.com vs .site The choice between .site and .com depends on your website's purpose and how you want to brand it. Use .site if you want a versatile, fresh and industry-agnostic domain extension. It's suitable for various types of websites and if you have a unique name in mind that is available. Use .com if you want the most recognized and credible domain extension. It's ideal if your website is business-oriented or if you want to establish a strong and trusted online presence. If the .com version of your desired domain name is available and you can afford it, it's generally a good choice for global recognition. It's important to consider the availability of the domain name you want and the image you want to convey to your audience when choosing a domain name. In some cases, businesses or individuals also choose to register both a .site and a .com domain, using one to redirect to the other to capture traffic from users who type either extension.

.site domain

.site is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) on the internet. It’s one of the many domain extensions available for website owners and it's designed to be versatile for various purposes, making it relevant to a wide range of individuals and businesses.

The .site domain extension was introduced as part of the expansion of gTLDs by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The purpose of the expansion was to diversify the domain name space beyond traditional extensions like .com, .org and .net.

.site was introduced to provide website owners with more options for domain names and to accommodate a broader range of uses. It became available for registration in 2015.

Learn more: Website infrastructure

Who uses .site and why?

.site domains are used by a diverse range of individuals and organizations for different purposes:

Many businesses use .site domains to create a distinct web presence for their products or services. It offers a versatile option for companies in various industries.
Individuals often choose .site domains for personal blogs, portfolios and other personal projects. It's a concise and memorable extension for personal branding.
e-Commerce businesses may use .site domains for their online stores.
New businesses and startups use .site domains to build their online identity, often when their desired .com domain is unavailable.
Technology companies and software developers may use .site domains to highlight their technological solutions and services.

There are an estimated 1,375,163 .site domains registered globally.

Learn more: What is a domain

.com vs .site

The choice between .site and .com depends on your website's purpose and how you want to brand it.

Use .site if you want a versatile, fresh and industry-agnostic domain extension. It's suitable for various types of websites and if you have a unique name in mind that is available.
Use .com if you want the most recognized and credible domain extension. It's ideal if your website is business-oriented or if you want to establish a strong and trusted online presence. If the .com version of your desired domain name is available and you can afford it, it's generally a good choice for global recognition.

It's important to consider the availability of the domain name you want and the image you want to convey to your audience when choosing a domain name. In some cases, businesses or individuals also choose to register both a .site and a .com domain, using one to redirect to the other to capture traffic from users who type either extension.

How to register a .site domain

To register a .site domain you might need to follow some or all of these steps:

01. Choose a reputable domain name registrar

Select a domain registrar that offers .site domain registration services. Many registrars offer .site domains, including Wix.

02. Check domain name availability

Use the registrar's domain name search to check if your desired .site domain name is available. If it's available, you can proceed with the registration process.

03. Provide all necessary 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. Select registration period and make payment

After confirming the availability of your domain name and after providing all the required registration 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.

Tip: If you’re making a website with Wix, you can choose and register a domain name as part of the process of creating a site, all you need is a premium plan.

ICANN and .site

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. ICANN plays a crucial role in overseeing the management and distribution of top-level domains (TLDs) such as .site.

ICANN makes sure 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.

ICANN's involvement ensures that all URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards across the whole World Wide Web/Internet.

.site domain extension FAQ

Can anyone register a .site domain?

Yes, .site domains are generally available for registration to anyone. There are no specific restrictions based on geographic location or website type.

How much does a .site domain cost?

The cost of a .site domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features you choose.

Are there any specific requirements for registering a .site domain?

There are no specific requirements for registering a .site domain, making it open for registration by anyone interested in using it.

Can I transfer my .site domain to a different registrar?

Yes, you can transfer a .site domain to a different registrar.

What is the minimum and maximum registration period for a .site domain?

The minimum registration period is usually 1 year, but you can register a .site domain for multiple years.