New gTLDs vs Traditional Extensions: Which to Choose? (2025)

Quick Answer

Table of Contents

Understanding Traditional gTLDs

Traditional generic top-level domains are the original non-country-specific extensions that dominated the internet for decades.

The Big Three: .com, .net, .org

.com (Commercial):

• Launched: 1985
• Original purpose: Commercial entities
• Current reality: Universal standard
• Registrations: 160+ million
• Market share: 51% of all domains
• Perception: Most credible and professional
• Best for: Any business or website

.net (Network):

• Launched: 1985
• Original purpose: Network providers/infrastructure
• Current reality: General purpose alternative
• Registrations: 13+ million
• Market share: 4% of all domains
• Perception: Technical, secondary to .com
• Best for: Tech companies, network services

.org (Organization):

• Launched: 1985
• Original purpose: Non-profits and organizations
• Current reality: Still non-profit association
• Registrations: 10+ million
• Market share: 3% of all domains
• Perception: Trustworthy, community-focused
• Best for: Non-profits, open source, communities

Other Traditional Extensions

.info (Information):

• Launched: 2001
• Purpose: Information resources
• Registrations: 3.5+ million
• Perception: Lower credibility (spam association)
• Best for: Informational sites, personal projects

.biz (Business):

• Launched: 2001
• Purpose: Business alternative to .com
• Registrations: 1.5+ million
• Perception: Compromise/alternative feeling
• Best for: Businesses when .com unavailable

.name:

• Launched: 2001
• Purpose: Personal websites
• Registrations: 300K+
• Perception: Personal use only
• Best for: Personal blogs, portfolios

Why .com Dominates

.com represents 51% of all domain registrations:

Reasons for dominance:

1. First mover advantage

   • Available since 1985
   • 40 years of established use
   • Brands built on .com
   • Cultural embedding

2. User expectation

   • 82% of users default to .com
   • Type-in traffic assumes .com
   • "dot com" synonymous with website
   • Mental default for consumers

3. Universal recognition

   • Every generation familiar
   • Works in every industry
   • No explanation needed
   • International acceptance

4. Investment protection

   • Higher resale value
   • Better long-term appreciation
   • Easier to sell business
   • Protected brand equity

5. Professional standard

   • Expected for serious businesses
   • Investor preference
   • B2B credibility
   • Corporate standard

Traditional gTLD Strengths

Advantages of .com/.net/.org:

Understanding New gTLDs

New generic top-level domains launched from 2013 onwards, dramatically expanding domain extension options.

The New gTLD Program

ICANN's expansion:

• Launched: 2013-2014
• Purpose: Increase choice and competition
• Application process: $185,000 per TLD
• Approved: 1,200+ new gTLDs
• Active: 1,000+ extensions
• Total registrations: 30+ million

Categories of new gTLDs:

1. Generic (.site, .online, .store)
2. Tech-focused (.io, .ai, .app, .dev, .tech)
3. Industry-specific (.law, .doctor, .photography)
4. Creative (.design, .art, .studio)
5. Lifestyle (.fit, .food, .coffee)
6. Geographic (.nyc, .london, .tokyo)
7. Commerce (.shop, .buy, .deals)
8. Brand (.google, .amazon, .apple)

Most Popular New gTLDs

By registration volume:

Note: Some high-volume gTLDs (.top, .xyz) are inflated by speculative/spam registrations.

Most Valuable New gTLDs

By business credibility and use:

Technology:

• .io - Tech startups, SaaS ($35-50/year)
• .ai - AI/ML companies ($75-100/year)
• .app - Applications ($15/year)
• .dev - Developers ($15/year)
• .tech - Technology businesses ($25-40/year)

Commerce:

• .store - E-commerce ($25-40/year)
• .shop - Retail businesses ($30-50/year)
• .buy - Online purchasing ($30/year)

Creative:

• .design - Design agencies ($40-60/year)
• .art - Artists, galleries ($20-30/year)
• .studio - Creative studios ($25-35/year)

Professional:

• .law - Legal services ($50-80/year)
• .consulting - Consultants ($30-40/year)
• .agency - Marketing/creative agencies ($25-35/year)

Why New gTLDs Exist

Problems they solve:

1. Domain scarcity

   • .com namespace exhausted
   • Good names unavailable
   • Premium prices too high
   • Need for alternatives

2. Industry relevance

   • .com doesn't indicate purpose
   • Industry-specific extensions clarify
   • Instant categorization
   • Professional specialization

3. Innovation and choice

   • Modern alternatives
   • Creative branding opportunities
   • Niche targeting
   • Market differentiation

4. Geographic options

   • City-specific domains (.nyc, .london)
   • Regional targeting
   • Local community building
   • Alternative to ccTLDs

New gTLD Strengths

Advantages of new extensions:

✓ Better availability: Short, relevant names available ✓ Industry relevance: Extension indicates niche ✓ Modern perception: Innovative, forward-thinking ✓ Affordability: Often cheaper than premium .com ✓ Descriptive: Purpose clear from extension ✓ Memorable combinations: creative.design, build.app ✓ Community: Industry-specific networking ✓ Differentiation: Stand out from .com crowd ✓ Tech credibility: .io, .ai signal tech expertise

New gTLD Weaknesses

Disadvantages of new extensions:

✗ Less familiar: Older users may not recognize ✗ Lower trust: Some perceive as less credible ✗ Explanation needed: May need to clarify it's real ✗ Type-in traffic loss: Users default to .com ✗ Professionalism questions: Some industries prefer traditional ✗ Investor skepticism: VCs may question choice ✗ Resale value: Lower secondary market value ✗ Confusion: Some users forget unusual extensions ✗ Spam association: Some extensions (.top, .xyz) had spam issues ✗ Higher cost: Some (.ai, .design) more expensive than .com

Historical Context

Domain Extension Evolution

Phase 1: The Beginning (1985-2000)

• Only 7 original TLDs
• .com, .net, .org, .edu, .gov, .mil, .int
• .com becomes commercial standard
• Domain registration grows slowly

Phase 2: First Expansion (2000-2012)

• Introduction of .info, .biz, .name (2001)
• Country codes gain popularity
• Limited new options
• .com dominance continues

Phase 3: New gTLD Program (2013-2015)

• ICANN opens applications
• 1,200+ new extensions approved
• $185,000 application fee
• Massive expansion begins

Phase 4: Market Adoption (2016-2020)

• Slow initial adoption
• Tech industry embraces .io, .ai
• E-commerce uses .shop, .store
• Most still prefer .com

Phase 5: Maturation (2021-Present)

• Certain new gTLDs gain credibility
• .io, .ai, .app widely accepted in tech
• Industry-specific extensions find niches
• .com still dominant but alternatives viable

Success Stories with New gTLDs

Technology companies:

1. Notion.so

• Uses .so (Somalia ccTLD, but functions as new gTLD)
• Highly successful productivity tool
• $10B+ valuation
• Extension hasn't hurt growth

2. GitHub.io

• Uses .io for developer pages
• Perfect fit for audience
• Reinforces tech credibility
• Widely accepted

3. Stability.ai

• Leading AI company
• .ai perfect match for branding
• Signals industry expertise
• No credibility issues

4. Hey.com

• Email service by Basecamp
• Premium .com alternative
• Short, memorable
• Successful launch

Professional services:

1. Law.com

• Legal industry portal
• Perfect industry match
• Establishes authority
• Better than generic name + .com

2. Photography.com

• Industry-specific resource
• Extension indicates niche
• Highly relevant
• Memorable in industry

Failures and Cautionary Tales

Extensions that struggled:

1. .sucks

• Controversial purpose
• Seen as extortion
• Low adoption
• Negative associations

2. .ninja, .rocks, .guru

• Novelty extensions
• Seen as unprofessional
• Used mostly by hobbyists
• Low business adoption

3. .top, .xyz (partially)

• Heavy spam associations
• Low-quality registrations
• Credibility issues
• Some legitimate uses, but tainted reputation

Lessons learned:

• Extension must match professional needs
• Novelty doesn't equal credibility
• Spam management matters
• Industry acceptance takes time

Availability Comparison

.com Availability Reality

Scarcity statistics:

By length:

• 1-2 letters: 100% taken
• 3 letters: 99.9%+ taken
• 4 letters: 98%+ taken
• 5 letters: 95%+ taken
• 6 letters: 80%+ taken
• 7+ letters: Varies widely

By type:

• Dictionary words: 99%+ taken
• Two-word combinations: 85%+ taken
• Three-word combinations: 50%+ available
• Misspellings/variations: More available

Premium pricing:

• Good 4-letter .com: $5,000-$50,000
• Good 5-letter .com: $1,000-$10,000
• Keyword .com: $5,000-$500,000+
• Ultra-premium: $100,000-$millions

New gTLD Availability

Much better availability:

Short domains:

• 3-letter .io: 70%+ available
• 3-letter .ai: 60%+ available
• 4-letter .app: 85%+ available
• 5-letter .tech: 95%+ available

Keyword domains:

• Industry terms often available
• Single words possible
• Exact match more likely
• Better branding options

Example comparison:

Advantage: New gTLDs provide vastly better options for short, relevant domains at affordable prices.

Creative Naming Opportunities

New gTLDs enable creative combinations:

Examples:

• creative.studio (vs creativestudio.com)
• build.app (vs buildapp.com)
• photo.gallery (vs photogallery.com)
• local.pizza (vs localpizza.com)

Benefits:

• More concise
• Self-explanatory
• Memorable
• Professional appearance

Considerations:

• Some combinations work better than others
• Must flow naturally
• Avoid forced combinations
• Test memorability

Brand Perception and Trust

Consumer Trust Studies

Research findings:

Familiarity and trust (2024 studies):

• .com: 82% "very trustworthy"
• .org: 71% "very trustworthy"
• .net: 58% "somewhat trustworthy"
• .io: 54% "neutral to trustworthy" (tech users)
• .shop: 52% "somewhat trustworthy"
• New gTLDs (general): 41% "neutral"
• Unknown extensions: 28% "skeptical"

Age demographics:

• 18-29: 62% comfortable with new gTLDs
• 30-44: 51% comfortable with new gTLDs
• 45-59: 38% comfortable with new gTLDs
• 60+: 23% comfortable with new gTLDs

Industry variation:

• Tech industry: New gTLDs widely accepted
• Finance: Strong preference for .com
• E-commerce: Growing acceptance of .shop
• Legal: .com or .law only
• Creative: .design, .studio accepted

Professional Perception

How different audiences view extensions:

Investors and VCs:

• Prefer .com for fundability
• Accept .io for tech startups
• .ai gaining acceptance
• Most others raise questions
• Domain signals decision-making quality

B2B clients:

• Expect .com for established companies
• Accept industry-specific (.law, .consulting)
• Tech industry more flexible
• Traditional industries conservative

Enterprise buyers:

• Strong .com preference
• .io acceptable for SaaS
• Credibility concerns with unusual extensions
• Professional appearance important

General consumers:

• Older demographics prefer .com
• Younger demographics open to alternatives
• E-commerce trusts .shop, .store
• Tech products: .app, .io accepted

Industry-Specific Acceptance

Tech industry:

• .io: Widely accepted, even preferred
• .ai: Perfect for AI companies
• .app: Great for applications
• .dev: Developer credibility
• .tech: Professional alternative

Creative industry:

• .design: Agencies and studios
• .art: Artists and galleries
• .photography: Photographers
• .studio: Creative professionals

E-commerce:

• .shop: Growing acceptance
• .store: Online retail
• .buy: Shopping sites

Professional services:

• .law: Legal credibility
• .consulting: Professional consultants
• .agency: Marketing agencies
• Still prefer .com: Most industries

SEO Impact

Google's Official Stance

From Google Search Central:

"Google treats new gTLDs like other gTLDs. Keywords in a TLD do not give any advantage or disadvantage in search."

What this means:

• .com ≈ .net ≈ .io ≈ .tech in rankings
• No ranking penalty for new gTLDs
• No ranking boost from keyword in TLD
• Equal opportunity for all extensions

Real-World SEO Performance

Independent studies (2023-2024):

Domain Authority analysis:

• .com average DA: 32
• .net average DA: 28
• .io average DA: 26
• .org average DA: 31
• New gTLDs average DA: 22-24

Why the difference?

• .com domains older (more backlinks)
• Not algorithmic bias
• Age and usage, not extension itself

Controlled experiment results:

• New sites on different TLDs ranked equally
• Content quality mattered most
• Backlinks more important than extension
• User experience signals key

Indirect SEO Effects

Where extension can matter:

1. Click-through rate (CTR)

• .com: 3.2% average CTR in SERPs
• Known new gTLDs: 2.8-3.0% average CTR
• Unknown new gTLDs: 2.2-2.5% average CTR
• Lower CTR = indirect ranking impact

2. Brand searches

• Memorable domains generate more brand searches
• Brand searches improve overall SEO
• Unusual extensions harder to remember
• May reduce brand search volume

3. Backlinks

• Some webmasters hesitate to link to unusual extensions
• Perceived credibility affects link building
• Industry-specific links more likely with relevant gTLD
• .com may attract more editorial links

4. Type-in traffic

• .com receives more direct navigation
• Type-in traffic = positive user signal
• New gTLDs lose some type-in traffic
• Impacts overall engagement metrics

SEO Best Practices for New gTLDs

If using new gTLD:

✓ Over-deliver on content: Quality must be exceptional ✓ Build strong backlink profile: More important than ever ✓ Focus on user experience: Reduce bounce rate ✓ Brand building: Increase brand searches ✓ Mobile optimization: Critical for all sites ✓ Page speed: Fast loading essential ✓ Consistent marketing: Build awareness of extension ✓ Social proof: Trust signals matter more

Industry-Specific New gTLDs

Technology Sector

.io (Input/Output)

Best for:

• SaaS companies
• Developer tools
• Tech startups
• API services

Perception: Modern, tech-forward Pricing: $35-50/year Examples: Notion.io, GitHub.io, Socket.io

.ai (Artificial Intelligence)

Best for:

• AI/ML companies
• Data science platforms
• Chatbot services
• Automation tools

Perception: Cutting-edge, innovative Pricing: $75-100/year Examples: OpenAI.com (but .ai popular), Stability.ai, Anthropic.ai

.app (Applications)

Best for:

• Mobile apps
• Web applications
• SaaS products
• Development tools

Perception: Modern, functional Pricing: $15/year Examples: Built.app, Launch.app Bonus: Requires HTTPS (security built-in)

.dev (Developers)

Best for:

• Developer tools
• Technical blogs
• Open source projects
• Programming resources

Perception: Technical, credible Pricing: $15/year Examples: Web.dev (Google), Dev.to Bonus: Also requires HTTPS

.tech (Technology)

Best for:

• Tech companies
• IT services
• Innovation companies
• Tech blogs

Perception: Professional technology Pricing: $25-40/year Examples: Various tech startups

Creative Industries

.design

Best for:

• Design agencies
• UX/UI designers
• Graphic designers
• Design portfolios

Perception: Creative, professional Pricing: $40-60/year Examples: Portfolio.design, Creative.design

.art

Best for:

• Artists
• Art galleries
• NFT marketplaces
• Creative collectives

Perception: Artistic, cultural Pricing: $20-30/year Examples: Digital.art, Gallery.art

.studio

Best for:

• Creative studios
• Production companies
• Recording studios
• Photography studios

Perception: Professional creative Pricing: $25-35/year Examples: Various creative agencies

.photography

Best for:

• Photographers
• Photography businesses
• Portfolio sites
• Photography blogs

Perception: Professional, niche-specific Pricing: $30-40/year Examples: Wedding.photography, Portrait.photography

E-commerce

.shop

Best for:

• Online stores
• Retail businesses
• E-commerce platforms
• Marketplace sites

Perception: Commerce, shopping Pricing: $30-50/year Examples: Brand.shop, Local.shop

.store

Best for:

• Retail stores
• E-commerce sites
• Brand stores
• Online shopping

Perception: Retail, commerce Pricing: $25-40/year Examples: Official.store, Brand.store

.buy

Best for:

• Shopping sites
• Product pages
• Deal sites
• Purchase platforms

Perception: Transaction-focused Pricing: $30/year Examples: Quick.buy

Professional Services

.law

Best for:

• Law firms
• Legal services
• Attorney websites
• Legal resources

Perception: Professional, authoritative Pricing: $50-80/year Requirements: May require legal profession verification Examples: Firm.law, Legal.law

.consulting

Best for:

• Consultants
• Consulting firms
• Advisory services
• Business coaches

Perception: Professional expertise Pricing: $30-40/year Examples: Business.consulting, Strategy.consulting

.agency

Best for:

• Marketing agencies
• Creative agencies
• Digital agencies
• PR firms

Perception: Professional services Pricing: $25-35/year Examples: Digital.agency, Marketing.agency

Geographic New gTLDs

.nyc, .london, .tokyo, etc.

Best for:

• Local businesses
• City-specific services
• Regional targeting
• Community building

Perception: Local, community Pricing: $30-50/year Requirements: Often require local address Examples: Restaurant.nyc, Tours.london

Pricing Differences

Registration Cost Comparison

Traditional gTLDs:

Popular new gTLDs:

Hidden Costs and Considerations

First-year discounts:

• Many registrars offer promotional first-year pricing
• .com: Sometimes $8-10 first year
• New gTLDs: Often 20-50% off first year
• Always check renewal pricing
• Budget for long-term cost, not just first year

Premium domain pricing:

• Some new gTLDs have registry premiums
• Short/valuable names cost more
• Can be $50-$5,000+ annually
• Check specific domain, not just extension

Transfer fees:

• Usually 1 year of renewal cost
• Plan for periodic registrar transfers
• Compare total costs

Total Cost of Ownership (5 years):

Value Comparison

Cost vs availability:

Scenario: "DataAnalytics"

• DataAnalytics.com: Taken (for sale $25,000)
• DataAnalytics.io: Available ($45/year)
• DataAnalytics.tech: Available ($35/year)
• DataAnalytics.app: Available ($15/year)

ROI consideration:

• $25,000 for .com vs $225 for .io over 5 years
• Is .com worth 111x more?
• For most startups: No
• For established enterprises: Maybe

When premium .com worth it:

• Established business with revenue
• Traditional industry
• Older target demographic
• Brand protection critical
• Long-term investment

When new gTLD better value:

• Startup with limited budget
• Tech-savvy audience
• Modern brand positioning
• Better to invest in product/marketing
• Can acquire .com later if successful

Use Case Comparisons

Scenario 1: Tech Startup (SaaS)

Business profile:

• B2B SaaS product
• Target: Tech-savvy developers and businesses
• Budget: $50K seed funding
• Timeline: Launch in 3 months

Domain options:

1. AnalyticsFlow.com - Taken (for sale $15,000)
2. FlowAnalytics.io - Available ($45/year)
3. FlowLytics.com - Available ($12/year)

Best choice: .io domain

Reasoning:

• Tech audience accepts .io
• $15,000 better spent on product development
• .io signals modern tech company
• Can purchase .com later if successful
• Investors understand tech startup economics

ROI impact:

• Save $14,955
• Use for: 2-3 months engineer salary
• Or: Initial marketing budget
• Or: Additional runway

Scenario 2: Local Law Firm

Business profile:

• Established law practice
• Target: Local clients 40-70 years old
• Focus: Estate planning, family law
• Reputation-dependent business

Domain options:

1. SmithLawFirm.com - Available ($12/year)
2. Smith.law - Available ($60/year)
3. SmithLaw.legal - Available ($40/year)

Best choice: .com domain

Reasoning:

• Older demographic prefers .com
• Professional expectation
• Local business (not tech)
• Available at standard price
• Trust and credibility paramount
• Alternative: Also register .law for prestige

Scenario 3: Creative Agency

Business profile:

• Design and branding agency
• Target: Modern businesses, startups
• Team: Young creative professionals
• Emphasis: Cutting-edge work

Domain options:

1. CreativeCollective.com - Taken (for sale $8,000)
2. Creative.design - Available ($50/year)
3. CollectiveDesign.studio - Available ($35/year)

Best choice: .design or .studio

Reasoning:

• Target audience accepts new gTLDs
• Industry-specific extension adds credibility
• Short, memorable combination
• $8,000 better spent on portfolio/marketing
• Modern positioning aligned with brand
• Signals design expertise

Scenario 4: E-commerce Store

Business profile:

• Online retail (home goods)
• Target: General consumers 25-55
• Competition: High
• Trust: Critical for conversions

Domain options:

1. CozyHomeGoods.com - Taken (for sale $5,000)
2. CozyHome.shop - Available ($40/year)
3. HomeGoodsStore.com - Available ($12/year)

Best choice: Depends on budget

If budget allows ($5K):

• Buy CozyHomeGoods.com
• Reason: General consumers trust .com more
• Better conversion rates
• Easier marketing

If bootstrap mode:

• Use CozyHome.shop
• Reason: .shop gaining e-commerce acceptance
• Affordable
• Clear purpose
• Upgrade to .com when profitable

Scenario 5: AI Startup

Business profile:

• AI/ML product
• Target: Developers and data scientists
• Funding: $2M seed round
• Industry: Rapidly growing

Domain options:

1. DataFlow.ai - Available ($85/year)
2. DataFlow.com - Taken (for sale $50,000)
3. DataFlowAI.com - Available ($12/year)

Best choice: .ai domain

Reasoning:

• Perfect industry match
• Signals AI expertise immediately
• Tech audience expects .ai
• Short, memorable
• $50,000 saved for development
• .ai is becoming the standard for AI industry

Demographics and Target Audience

Age and Extension Preference

Research data (2024):

18-29 years old (Gen Z):

• .com preference: 52%
• Open to new gTLDs: 72%
• Trusts .io, .ai, .app: 68%
• Influenced by: Tech trends, peers
• Recommendation: New gTLDs work well

30-44 years old (Millennials):

• .com preference: 64%
• Open to new gTLDs: 58%
• Trusts .io, .tech: 54%
• Influenced by: Professional context
• Recommendation: New gTLDs acceptable, especially tech-focused

45-59 years old (Gen X):

• .com preference: 78%
• Open to new gTLDs: 38%
• Trusts new extensions: 29%
• Influenced by: Traditional expectations
• Recommendation: .com preferred unless industry-specific

60+ years old (Boomers):

• .com preference: 89%
• Open to new gTLDs: 23%
• Trusts new extensions: 18%
• Influenced by: Familiarity, tradition
• Recommendation: Strong .com preference

Industry and Audience

Tech industry audience:

• Expectations: Modern, innovative
• Acceptance: High for .io, .ai, .app, .dev, .tech
• Recommendation: New gTLDs often preferred
• Reasoning: Signals industry expertise

Finance and banking audience:

• Expectations: Traditional, secure
• Acceptance: Low for new gTLDs
• Recommendation: Stick with .com
• Reasoning: Trust and credibility paramount

Creative industry audience:

• Expectations: Innovative, distinctive
• Acceptance: High for .design, .art, .studio
• Recommendation: Industry-specific gTLDs work well
• Reasoning: Shows specialization

E-commerce audience:

• Expectations: Trustworthy, professional
• Acceptance: Growing for .shop, .store
• Recommendation: .com still best, but .shop gaining ground
• Reasoning: Trust affects conversion rates

Professional services audience:

• Expectations: Established, credible
• Acceptance: Moderate for .law, .consulting
• Recommendation: .com or industry-specific
• Reasoning: Professional standards vary by industry

Geographic Considerations

United States:

• Strong .com preference (82%)
• Growing acceptance of .io, .ai in tech hubs
• Traditional industries very .com focused
• E-commerce slowly accepting .shop

Europe:

• Mix of ccTLDs and .com
• More open to alternatives
• .io popular in UK tech scene
• Industry-specific extensions gaining ground

Asia:

• Country-specific preferences vary widely
• Tech industries embrace new gTLDs
• Traditional businesses prefer .com
• Local ccTLDs strong in many markets

Emerging markets:

• .com still dominant
• Price sensitivity (new gTLDs often more expensive)
• Growing tech sectors adopting .io, .ai
• E-commerce using .shop more readily

Marketing and Memorability

Verbal Communication

Radio test performance:

.com domains:

• ✓ No explanation needed
• ✓ Everyone understands
• ✓ Easy to communicate
• ✓ "dot com" is universal

New gTLDs:

• ⚠ May need clarification ("dot io, like the tech extension")
• ⚠ Spelling out required
• ⚠ Risk of confusion
• ✓ Industry-specific ones help (design.studio obvious)

Best practices for new gTLDs:

• Choose extensions that make sense contextually
• Use visual marketing primarily
• When verbal, emphasize the extension
• "Check us out at DataFlow dot AI - that's A-I for artificial intelligence"

Visual Marketing

Print and digital ads:

New gTLDs can excel visually:

• ✓ Distinctive appearance
• ✓ Memorable in writing
• ✓ Stand out from .com crowd
• ✓ Industry association clear

Examples:

• creative.design - Visually reinforces message
• fast.app - Purpose immediately clear
• build.dev - Developer audience gets it

Considerations:

• Make extension prominent
• Use brand colors/design to reinforce
• Ensure legibility
• Don't hide the extension

Brand Recall Studies

30-day recall test results:

Scenario: Users shown domain once, asked to recall 30 days later

.com domains:

• Correct recall: 72%
• Incorrect extension: 8%
• Couldn't remember: 20%

Well-known new gTLDs (.io, .ai):

• Correct recall: 61%
• Incorrect extension: 18% (often guessed .com)
• Couldn't remember: 21%

Lesser-known new gTLDs:

• Correct recall: 43%
• Incorrect extension: 32% (mostly guessed .com)
• Couldn't remember: 25%

Implications:

• .com has 15-30% better recall
• Well-marketed new gTLDs can approach .com performance
• Lesser-known extensions have significant recall issues
• Marketing spend affects these numbers significantly

Type-In Traffic

Direct navigation statistics:

.com domains:

• Receive 100% of intended type-in traffic
• Plus traffic from users guessing
• Benefit from muscle memory
• "Add .com" is instinct

New gTLD domains:

• Lose 20-40% of type-in traffic to .com version
• Users default to .com when unsure
• Must be memorized, not guessed
• Higher marketing burden

Mitigation strategies:

• Buy the .com and redirect
• Heavy visual marketing (less verbal)
• Consistent branding across all channels
• Make extension part of logo

Security Considerations

HTTPS-Required Extensions

Built-in security:

.app domains:

• HTTPS required by design
• Cannot register without SSL
• Chrome enforces HTTPS
• Added security layer

.dev domains:

• Also requires HTTPS
• Developer-focused security
• Secure by default
• Forces best practices

Benefits:

• User security guaranteed
• SEO benefit (Google prefers HTTPS)
• No mixed content issues
• Professional standard

Consideration:

• SSL certificate required (free via Let's Encrypt)
• Slightly more setup than traditional
• Worth it for security

Phishing and Fraud

Extension-specific concerns:

Traditional gTLDs:

• .com: High phishing attempts (due to popularity)
• .net: Moderate phishing risk
• .org: Lower phishing (non-profit association)

New gTLDs:

• .xyz: Higher spam association (due to cheap promotions)
• .top: Significant spam issues
• .click, .download: Often used for malicious purposes
• .shop, .store: Growing phishing attempts (e-commerce)
• .io, .ai, .app: Relatively clean reputations

Protective measures:

• Choose extensions with good reputations
• Implement DMARC, SPF, DKIM for email
• Monitor for typosquatting
• Register common variations
• Report phishing attempts

Domain Security Best Practices

Regardless of extension:

✓ Enable registrar lock: Prevents unauthorized transfers ✓ Use 2FA: On registrar account ✓ WHOIS privacy: Protect personal information ✓ Strong passwords: Unique per account ✓ Monitor expiration: Never let domain expire ✓ Auto-renewal: Prevent accidental loss ✓ Regular audits: Check DNS records ✓ Email security: Prevent domain spoofing

Future Trends

Market Direction

Current trends (2024-2025):

1. Industry consolidation

   • Successful gTLDs gaining share
   • Failed gTLDs losing registrations
   • Quality over quantity

2. Tech extension dominance

   • .io continues growing
   • .ai experiencing explosive growth
   • .app and .dev gaining credibility
   • .tech maintaining steady adoption

3. E-commerce acceptance

   • .shop growing faster than other categories
   • .store gaining ground
   • Consumer comfort increasing

4. Geographic gTLDs

   • .nyc, .london performing well
   • City-specific extensions finding niches
   • Community building focus

5. .com still king

   • Continues to dominate (51% market share)
   • Premium prices increasing
   • Remains gold standard

Expert Predictions

Next 5 years (2025-2030):

Likely:

• .io becomes standard for tech startups
• .ai continues growth with AI boom
• .shop mainstream for e-commerce
• Failed gTLDs consolidated or shut down
• .com premium prices continue rising

Possible:

• New gTLD market share reaches 50%
• Industry-specific extensions become preferred in niches
• Traditional gTLDs (.net, .info, .biz) decline
• More HTTPS-required extensions launched
• Web3/blockchain domains gain traction

Unlikely:

• .com loses dominance completely
• New gTLDs fully replace traditional
• Universal acceptance of all new extensions

Investment Perspective

For domain investors:

Strong holds:

• Premium .com domains
• Short .io domains (3-4 letters)
• Industry-specific keyword + relevant gTLD
• .ai domains (during AI boom)

Risky:

• Generic new gTLDs (.xyz, .top)
• Novelty extensions (.ninja, .rocks)
• Brand TLDs (too restricted)
• Unproven new extensions

Strategy:

• Focus on proven extensions
• Industry relevance matters
• Short domains always valuable
• Quality over quantity

Best Practices

Decision Framework

Step 1: Define your business

• Industry: ___________
• Target audience age: ___________
• Geographic focus: ___________
• Tech-savvy level: ___________
• Budget: ___________

Step 2: Prioritize factors

Rank 1-5 (1=most important):

• Universal recognition
• Industry relevance
• Cost/availability
• Modern perception
• SEO considerations

Step 3: Evaluate options

If traditional industry + older audience + need universal trust: → Choose .com (or .net/.org if .com unavailable)

If tech industry + younger audience + modern positioning: → Choose .io, .ai, .app, or .dev

If creative industry + design focus: → Choose .design, .studio, or .art

If e-commerce + budget-conscious: → Choose .shop or .store (or save for .com)

If professional services: → Choose .com or industry-specific (.law, .consulting)

Step 4: Verify choice

✓ Check availability (DomainDetails.com) ✓ Verify pricing (registration + renewal) ✓ Test memorability (radio test) ✓ Get audience feedback ✓ Check domain history ✓ Ensure no trademark conflicts

When to Use Traditional gTLDs

✅ Use .com/.net/.org if:

• Target audience 45+ years old
• Traditional industry (legal, finance, healthcare)
• General consumer market
• Offline marketing heavy (radio, TV, print)
• Investor/VC pitch upcoming
• B2B enterprise sales
• Need universal trust immediately
• Long-term brand building (10+ years)
• Available at reasonable price
• Multi-generational appeal needed

When to Use New gTLDs

✅ Use new gTLDs if:

• Target audience 18-44 years old
• Tech/creative/modern industry
• Digital-first business
• Marketing primarily online
• Clear industry match (.design, .law, .ai)
• Startup with limited budget
• Want to stand out from crowd
• Short, relevant name available
• Industry accepts alternatives
• Building modern brand identity

Hybrid Strategy

Best of both worlds:

1. Register new gTLD for primary use

   • Example: YourBrand.io

2. Also register .com version

   • Example: YourBrand.com

3. Redirect .com to new gTLD

   • 301 redirect from .com to .io
   • Captures type-in traffic
   • Provides backup option

4. Use new gTLD in all marketing

   • Build brand on .io
   • .com as safety net
   • Can switch later if needed

Cost:

• Primary domain (.io): $45/year
• Backup domain (.com): $12/year
• Total: $57/year
• Worth it for traffic protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new gTLDs bad for SEO?

No. Google officially treats all gTLDs equally in search rankings. The domain extension itself doesn't affect rankings. However, indirect factors like click-through rate (CTR) and brand recognition can vary by extension. Quality content and backlinks matter far more than extension choice. New gTLDs perform equally in search if you execute SEO properly.

Will investors or VCs judge my startup for using .io instead of .com?

Generally no, especially in tech. VCs understand that .io is standard for tech startups and signals appropriate industry positioning. However, if you're in a traditional industry or targeting older demographics, .com might signal better judgment. For tech startups, .io is perfectly acceptable and sometimes even preferred over forced .com alternatives.

Should I buy the .com version if I use a new gTLD?

Yes, if affordable. Buying the .com protects against type-in traffic loss and competitor confusion. You can redirect .com to your primary new gTLD. This costs ~$12-15/year extra and provides valuable protection. However, if the .com costs thousands, focus budget on product and marketing instead.

Are .xyz and .top domains considered spammy?

.xyz and .top have spam associations due to heavy promotion and low-quality registrations. While legitimate businesses use them, many email filters flag these extensions. Better alternatives exist (.io, .tech, .app) that provide similar availability without reputation issues. Unless deeply committed to these extensions, choose alternatives with better reputations.

Which new gTLD is best for e-commerce?

.shop and .store are purpose-built for e-commerce and gaining consumer acceptance. However, .com still converts better for general consumer audiences. If budget allows, use .com. If bootstrapping, .shop is a good alternative that signals shopping clearly. Test conversion rates - even small differences can justify .com premium over time.

Do new gTLDs cost more than .com?

Varies by extension. Some new gTLDs cost less (.app at $15/year vs .com at $12/year), while others cost significantly more (.ai at $75-100/year, .design at $40-60/year). However, availability is better, so you might avoid premium domain purchases. Total cost depends on domain name + extension combination.

Will people remember my domain if it's not .com?

Memory retention is 10-30% lower for new gTLDs compared to .com, according to studies. However, distinctive new gTLDs (like creative.design or build.app) can be more memorable than generic long .com alternatives (like creativedesignstudio.com). Marketing spend significantly affects recall. With proper branding, new gTLDs work fine.

Are .io domains at risk due to British Indian Ocean Territory politics?

There's geopolitical uncertainty around BIOT, which could theoretically affect .io. However, .io has become commercially significant independent of the territory, with millions registered. ICANN would likely maintain .io even if territorial status changes, similar to how .su (Soviet Union) still exists. Risk is very low but non-zero.

Can I switch from a new gTLD to .com later?

Yes, but it's complicated and costly. You'd need to: 1) Buy the .com domain, 2) Set up 301 redirects, 3) Update all marketing, 4) Potentially lose some SEO value during transition, 5) Confuse some existing customers. Better to choose correctly initially. If you might switch, buy both from the start and redirect .com to your primary.

Which extension do tech companies actually use?

Among successful tech startups: .com still most common (60%), .io second (25%), .ai growing rapidly (especially AI companies), .app and .dev gaining ground. Large tech companies almost all use .com (Google, Microsoft, Apple), but many successful startups thrive on .io (Notion, Socket). Extension matters less than product quality and execution.

Key Takeaways

• Google treats them equally: No SEO penalty or boost for any gTLD extension
• .com still dominates: 51% market share, highest trust, best for general audiences
• Tech accepts alternatives: .io, .ai, .app widely accepted in technology sector
• Age matters: Younger audiences (18-44) more comfortable with new gTLDs
• Industry-specific work: .design, .law, .shop gain credibility in their niches
• Availability is better: Short, relevant names available with new gTLDs
• Cost varies significantly: .app ($15) to .ai ($75-100) vs .com ($12-15)
• Memorability factor: .com has 10-30% better recall than new gTLDs
• Buy the .com too: If affordable, register .com and redirect to protect traffic
• Choose strategically: Match extension to audience, industry, and brand positioning

Next Steps

Check domain availability

Use DomainDetails.com to:

• Check availability across all extensions
• Compare traditional vs new gTLD options
• View pricing for different extensions
• Review domain history before registering

Compare specific extensions

Learn more about TLD options:

• Understanding Domain Extensions - Complete TLD overview
• Country Code TLDs Guide - ccTLD comparison
• How to Choose a Domain Name - Naming strategy

Plan your registration

Read related guides:

• Domain Registration Guide - How to register
• Domain Name Generators - Find available names
• Premium Domains Explained - Premium pricing

Research Sources

This article is based on domain industry data, user research, and SEO studies from:

• ICANN new gTLD program statistics and reports
• Google Search Central documentation on TLD treatment
• Domain registration data from Verisign Domain Name Industry Brief
• Consumer trust studies from domain registrars and research firms
• SEO performance analysis from independent studies (2023-2024)
• Click-through rate and memorability research
• Age demographic preferences from user surveys
• Market adoption data from registry operators
• Professional perception studies in various industries
• Case studies from successful new gTLD implementations

Last updated: December 1, 2025