When it comes to domain names, two extensions that reign supreme: .com and .net. But what’s the difference between .com vs .net domain extensions, and which one is right for your website?
First, let's do some quick definitions.
Domain name extensions are the suffixes (what goes after the last dot) that are added to the end of a domain name.
The most common domain name extensions out there are .com, .net, .org, .info, and .biz. These extensions help identify the type of website that is being hosted.
As you might've already guessed, each extension has a different purpose. For example, .com websites are typically businesses, .net websites are typically networks or web hosting service providers, .org websites are typically non-profit organizations, and so forth.
Domain name extensions are also known as top-level domains or TLD. Some TLDs are reserved for very specific purposes, such as .edu (education) and .gov (government). There are also Country Code TLDs (ccTLD), which are two-letter domains that represent a country or territory. Some examples include .sg .my .hk for Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong respectively.
Besides that, plenty of new domain extensions allow businesses to stand out and personalise their domains. I'm talking about TLDs like .fyi, .info, .bio, and .pro that can help represent your idea better and get recognised instantly.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to getting a memorable website address.
If you can't wait to start, browse our new domain extensions.
What does .com stand for?
As you might've guessed, .com is the most popular domain name extension out there. It stands for "commercial," and it's typically used by businesses. It has been associated with the internet for the longest time. Ever heard of the dot-com bubble? Yeah, that.
The .com domains were originally intended for commercial organizations, but anyone can register a .com domain these days. However, .com is one of the most common domain extensions and still the most popular choice for businesses. In fact, .com is one of the most unrestricted top-level domains (TLDs), which means that there are very few restrictions on who can register a .com domain name.
Why is .com so popular, though? Well, .com domains are short and easy to remember. They're also the most recognized domain name extension, so people are more likely to trust .com websites.
Websites hosted on .com usually offer a product or service. You can think of .com domains like .net and .org domains, but for businesses instead of non-profits.
What does .net stand for?
The .net extension originally stood for "network," but it's often used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and technology companies. They typically offer some service, such as email, cloud, or website hosting.
.net domain is often thought of as an alternative to .com. If you can't find your .com domain name, like .com, .net domains are also unrestricted, which means that anyone can register a .net domain name. However, .net domains are not as popular as .com domains.
If you're looking for a .net domain for your website, we recommend checking out our .tech domains and other gtld domain names. They might be a better fit for your business.
.com vs .net - compare the differences
Now that we've gone over the definitions, let's see how they compare to each other.
When you're setting up a website, one of the first things you need to do is choose a domain name. And when you're choosing a domain name, one of the decisions you need to make is what kind of extension to use. Should you go with .com, .net, .org, or something else?
Well, .com domains are ideal for setting eCommerce stores, personal websites, portfolios and blogs. However, .net domains can be a good choice for companies that want to show their customers that they're part of a larger network.
If you're unsure what the difference between .com and .net is, don't worry - you're not alone. Many people aren't sure what the difference is, and that's perfectly understandable. After all, they both look pretty similar.
Choosing between the two can be difficult. To help you make a decision, let's look into it in detail!
When to choose .com
.com is the most popular top-level domain (TLD), and there are many good reasons for this. First of all, .com domains are shorter and easier to remember than .net domains. They're also more recognizable, making them more likely to be typed correctly.
Also, think mobile! Smartphones nowadays come with .com buttons on their keyboards, making .com domains even easier to type. Generally, .com domains are the best choice for business websites, blogs, and personal brands.
When to choose .net
Now, this doesn't mean that .net domains are obsolete or useless. It all depends on your business. if you offer data and email hosting services, .net can be a good choice. For example, if you offer cloud storage services, .net would obviously make more sense than .com.
But let's think outside the box a bit.
Let's say you aim to create an online community based on a particular interest. .net would be a good pick too. Think about one of the most popular .net domains - Slideshare.net. The largest online community where people can share PDFs, PowerPoint slides, and videos as a presentation gets 60 million users monthly.
Behance.net is also a .net domain and one of the world's largest online communities for creative professionals. So .net domains can also be used to create online communities.
The .net extension also has a bit of a tech-savvy image, so it can be a good choice for companies that want to show their customers that they're on the cutting edge of technology.
Pros and cons of .com
.com is the most popular domain extension, and it's no wonder why.
.com domains are easy to remember, and they convey a sense of professionalism. They're also more recognizable, making them more likely to be typed correctly. And .com domains are also more visible to potential customers.
However, the downside with .com domains is that they can also be quite competitive. Because .com is such a popular extension, many businesses find securing the domain they want difficult.
Pros and cons of .net
.net domains are popular among technology startups and networking service companies in the industry. .nets are also less likely to be taken by squatters.
On the downside, .net domains can be challenging for customers to remember and may be perceived as less credible than .coms. In addition, .nets are often lumped together with .orgs and .govs, which can result in lower click-through rates (and we don't want that).
.com vs .net - SEO benefits
No talk on the internet is complete without talking about SEO. I know we all care whether or not our site comes up on the first page of Google, don't we?
[blockquote] The good news is that there's no evidence that .com domains have any advantage over .net domains when it comes to SEO. Google treats .com and .net domains equally, so you don't need to worry about that aspect. [/blockquote]
So, does .com or .net make any difference in SEO?
In short, not really.
Here's why:
Many people wonder if the type of domain name they choose for their website will affect their search engine ranking. While it is true that the domain name itself is not a factor in search engine optimization (SEO), the top-level domain (TLD) can have an impact. When it comes to SEO, .com domains are often given a slight edge over other TLDs because they are more widely recognized and trusted by users.
However, this advantage is usually offset by the fact that .com domains are also more competitive and expensive. If you're interested in exploring other TLDs for your website, there's no need to worry about SEO - choose the option that best suits your needs.
Other differences between .com and .net
In addition to what I've mentioned above, there are a few other key differences between .com and .net.
- Memorability: Let's face it, .com rules the internet. It's the most recognized TLD. people almost instinctively type .com when they're looking for a website, making it the most memorable choice.
- Trademarks: .com domains are also more likely to be available for trademarked names. .net domains are often taken by squatters, making them less desirable for businesses.
- Credibility: I can't stress this one enough. .com domains are generally seen as more credible than .net. This is likely because .coms have been around longer and are more widely used. So if you're looking to establish your business as a credible source, .com is the way to go.
- Availability: Due to their popularity, it's generally more difficult to find .com domains available and secure them. If you still can't find what you're looking for, don't fret. You may need to get more creative. But we can help you with that. Did I mention we have the world's largest registrar already?
- Affordability: .com and .net domains are both popular choices for websites, but there are some differences in pricing. .com domains are typically more affordable than .net domains, making them a good option for businesses on a budget.
.com vs .net: which one is better for you
It's time to end this debate once and for all.
.com is by far the most popular choice and is often seen as the default option. It's easy to remember and familiar to people, which makes it ideal for businesses that want to maximise their visibility online.
In fact, many experts believe that the .com domain is still the best choice available. The .com domain is the most recognized and popular domain suffix, and it can help your business get off to a good start.
[blockquote] Think about it this way: .com is like the white t-shirt of domain names. It's classic, it's versatile, and it always looks good. [/blockquote]
But it can also be a good idea to register other different domain extensions, such as .app, .shop, .store, and .org, to protect your business name, brand, or target a specific market.
For example, if you're a non-profit organisation, .org would be a good choice. if you're launching a new app, .app might be the way to go. And .info can be a good choice for a website that provides information.
As I said, .com domains can be notoriously difficult to secure, as they are often snapped up quickly by businesses that move fast. .net domains, on the other hand, are usually easier to register but may be less familiar to potential customers.
Ultimately, choosing a .com or .net domain should come down to what's most important for your business, your needs and your preferences. If you're focused on building a brand that's easily recognised, I'd say .com is probably the best option.
The bottom line is this: the .com domain should be your first choice when it comes to setting up your new business online. Because at the end of the day, .com is still the most trusted and recognised domain suffix on the internet.
What to consider when you are buying a domain name?
If you're in the market for a new web address, take some time to think about what makes your business unique. Remember: Your domain name should reflect this and help people easily find ways of connecting with whatever it is they need from YOU!
The right choice can make all sorts of difference when promoting your company on social media or finding a straightforward link between two sites together—so don't rush into anything decision-making process without considering every angle first. Here are 10 things to think about when choosing the perfect domain name.
For example, if you are launching a new website for your business, you'll want to choose a domain name that is easy to remember and represents your brand well.
On the other hand, if you are creating a personal blog, you may want to choose a domain name that reflects your personality or interests. No matter what your goals are, taking the time to select the perfect domain name will pay off in the long run.
When you're choosing a domain name for your website, these are a few things I’d suggest you consider:
- Your domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce.
- It should be relevant to your business or brand.
- It should be short, sweet, and to the point.
- Think about the tone you want to set
- Think about your target audience
- Try using industry-specific keywords
Obviously, You also want to make sure that the domain name is available; otherwise, you'll have to settle for a less-than-ideal alternative.
Need some help finding the perfect domain? Just describe your business idea and let our domain name generator do the rest.
How to buy a domain name
Now you know how to choose the perfect domain name, it's time to buy one! Here's a quick guide on how to purchase your new web address.
- Head over to a reputable domain name registrar like GoDaddy.
- Search for an available domain name using our search tool.
- Buy it!
Picking the right domain name is only half the battle. Once you've found the perfect web address, you'll need to purchase it from a registrar.
There are many domain registrars to choose from, but we recommend GoDaddy, as it's one of the world's biggest and most popular registrars. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and excellent customer support.
With Godaddy, purchasing your domain name is simple: search for an available domain using our search tool, and then buy it!
If you want to learn more about how to buy a domain name, check out our step-by-step guide.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain names typically cost around $3-$15 per year, but the price can vary depending on the registrar you use and the features/extensions you choose. For example, .com domains are typically cheaper than .net or .org domains.
Get your domain today!
Now that you know everything there is to domain name extensions, it's your turn to go out and register your dream domain name!
If you're still not sure which extension is best for you, our team can help. We'll be more than happy to chat with you about finding the perfect domains for your business - both .com and .net versions. And don't forget, our hosting plans have SEO benefits to help rank your website on search engines like Google. So what are you waiting for? Search for your dream domain now!
