.company domain
The .company generic top-level domain (gTLD) is a domain extension that’s a business-focused domain and open to registration by any individual, group or business for any purpose or website.
The .company gTLD was created by Donuts Inc., a domain name registrar and registry. Donuts Inc. submitted an application to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in 2012 and the .company gTLD was approved in 2014. The domain extension became publicly available for registration in 2015.
After a few changes in management and acquisitions, the domain extension is now managed by Identity Digital.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
Who uses .company and why?
A wide range of businesses use .company domains, including:
Startups
Government agencies
Businesses use .company domains for a variety of reasons:
Creating a professional and credible online presence
Making it easy for customers to find their website
Distinguishing themselves from other businesses in their industry, especially as competition for more traditional extensions, such as .com, has grown exponentially
.company vs .com and which to use
The .com gTLD is the oldest and most popular domain extension in the world. It’s often seen as the most generic and trustworthy domain extension, which is why many businesses choose to use it for their website.
The .company gTLD is a newer domain extension yet at the same time it’s quickly gaining popularity among businesses. It’s a good alternative to the .com gTLD for businesses that want to emphasize their professional identity or that want to distinguish themselves from other businesses in their industry.
Learn more: What is a domain
.company 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), IP address allocation, and various other Internet-related tasks. In the context of domain extensions like .company, ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of these top-level domains (TLDs).
When a domain extension such as .company is established, ICANN ensures 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.
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's involvement ensures that these URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards across the whole World Wide Web/Internet.
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How to choose a good domain name to go with .company
Choosing a good .company domain name is crucial for establishing a strong online presence and making it easy for people to find and remember your business. Here are some tips to help you choose an effective .company domain name:
Ensure that your domain name clearly reflects your company's name, brand or the products/services you offer. It should give visitors an idea of what your business is about.
Shorter domain names are generally easier to remember and type. Aim for a concise and straightforward name that is easy to spell and pronounce.
Numbers and hyphens can be confusing and are often misunderstood when spoken. They may lead to misspelling or confusion, so it's generally best to avoid them.
If possible, align your domain name with your brand. Consistent branding across your website, social media and other platforms helps build a cohesive online identity.
Choose a unique name that stands out and is memorable. Avoid generic or too similar names to competitors to prevent confusion.
Think about your target audience and the message you want to convey. Your domain name should resonate with your customers and make a positive impression.
Before finalizing your choice, check the availability of the domain name. Ensure it's not already registered by another company, and consider securing variations to prevent confusion.Check for trademarks and ensure that the chosen domain name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks. This helps prevent legal issues down the line.
Choose a domain name that allows for future growth and doesn't limit your business expansion. Avoid names that may become too niche as your company evolves.
Select a domain name that is easy to spell and pronounce. This ensures that people can easily share your website with others, increasing the likelihood of word-of-mouth referrals.
Once you've identified a few potential domain names, seek feedback from colleagues, friends or potential customers to get a sense of how well the names are received. Take your time in choosing a domain name, as it's a significant part of your online identity and it can take resources to change it later.
How to register a .company domain
To register a .company domain, you can use any accredited domain registrar. Simply go to the registrar's website or domain search name tool and search for the domain name you want to register. If the domain name is available, you can then purchase it and begin using it for your website.
When making a website with a website builder, like Wix, it’s possible to choose a domain name and register a domain as part of the site-creating process. All you need is a premium plan.
.company domain extension FAQ
Is there a difference between a .company domain and a .com domain?
Yes. The .company gTLD is a business-focused domain extension while the .com gTLD is a general-purpose domain extension. .com is much older, while .company became available for use only in 2015.
Is a .company domain a good choice for my business?
Whether or not a .company domain is a good choice for your business depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for a professional and credible domain extension that is specifically designed for businesses, then a .company domain may be a good option for you.
How much does it cost to register a .company domain?
The cost to register a .company domain varies depending on the domain registrar you choose. However, .company domains are typically very affordable. With a website builder like Wix, domain name registration is included in a premium plan.
Can I transfer my existing domain name to a .company domain?
Yes, you can transfer your existing domain name to a .company domain. However, there may be a fee and other necessary steps associated with transferring your domain name.