Deciding on a web extension for a new digital platform often leaves prospective owners with questions, one of which includes considering the .co extension.
This article aims to offer an in-depth understanding of what the .co top-level extension signifies, its journey from a country-specific designation to a global alternative to .com, as well as how it influences search engine performance.
Deciphering the Significance of .co and its Rise as an Alternative
Frustration often sets in when searching for an available .com for a nascent business venture only to find that all the good options are already taken. At this juncture, many ponder over whether to opt for a .co extension as an alternative. This section presents an unbiased analysis to help in making an informed choice.
A Quick Dive into the Origins of .co
Initially, the .co extension was solely intended for Colombian entities, similar to how Germany uses .de and France employs .fr. However, given that the letters ‘co’ are often shorthand for words like ‘company,’ ‘commercial,’ or ‘corporation,’ the potential for broader applicability became evident.
Country-specific extensions like .co.uk (United Kingdom), .co.in (India), and .co.nz (New Zealand) have used “.co” as an abbreviation for “commercial” within their own spheres. Recognizing a business opportunity, administrators of the .co extension considered it could serve a similar function as a stand-alone variant.
The Evolutionary Timeline of .co Administration
Initially overseen by the University of Los Andes from 1991, control over the .co extension shifted hands in 2010 to .CO Internet SAS, as the university couldn’t reach an agreement with the government about expanding its use.
Neustar subsequently acquired .CO Internet SAS in 2014, and more recently, in April 2020, Godaddy acquired Neustar. This is significant because Godaddy, being a leading registrar of web extensions, is likely to propel the usage of .co on a much larger scale.
- A Registry administers the technical infrastructure for top-level extensions like .co and keeps records of registered owners;
- Registrars like Godaddy and Namecheap facilitate the actual registration and renewal of .co extensions.
The Financial Aspect: Registering a .co
Various popular registration services offer the .co extension as part of their offerings. Below is a comparative chart detailing the costs involved:
| Registrar | Initial Registration Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Godaddy | $11.99 | $34.99 |
| Namecheap | $7.98 | $25.98 |
| Dynadot | $10.99 | $22.99 |
| Namesilo | $22.69 | $22.69 |
Search Engine Performance: Does .co Hold Its Own?
In terms of search engine rankings, .co performs on par with other top-level extensions. Google, for instance, does not inherently favor one extension over another, focusing instead on the quality of the content. Nonetheless, country-specific extensions do receive a slight advantage when targeting audiences in particular geographic regions.
Back in 2015, Google staff clarified that new and existing extensions are treated equally, although there are minor adjustments for country-specific ones. This stands true for .co, especially after Google began recognizing it as a Generic Country Code Top-Level Extension (ccTLD).
Navigating the complex landscape of web extensions can be daunting, but understanding the .co option can make the journey easier. From its roots as a country-specific tag to its broader commercial application and influence on search rankings, the .co extension has come a long way. Whether starting a new business or expanding an existing one, the .co extension offers a viable and, in some cases, advantageous alternative to other more saturated extensions.
The Versatile Nature of Generic Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)
While Google primarily regards country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) as country-specific, several exceptions exist. Notable among these are domains like .tv, .me, and .co, which are often perceived as more generic than those specifically tethered to geographical locations. Below is a compilation of these special ccTLDs that Google treats as generic TLDs, although this roster may undergo future revisions.
- .ad;
- .as;
- .bz;
- .cc;
- .cd;
- .co;
- .dj;
- .fm;
- .io;
- .la;
- .me;
- .ms;
- .nu;
- .sc;
- .sr;
- .su;
- .tv;
- .tk;
- .ws.
The Hefty Price Tag of .co Domains
Initially, acquiring a .co domain won’t put much of a dent in your wallet, with first-year costs often falling between $1 and $12. However, the renewal fees escalate drastically, usually exceeding $20. Prices can soar even higher for one-word English lexicons or commercially potent keywords, potentially escalating to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
For those who invest in domains, the price tags can be astronomical. A snapshot of the most significant sales of .co domains illustrates the point:
- o.co: $350,000 (Private transaction, July 21, 2010);
- 8.co: $115,000 (Heritage Auctions, March 1, 2015);
- onlinecasino.co: $100,000 (Private transaction, October 19, 2011);
- leaf.co: $89,000 (GritBrokerage, October 16, 2016).
(Source: namebio.com)
Security Measures of .co Domains
In general, .co domains have a commendable track record for safety. However, it’s ill-advised to gauge the trustworthiness of an online platform solely based on its domain extension. According to statistics from Spamhaus, the .co domain has a relatively low “badness” rating of 0.13, implying that only 1.8% of these domains are categorized as “bad.”
Contrastingly, the more ubiquitous .com extension bears a badness rating of 0.47, with 3.8% considered “bad.”
Highest-Risk Top-Level Domains
While .co domains have a positive reputation, the following list indicates TLDs with the highest “badness” indices, according to Spamhaus:
- .fit: Badness Index 5.43;
- .rest: Badness Index 3.92;
- .viajes: Badness Index 3.65;
- .fail: Badness Index 3.05.
Evaluating the Worthiness of .co Domains
Advantages:
- Affordable keywords that are otherwise costly in a .com extension;
- Shorter URLs, advantageous for social media promotion and mobile user convenience;
- The .co extension is commonly associated with terms like ‘company,’ ‘commercial,’ and ‘corporation.’
Disadvantages:
- A common assumption is that domains conclude with .com, which may lead to lost traffic;
- Potential legal troubles if the keyword infringes upon a well-known trademark;
- The risk of missed emails due to typographical errors, e.g., mistyping .co as .com.
.com versus .co: Which Triumphs?
Neither extension holds a significant advantage in search engine algorithms; however, the .com extension is more universally recognized among end-users. For those who rely on directly typed-in traffic, .com is undoubtedly more advantageous.
However, in today’s digitally connected world, many people discover new online platforms through search engine queries. Therefore, quality content remains the most crucial determinant for website success.
The Increasing Role of Mobile Navigation
It’s important to note that an increasing number of users prefer to access the internet via mobile devices. In such instances, the type of domain extension used for a mobile application is inconsequential. Users often go directly to an app rather than typing a URL into a browser, making domain extensions less relevant in this context.
Survey Insights on Domain Extension Preferences
Recent research by Growth Badger indicates that the .co extension ranks second only to .com in terms of how easily it is remembered and trusted by users. This suggests that while .com remains the gold standard, .co is an emerging and credible alternative.
Choosing Between .com and .co
When deciding between these two extensions, various factors need to be considered. Below is a comparative table to assist in this decision-making process:
| Factors to Consider | .com | .co |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Leader Uses the Same Extension | Yes | No |
| Clientele are Technologically Inclined | Yes | Yes |
| Primarily a Mobile App Business | Yes | Yes |
| Broad, Less Technologically Savvy Audience | Yes | No |
| No Budget Constraints for Domain Acquisition | Yes | No |
Alternatives to .com and Their Usage
Interestingly, the .co extension is the third most popular choice after .com and .io for startup companies, according to various surveys on startup naming trends. The extension is versatile enough for any startup, given that it implicitly suggests notions like “corporation,” “commerce,” or “company.”
- .co: Suited for various businesses and has over 2.5 million registered addresses;
- .io: Generally preferred by tech-savvy companies; approximately 600,000 are registered;
- .ai: Typically used by businesses related to artificial intelligence; fewer registrations compared to .co and .io.
Costs also play a role. The renewal fee for a .co domain tends to be less expensive than for a .io, while .ai is the costliest among the three.
Legacy Top-Level Domains
Several other legacy top-level domains are also available, such as .net, .org, .info, and .biz. Among these, .net is a well-trusted option and ranks fourth in terms of registration volume, following .com, .cn (for China), and .de (for Germany).
- .org: Particularly well-suited for non-profit organizations but less so for for-profit enterprises;
- .info and .biz: Have been around for years but generally possess a less-than-stellar reputation, especially .biz, which is often linked to spamming activities.
Success Stories with .co Domains
Several large corporations utilize .co domains specifically for their URL-shortening services. For instance, Amazon employs a.co, Google uses g.co, Twitter opts for t.co, and Snapchat utilizes s.co.
Case Study: Lever.co
Among the more substantial platforms using a .co extension is Lever, a recruiting software company. Lever has a workforce of over 200 and has secured more than $70 million in funding. Its strong service offering proves that a company can succeed irrespective of its domain extension. When the term “lever” is entered into Google’s search bar, Lever’s online portal is the first to appear.
The domain Lever.com remains undeveloped, and the term “lever” is not typically linked with the software industry, further reducing any competition. This, coupled with their strong product offering, contributes to their success. It is likely that Lever may acquire the lever.com domain in the future, potentially for a sum exceeding $100,000.
Prominent Platforms Leveraging .co Domains
Many well-known companies and platforms have successfully employed .co domains to mark their digital presence. Here are some examples:
- AngelList: A renowned platform where startups list their job openings.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Daily.co: Specializes in video chat APIs to facilitate video production.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Seed.co: An online platform for business banking solutions.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Brit + Co: A media outlet aimed at empowering creative women.
- Social Media: Twitter.
- Relieved: A reputable health blog.
- Social Media: Facebook.
- CoinList: A marketplace for buying and trading cryptocurrencies.
- Social Media: Twitter.
- Elastic: Offers enterprise search solutions for company-specific data.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Keysearch: A tool that aids in discovering low-competition keywords.
- Social Media: Twitter.
- Bench: Provides both accounting software and dedicated accounting services.
- Social Media: Twitter.
- Craft: Offers a comprehensive database of companies along with valuable analytics.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Remote.co: A valuable asset for firms using remote labor, also a hub for remote job listings.
- Social Media: Twitter.
- Outgrow: Specializes in creating interactive content like quizzes and calculators.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
- Influence.co: A free platform connecting influencers with brand collaboration opportunities.
- Social Media: LinkedIn.
Factors to Evaluate When Choosing a Domain Extension
When considering a domain extension, it’s not just a matter of availability or price. Several other factors play a critical role:
- Industry Relevance: Always consider the industry when choosing an extension. For instance, ‘.tech’ or ‘.io’ are commonly associated with technology businesses;
- Global vs. Local: If the aim is to serve a specific country, country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like ‘.uk’ or ‘.ca’ could be more effective than global ones like ‘.com’ or ‘.co’;
- Consumer Perception: How the general public perceives a particular extension can be crucial. For instance, ‘.gov’ is generally trusted more than ‘.info’;
- SEO Impact: While Google claims all extensions are treated equally, older extensions like ‘.com’ tend to have a better SEO history, which may give them a slight advantage;
- Legal Considerations: Make sure the chosen domain doesn’t infringe on any trademarks or copyrights.
How Domain Extensions Impact Branding
A domain extension is more than a mere digital address; it’s an integral part of a company’s brand identity. Therefore, it’s important to understand how different extensions can impact branding.
- Memorability: An unusual or catchy domain extension can make the web address more memorable, thereby increasing brand recall;
- Credibility: Some domain extensions are difficult to secure due to strict eligibility requirements. Possessing one can thus lend credibility to a business;
- Innovation Factor: Using a more modern or unconventional domain extension can position a brand as forward-thinking and innovative;
- Misinterpretation: A poorly chosen domain extension can confuse consumers. For example, using ‘.org’ for a commercial enterprise may lead people to assume it’s a nonprofit organization.
Future Trends in Domain Extensions
The landscape of domain extensions is continuously evolving, thanks to advancements in technology and changes in consumer preferences. Here’s what to look out for:
- Rise in Custom Extensions: As branding becomes more central to online identity, more companies are likely to adopt custom domain extensions, such as ‘.google’ or ‘.apple’;
- Domain Hoarding: As the internet expands, ‘domain real estate’ will likely become more valuable, encouraging domain hoarding. This may make it challenging for new businesses to secure desirable addresses;
- Integration with Emerging Technologies: Expect domain extensions to become increasingly integrated with new technologies like blockchain and augmented reality, offering unique functionalities beyond just serving as a web address.
Conclusion
Navigating through the array of available domain extensions can be challenging, but it’s a vital part of establishing an online presence and building a brand. Numerous factors, from industry relevance to consumer perception and future trends, play a role in this crucial decision.
While .com remains the most traditional and widely accepted domain extension, alternative options like .co offer distinct advantages and are gaining traction among various businesses. Given the examples of successful companies using alternative domain extensions, it’s clear that with strategic planning, any domain can become a powerful asset in a comprehensive digital marketing strategy.
If this guide has clarified the domain extension landscape for you, kindly consider sharing it across your social media channels. Sharing knowledge is an excellent way to contribute to collective decision-making processes.