentions and practices of the domain and website owner. The first priority when guranteeing the safety of any domain extension is to make sure that you register your .co.uk domain with a reputable and well-known domain registrar. Choose a registrar that follows industry standards and provides sufficient security measures.
.co.uk domain extension FAQ
Who can register a .co.uk domain?
.co.uk domains are primarily intended for entities and individuals with a connection to the United Kingdom. But they can be registered by anyone.
How much does a .co.uk domain cost?
The cost of a .co.uk domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features you choose. Prices typically range from a few pounds to several dozen pounds per year.
Are there specific rules for .co.uk domain registration?
No, and there’s no need for a UK presence.
Can I transfer my .co.uk domain to a different registrar?
Yes, you can transfer a .co.uk domain to a different registrar. The process typically involves unlocking the domain and obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar.
What is the minimum and maximum registration period for a .co.uk domain?
The minimum registration period is usually 1 year but you can register a .co.uk domain for multiple years.