When deciding between a .COM and .AM domain, consider the following factors:
1. Target Audience and Purpose
- .COM:
- Best for global or international businesses.
- Recognized worldwide as a trustworthy and professional extension.
- Suitable for any type of website: e-commerce, blogs, startups, corporate pages, etc.
- .AM:
- Primarily associated with Armenia, so it’s ideal if you are targeting Armenian users or organizations.
- Also popular among radio stations, podcasts, and audio-related platforms, as “AM” relates to Amplitude Modulation (radio frequencies).
Verdict:
- Choose .COM if your audience is international and you want the widest appeal.
- Opt for .AM if your business or service relates to Armenia or is audio-centric (e.g., podcasts, radio platforms).
2. Availability and Branding
- .COM:
- Often more competitive, and many short, memorable names are already taken.
- Harder to find unique names unless you’re willing to pay a premium for domains in the resale market.
- .AM:
- Less competitive, making it easier to find shorter or more brandable domain names.
- If your brand name aligns with “AM” in any creative way, this could enhance your brand identity.
Verdict:
- If the desired .COM is unavailable or very expensive, .AM could offer a creative alternative.
3. SEO and Traffic Considerations
- .COM:
- Performs well in global SEO as it’s universally recognized.
- Users instinctively trust and remember .COM sites better, leading to fewer typing errors or lost traffic.
- .AM:
- Works better for localized Armenian traffic or niche-specific audiences (radio, podcasts).
- It might not perform as well globally unless you’re targeting a specific market or niche.
Verdict:
- Use .COM for better global SEO and traffic retention.
- Use .AM if focusing on the Armenian market or audio content.
4. Trust and Credibility
- .COM:
- Universally accepted as a standard for professionalism and credibility.
- Visitors generally trust .COM more than less common extensions.
- .AM:
- It might raise questions outside Armenia or non-radio-related niches, potentially requiring some brand education.
Verdict:
- Go with .COM if trust and familiarity are critical to your brand.
- Use .AM if you have a niche audience and don’t mind educating your users.
5. Price and Availability
- .COM:
- Typically more affordable to register, but premium domains in the aftermarket can be expensive.
- .AM:
- Can be more expensive to register annually, as it is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD).
- Renewal prices for .AM are often higher than .COM.
Verdict:
- Choose .COM if you prefer lower renewal costs and wider availability through registrars.
- Choose .AM if you are okay with slightly higher fees for a niche extension.
Final Recommendation:
- Choose .COM: If your goal is to reach a global audience, build trust, or secure a universally recognized domain.
- Choose .AM: If your business focuses on Armenia, audio content (radio/podcasts), or you want a more unique, niche domain.