As you're picking your website domain name, ever wondered about the difference between .com vs .net domain name extensions? Here are some questions that you might be thinking about:
- Why do some businesses choose .com vs .net domain name extensions? Which one should business websites and online businesses choose?
- Does owning a .com website or a .net website affect your presence online?
- Is a .com site better for eCommerce?
- What does a TLD (Top Level Domain) mean?
- What type of websites have .net domains?
If you have ever asked yourself any of those questions, you are in luck. This article will walk you through a detailed explanation of .com vs .net. Let’s begin.
.com vs .net: what are they?
.com and .net are top-level domains (TLDs) in the internet's domain name system.
What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of a domain name that comes after the “dot” and identifies the type of organization or purpose of the website. For example, in the domain name in ae.godaddy.com the ".com" refers to the TLD.
Some of the most popular domain name extensions include:
- .com are usually used by commercial businesses (for profit businesses)
- .net for network services, such as Internet service providers and hosting companies.
- .io for tech startups
- .edu for educational institutions
- .gov for government institutions
- .org domain for non-profit organizations.
- .me for personal websites
There are many different types of domain extensions available, each with its own specific use or intended audience. Choosing the right domain extension for your small business can prove very valuable in the future.
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What is .com?
.com is one of the most well-known and widely used TLDs, originally intended for commercial organizations. It is often used for general commercial purposes, as well as for personal branding and website development.
What is .net?
.net is commonly used TLD. Its original purpose is for internet service providers and infrastructure-related organizations. However, it is now often used for networking-related businesses and organizations, as well as for personal or professional websites.
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Both .com and .net are generic top level domain (gTLDs). This means they are not restricted to a specific use or audience. As a result, they are both commonly used for a variety of purposes by various individuals and organizations.
Fun fact: Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are two-letter TLDs that represent a specific country or territory. Like: “.co.uk” for the United Kingdom “.jp” for Japan “.cn” for China.
.com vs .net: pricing
For a lot of us, pricing is an important factor in our decision making. How much should we spend on a .com vs .net domain name?
.com average costs per year
The average cost per year for a .com domain name can vary. It depends on the registrar and any promotions or discounts they may offer. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 per year for a .com domain name.
.net average costs per year
The average cost per year for a .net domain name is often similar to that of a .com. However, depending on your choice of domain, it may be slightly less expensive. Again, prices can vary depending on the registrar and any promotions or discounts they offer.
It is worth noting that prices can also vary based on popularity of the specific domain name you are interested in. If a domain name is in high demand, it may be more expensive to purchase.
More importantly, consider any additional services or features you may want when registering a domain name, such as privacy protection or hosting. These services can add to the overall cost of your domain name registration.
.com vs .net: domain name availability
Availability for .com vs .net domain names can differ based on a variety of factors. This can include its popularity and how long it has been registered.
In general, .com domain names may be more widely available because they have been around longer and are more popular. However, it is still possible to find a good .com domain name available for registration.
On the other hand, .net domain name extensions may be less widely available due to their lesser popularity. However, this may also make it easier to find a unique .net domain name that is available for registration.
Ultimately, the domain name availability of a specific .com or .net domain will depend on a variety of factors and vary on a case-by-case basis. When choosing, consider the specific domain name you are interested in and its availability for registration. If it is not available, you may need to consider alternative options or consider using a different TLD.
.com vs .net: pros & cons
There are several pros and cons to consider when choosing between a .com or .net TLD for your website or online presence.
Pros of using a .com TLD:
- Widely recognized and trusted by consumers
- Often considered more credible and professional
- Can contribute to better branding and marketing efforts
Cons of using a .com TLD:
- May be more expensive to register.
- May be more difficult to find an available domain name.
Pros of using a .net TLD:
- May be less expensive to register
- May be easier to find an available domain name
Cons of using a .net TLD:
- Less widely recognized by consumers
- May not contribute as much to branding and marketing efforts
It's worth noting that these pros and cons can vary based on the specific context and goals of your website or online presence. Ultimately, the best TLD for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
When to use .net domain extension?
There are a few situations in which it may be appropriate to choose a .net domain name extension:
- If your business or organization is related to internet infrastructure or networking: .net was originally intended for use by internet service providers and infrastructure-related organizations, so it may be a good choice for businesses or organizations in these fields.
- If you are unable to find an available .com domain name: If the .com version of your desired domain name is already taken, you may need to consider alternative options such as .net.
- If you prefer a shorter or more unique domain name: .net domain names may be more available than .com names, so you may be able to find a shorter or more unique .net domain name that is not available as a .com.
It's worth noting that while .net may be a good choice in some situations, it is generally not as widely recognized or trusted by consumers as .com
When to use .com domain extension?
There are a few situations in which it may be appropriate to choose a .com domain name extension:
- If you are using your website for general commercial purposes: .com is widely recognized as the TLD for commercial websites, so it may be a good choice if you are using your website or e-store to sell products or services.
- If you are using your website for personal branding: .com is also commonly used for personal branding. It may be a good choice if you are using your website to establish yourself as an expert or thought leader in a particular field.
- If you are targeting a global audience: .com is widely recognized and trusted by consumers around the world, making it a good choice for businesses or individuals looking to reach a global audience.
- If you want to establish credibility and professionalism: .com is often perceived as more credible and professional than other TLDs, making it a good choice for businesses or individuals looking to establish a sense of trust with their audience.
It's worth noting that while .com may be a good choice in many situations, it can be more expensive to register and may be more difficult to find an available domain name. As a result, you may need to consider alternative
Ultimately, your business name and the best TLD for it will depend on your specific needs and goals. It may be helpful to consider factors such as your target audience, industry, and budget when deciding on a TLD.
Which domain extension is best for SEO?
TLDs can potentially impact search engine optimization (SEO) in a few different ways. Here are a few things to consider:
- Relevance: Search engines may consider the TLD of a website as a signal of its relevance to a particular search query. For example, a website with a .com TLD may be considered more relevant for commercial searches, while a website with a .net TLD may be considered more relevant for networking-related searches.
- Keywords: The TLD itself may also be used as a keyword in search queries. For example, someone searching for "best .com domain registrars" may be more likely to click on a result with a .com TLD.
- Branding: A TLD can also impact the branding and credibility of a website, which can in turn impact its search ranking. Website addresses with .com TLDs are often perceived as more credible and professional, which can improve their search visibility.
In general, it is difficult to say definitively which TLD is best for SEO. Both .com and .net can be effective for improving search visibility, depending on the specific context and goals of your website.
That being said, .com is generally considered to be the more popular and trusted TLD, and may be more effective for improving search visibility in certain situations. It is also worth considering other factors that can impact SEO, such as the quality and relevance of your website's content, the strength of your website's backlink profile, and the overall user experience of your website.
How can you check domain name availability & buy a domain name?
To check availability and purchase a domain name from GoDaddy, follow these steps:
- Go to the GoDaddy website (ae.godaddy.com/) and click on the "Domains" tab in the top menu.
- In the "Search for a Domain" field, enter the domain name you are interested in and select the TLD you want to use (e.g. .com, .net, etc.). Click "Search" to check availability.
- If it is the free domain name then you are in luck, you will see a "Add to Cart" button. Click this button to add the domain name to your cart.
- If you want to add additional services or features to your domain name registration, such as privacy protection or hosting, you can do so on the next page. Review your order and make any necessary changes.
- When you are ready to complete your purchase, click the "Continue to Checkout" button. You will be asked to sign in to your GoDaddy account or create a new account if you don't already have one.
- On the checkout page, you will be asked to enter your payment information and review your order. When you are ready to complete your purchase, click the "Place your Order" button.
Once your order and domain registration are complete, you will be the registered owner of the domain name you purchased. It's worth noting that domain name registration is typically on a yearly basis, and you will need to renew your registration in order to keep your domain name active.
Keep in mind that privacy protection is a service that helps to protect your personal information from being displayed in the public Whois database. This can be useful if you are concerned about your privacy or do not want your personal information to be publicly available.
Once you have purchased your domain name, you should get a webhosting to host your website on.
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.com vs .net: the choice is yours
In summary, the main differences between .com and .net domain name extensions are their history, intended use, and perception by consumers. The .com extension is widely recognized as the TLD for commercial websites and is often perceived as more credible and professional. .net was originally intended for use by internet service providers and infrastructure-related organizations, and is often used for networking-related businesses and websites.
When choosing between a .com and .net domain name, it's important to consider your specific needs and goals. .com may be a good choice for general commercial use, personal branding, or if you want to establish credibility and professionalism. .net may be a good choice for networking-related businesses or organizations, or if you are unable to find an available .com domain name.
It's also worth considering other factors such as availability, cost, and the potential impact on search engine optimization (SEO). Both .com and .net can be effective for improving SEO, depending on the specific context and goals of your website.
Ultimately, the best TLD for your website or online presence will depend on your specific needs and priorities. It may be helpful to compare prices and features from multiple registrars and consider factors such as your target audience, industry, and budget when deciding on a TLD.
Editor's Note: This article was first published on Jan 20, 2023 and updated on Oct 14, 2024.
