.website domain
.website is a generic top-level domain (gTLD). The .website domain extension was introduced as part of the expansion of gTLDs by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). It became available for registration in 2014. This expansion was part of an effort to decrease reliance on the traditional domain extensions of .com, .org and .net.
As the number of websites published has increased significantly since the 1980s, demand for domain names and registration has also exploded. This has led to increased competition for popular domain names and extensions. .website was introduced, along with other new extensions, in an attempt to reduce this competition and increase the availability of domain names for website creators.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
Who uses .website and why?
The .website generic top-level domain (gTLD) is a relatively new domain extension, compared to the original ones and as a general-purpose domain that can be used by any type of website, it’s particularly popular with small businesses and individuals who want a clear and concise domain name.
Some of the reasons why people use .website domains include:
Brandability: the .website domain extension is easy to remember and type, which makes it ideal for businesses and individuals who want to create a strong brand identity.
Relevance: the .website domain extension is relevant to all types of websites, so it’s a good choice for businesses and individuals who want to create a general-purpose website.
Availability: the .website domain extension is still relatively new, so there are still many good domain names available.
Affordability: .website domains are typically more affordable than other popular domain extensions, such as .com and .net. This is also influenced by competition for the original domain extension options.
Some examples of businesses and individuals who use .website domains include:
Small businesses: small businesses often use .website domains because they’re affordable, easy to remember and relevant to all types of websites.
Freelancers: freelancers often use .website domains to create a professional online presence and to showcase their work either through a portfolio or online resume.
Personal websites: individuals often use .website domains to create personal websites, such as blogs.
.com vs .website and which to use
.com is the most widely recognized gTLD and the most used. It’s versatile and can be used for various types of websites. Its popularity also makes it highly competitive in terms of domain name availability and often more expensive too.
In 2023 .com and .net had a combined registration of 174.8 million domain names. This is out of a total of 354 million domain extensions registered worldwide.
.website is aTLD that is often chosen when the website's primary focus is on providing a clear online identity and presence. It's suitable for various types of websites and can be a good choice for personal branding and projects.
The choice between .com and .website depends on your website's purpose and your branding goals.
There are currently 278,108 registered .website domains.
Learn more: What is a domain
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How to register a .website domain
Registering a .website domain is a straightforward process in most cases and involves a combination of the following steps.
01. Choose a domain registrar that offers .website domain registration services. Many registrars offer .website domains as part of their offerings as do many website builders. When you build a website with Wix, you can register your domain name as part of the process, once you have a premium plan.
02. The next step is to check for domain name and extension availability. This is a crucial step that can’t be missed and it will determine if you can continue with your registration or if you’ll have to choose a different domain name or extension. There are plenty of online domain name search tools to use for this part of the process.
Learn more: How to choose a domain name
03. As part of registering a domain name, you’ll always have to provide specific information such as your name, address and other contact details such as your email.
04. Once your domain name is confirmed, there should be no obstacles to completing your registration. Most domain names are registered for a year. Payment will vary depending on who you register your domain name with.
.website domain extension FAQ
Who can register a .website domain?
Anyone can register a .website domain, regardless of their location or business type.
How long can I register a .website domain for?
You can register a .website domain for a period of one, two, three, five or ten years. Most domain providers will offer one-year registration with renewal options.