Choosing the right domain extension is one of the most important steps when building a personal brand or online presence. While .COM remains the world’s most recognized domain extension, .KIM offers a unique opportunity for individuals and family names—especially for people with the surname Kim, one of the most common names globally (Korea, Vietnam diaspora, US, Europe).
This guide helps you compare .COM and .KIM to choose the best extension for your project, business, or personal branding.
What is .COM?
.COM is the most popular domain extension in the world, originally created for “commercial” use. Today it is used by companies, brands, bloggers, creators, and organizations of all types.
Advantages of .COM
- Global recognition – Everyone knows and trusts .COM.
- Easier credibility – Users assume .COM websites are professional and established.
- High resale value – Strong for investment and domain flipping.
- Ideal for businesses – Perfect for companies aiming for international customers.
Disadvantages of .COM
- High competition – Most short, premium names are already taken.
- Higher price for aftermarket domains – Premium .COM names can be expensive.
What is .KIM?
.KIM is a personalized domain extension ideal for:
- People with the surname Kim.
- Families who want a personal family website.
- Personal branding, portfolio, blog, resume website.
- Email addresses like hello@yourname.kim or contact@family.kim.
“KIM” is extremely common globally, especially in Korea, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Europe, and among international diaspora communities.
This makes .KIM a strong fit for personal identity.
Advantages of .KIM
- Perfect for personal identity – Great for individuals named Kim.
- Easy availability – Short names and first-name combinations are often still available.
- Affordable – Much cheaper than premium .COM domains.
- Strong for personal email – Professional yet personal email like yourname@kim.
Disadvantages of .KIM
- Not ideal for corporate branding – Unless the brand name includes “Kim.”
- Lower resale value compared to .COM.
- Niche usage – Works best only for people and families with the name Kim.
Comparison Table – .COM vs .KIM
| Feature | .COM | .KIM |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | ★★★★★ (Very high) | ★★☆☆☆ (Niche) |
| Trust Level | Very high | Medium |
| Availability | Limited | High |
| Typical Use | Businesses, global brands | Personal identity, families |
| Resale Value | Strong | Very low to moderate |
| SEO Impact | Strong and neutral globally | Neutral, niche-based |
| Best For | Companies, e-commerce, startups | Individuals named Kim, family sites |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose .COM if:
- You are building a business or brand.
- You want the highest trust and credibility.
- You want long-term global expansion.
- You care about resale or domain investment value.
Choose .KIM if:
- Your last name is Kim or your family name begins with Kim.
- You want a personal brand website (portfolio, resume, blog).
- You need a unique, memorable email address for family or personal use.
- You prefer a short, clean, available domain.
Examples of Good Uses for .KIM
- jason.kim – personal website
- thekimfamily.kim – family domain
- drkim.kim – doctor branding
- lawyer.kim – profession + identity
- wedding.kim – wedding website for Kim family
Conclusion
.COM is the universal standard for businesses and commercial brands. If your goal is business growth, customer trust, or domain investment, .COM is the clear winner.
.KIM, on the other hand, is perfect for personal identity, family branding, and unique email addresses, especially if your name is Kim. It’s affordable, available, and offers a special personalized touch.