Choosing between a .COM and a .COMPANY domain extension depends on several factors, including your business goals, branding strategy, and audience expectations. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
1. .COM – The Universal Standard
Pros:
- Most Recognized & Trusted: People naturally type .COM when searching for a website.
- Better for Branding & Marketing: Easier to remember and share.
- Higher Resale Value: If you ever plan to sell the domain, .COM is more valuable.
- SEO Advantages: While not a direct ranking factor, .COM domains generally perform better in search due to trust and click-through rates.
Cons:
- High Competition: Finding a good .COM domain can be challenging.
- More Expensive: Premium .COM domains can be costly to acquire.
2. .COMPANY – Business-Specific but Less Common
Pros:
- Clearly Defines Business Purpose: Good for firms that want to emphasize being a company.
- More Availability: Easier to find a short, relevant name.
- Industry-Specific Appeal: Can make sense for corporate branding, consulting firms, or enterprises.
Cons:
- Less Familiar to Users: Many people are unfamiliar with .COMPANY and may default to typing .COM instead.
- Potential Email Confusion: Users may assume your email is @yourcompany.com rather than @yourcompany.company.
- Lower Resale Value: Less demand compared to .COM domains.
When to Choose .COM
- If brand recognition, trust, and global reach are top priorities.
- If you want a higher resale value in case of future sales.
- If you prefer a domain that’s easier to remember and market.
When to Choose .COMPANY
- If your desired .COM is unavailable and you want a relevant alternative.
- If you want to clearly indicate that your entity is a business organization.
- If your audience is tech-savvy and won’t be confused by a non-traditional extension.
Final Recommendation
If you can get the .COM version of your brand name, it’s usually the best choice. However, if your company name is long or if .COM is unavailable, .COMPANY can be a reasonable alternative—especially if your brand already includes “Company” in its name.