Are you considering buying a .co domain extension for your website but need help deciding if it’s a good top-level domain (TLD) fit for your needs? The .co domain is a relatively new TLD that has recently gained popularity. It was initially assigned to Colombia as their country code TLD. Later, their government opened it to the world as an alternative to .com.
Related: Most popular TLDs in 2024
But is .co the right TLD for your website? Should I buy a .co domain name or would a more traditional domain extension like .com or .net better suit your needs? This comprehensive guide will dive deep into the .co domain’s history, benefits, drawbacks and how it compares to other domain extensions. Let’s unravel whether the .co TLD perfectly matches your online presence.
Brief history of the .co domain
Initially, .co was originally designated as a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Colombia. For years, it was reserved exclusively for entities within the country. However, recognizing its potential appeal, the Colombian government decided to liberalize the domain registration policies in the early 2000s, opening it up to the global market and registrants.
In 2009, management of the .co domain was handed over to a private entity called .CO Internet S.A.S. This marked a pivotal shift, transforming .co into a global alternative to the highly coveted .com.
Since then, the domain extension has been recognized worldwide and has become a favorite among organizations worldwide, such as startups, entrepreneurs and tech companies who want to establish a modern, forward-thinking image.
Are .co domains legitimate and safe?
The .co domain is both legitimate and widely accepted as a top-level domain (TLD). While its roots are in Colombia, the .co extension is now recognized and used by businesses worldwide. It is governed by the same standards and practices as other major domains, ensuring that those who register it must go through accredited domain registrars.
Just like any other domain extension, .co is subject to routine registration and renewal processes.
Failing to renew it could lead to losing ownership, but as long as it’s regularly renewed, a .co domain is as secure as a .com or .net. Many global brands—such as AngelList.co and Vine.co—have successfully leveraged this domain extension, adding to its credibility.
For business owners, ensuring their website is secure goes beyond the domain extension they choose. It’s essential to implement HTTPS, SSL certificates and regular security monitoring to keep the website safe and maintain trust with its users.
.co vs .com domains
Choosing between a .co and a .com domain can be tricky. The .com extension is undeniably the most recognized and trusted domain globally. It’s often associated with established businesses and lends a sense of credibility and permanence.
For decades, .com has been the go-to choice for companies, and many users automatically type “.com” when searching for a website, which is one of the main reasons for its widespread use.
On the other hand, the .co extension offers a fresh and modern alternative. Agencies, startups, tech companies and social enterprises often lean toward .co because it signals innovation and creativity.
Additionally, .co domains are typically shorter and easier to remember, giving large brands a unique edge in a crowded digital space. The brevity and availability of desirable names make it particularly attractive to new businesses wanting to stand out.
However, one of the potential drawbacks of .co is the risk of confusion. Since .com is so ingrained in users’ minds, there’s a possibility they may mistakenly type in your domain as .com instead of .co, which could lead to lost traffic.
Additionally, some potential clients may still need to familiarize themselves with the .co extension, perceiving it as less authoritative than .com.
.co and third-level domain extensions
Third-level domain extensions refer to the portion of a domain name that follows the second-level domain. For instance, in the domain “blog.org.co,” the third-level extension is “co.”
It’s also worth mentioning that the terms “extension” and “top-level domain” (TLD) are often used as synonyms. In this case, “.co” serves as both the TLD and the third-level domain extension.
Some possible third-level domain combinations using .co include
- co.co
- org.co
- info.co
- edu.co
- gov.co
Although .co is widely used as a TLD for global brands and websites, it is typically employed by local organizations and entities when it appears as a third-level domain extension.
Key benefits of a .co domain name
The .co domain extension is a powerful tool for businesses looking to create a strong online presence. It’s short, memorable and has gained significant popularity over the years. Here are the main benefits of purchasing a .co TLD for your business:
- Branding: A .co domain is a great way to strengthen your brand identity. It’s a perfect extension for companies that want to showcase their innovative and forward-thinking approach. With a .co TLD, you can create a strong, distinct and memorable brand identity that will stand out in the crowded online space.
- Global appeal: The .co TLD has a global appeal. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that operate in different countries. It’s widely recognized, and your customers are more likely to remember your new website name with the .co domain extension.
- SEO benefits: The .co TLD is SEO-friendly. So, this extension can help you rank higher in search results. It’s also a great way to increase online visibility and attract more visitors to your website.
- Availability: With many .com domain names already taken, .co domains are a great alternative. You can find the perfect domain name for your business without having to settle for long, complicated or different domain extensions.
.co is not just a domain extension. Purchasing this TLD can be a smart investment for any domain owner looking to create a strong online presence. The .co domain TLD is short, memorable, has global recognition and has SEO benefits.
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SEO benefits of the .co domain
From an SEO perspective, the .co domain can be just as beneficial as other domains. Search engines like Google treat .co TLDs the same way they treat .com, .net and other generic top-level domain. In fact, a well-chosen .co TLD can offer several SEO advantages.
- Keyword availability: With more available names in the .co space, you have a better chance of securing a keyword-rich domain. This can provide a slight SEO boost, especially when the domain closely matches your products or services.
- Geotargeting flexibility: Unlike ccTLDs like .uk or .jp, which are often associated with specific regions, .co does not restrict your site to a particular country. This flexibility makes it a strong domain contender for many businesses with a global audience.
- Backlink opportunities: Because .co is one of the popular domain extensions among startups and tech companies, websites with this extension often attract attention from media and bloggers. It increases the likelihood of earning quality backlinks—one of the most valuable factors in SEO and search rankings.
- Brandable and memorable: A short, memorable domain can attract direct web traffic and increase the likelihood of users linking to your site. For example, Angel.co has become a recognizable brand in its own right, and its domain is easily remembered and shared.
Drawbacks of a .co domain
There are six main drawbacks to using a .co domain name extension.
Potential for confusion with .com
One of the main drawbacks of using the .co TLD is the potential for confusion among users who are accustomed to seeing .com domains. Users who may mistakenly assume that a website’s URL ends in .com may have trouble finding the site they’re looking for. In some cases, this can even result in lost business for companies and websites that use .co domain extensions.
Not well-known
Another potential drawback of a site using a .co TLD is that it may not be as well-known or recognized as .com, which could make it harder for businesses to establish trust and credibility with potential customers. However, this can be mitigated by using other branding strategies such as strong content, social media engagement and quality web design.
Lack of prestige
Another issue is that some people may perceive .co TLDs as less prestigious than .com domain extensions since .com has been the default top-level domain for many years. Opting for a .co domain in certain industries might be seen as a bad idea for those who prioritize traditional credibility. This may make it harder for businesses to attract high-quality employees, investors, or partners, who may view a .co TLD as a sign that the person or company is not as established or successful as those with a .com domain.
Potential for confusion with other ccTLDs
Lastly, there is the potential for confusion with other country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) that use .co, such as .co.uk (United Kingdom) or .co.jp (Japan). This may make it difficult for users to determine where a website or web address is based, which could be a concern for businesses that are looking to establish a specific geographic presence or target customers in a particular region.
Resale value
For those considering purchasing a TLD with the intent to resell it, .co domain extensions may not hold the same resale value as premium .com domains. The resale market for .co is still emerging, so its long-term value remains uncertain.
Association with Colombia
Even though .co has evolved into a global TLD, some people still associate it with Colombia. This could lead to potential confusion, especially for businesses targeting a specific geographic audience.
Who should consider a .co TLD?
A .co domain is an excellent option for various groups, including:
- Startups: The .co extension has become synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship. This makes it an attractive choice for new businesses seeking a modern, fresh image.
- Agencies: Marketing and creative agencies can benefit from the unique branding opportunities that a .co TLD provides, offering a modern, sleek web presence that differentiates them from competitors using more traditional TLDs.
- App developers: App developers seeking to establish a strong digital identity will find .co an appealing choice due to its tech-savvy reputation and availability of short, brandable domain names.
- Global businesses: If your business targets an international market, the .co TLD offers global recognition without being tied to a specific country.
- Personal brands: Individuals looking to create a personal portfolio or blog may also find value in the .co TLD due to its availability and memorability.
That being said, if you’re in a competitive industry and trust and credibility are critical to your brand, you may want to opt for a .com domain. This remains the most recognized and trusted domain extension worldwide.
How to buy a .co domain name with Bluehost
Buying a .co TLD is as simple as purchasing any other domain extension. Bluehost offers domain registration services that are quite quick to follow:
- Visit the website: Go to the Bluehost domains page.
- Check availability: Enter your desired domain name (related to your business name) in the registrar’s search tool, choose .co TLD and click Continue.
- Bluehost offers an AI tool that you can use to generate domain name ideas by briefly describing your business.
- Register: If your domain name is available, it will automatically be added to your cart. Domain Privacy + Protection will also be included, but you can remove it if you want. Click Proceed.
- Plan add-ons: If you need a web hosting plan or Google Workspace email, you can add them to your cart at this point. Otherwise, click on Continue to Cart.
- Checkout and payment details: Provide your personal contact information and billing information. Then, do a final check and click on Submit Payment.
- Configure DNS settings: Once your payment is complete, you will need to configure your DNS (Domain Name System) settings. These settings will be configured automatically if you’re using Bluehost hosting plans. Otherwise, you can enter the DNS information provided by your hosting provider.
- Verify registration: After registering your domain, you’ll receive a confirmation email with important details. It includes your registration dates and renewal reminders. Make sure to keep this information safe to manage your domain effectively and ensure timely renewals.
Final thoughts: Is the .co the right domain for you?
Whether or not you choose a .co domain depends on your business goals, target audience and branding needs.
If you’re looking for something modern, memorable and globally appealing, .co offers a great alternative option to the crowded .com space. However, if you’re in an industry where trust and recognition are paramount, .com may still be the safer bet.
So, should you buy a .co domain? If you’re ready to embrace the future of branding and want a short, impactful and available domain, the answer is a resounding yes.
FAQs: Should I buy .co domain name
A .co domain is a top-level domain (TLD) extension that was originally assigned to Colombia. But it is now businesses around the world commonly use it.
Yes, a .co TLD is a legitimate TLD extension, recognized and accepted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
The .co domain has become popular due to its resemblance to the widely used .com domain, its availability for creating short and memorable domain names and its association with the word “company.”
Benefits of registering a .co domain include availability for short and memorable domain names, a broad appeal for companies and individuals and a potential boost in search engine optimization (SEO) due to its perceived association with the word “company.”
The cons of a .co TLD include possible confusion with the .com TLD, limited availability of desirable domain names due to its popularity and the perception that it is less secure, well-known or trustworthy than more established TLDs like .com.
One of the best things about .co is that it’s open to anyone, anywhere. Whether you’re an individual, business, or organization, there are no restrictions based on your location. You don’t have to be in Colombia or have any specific credentials to register a .co TLD, which makes it a viable option for people all over the world.
No, .co domain extensions are available for a wide variety of uses. Whether you’re launching a personal blog, an eCommerce store, or a portfolio site, the .co extension is there for you. It’s essentially a blank canvas — your brand, your rules.
The price of a .co domain can vary depending on the registrar you choose. It also depends on additional features you add, like privacy protection or SSL certificates. On average, .co TLDs are competitively priced with other extensions. And you’re not likely to pay more for it than you would for a .com. It’s always a good idea to compare prices across different registrars to get the best deal.
Most registrars offer one-year domain registration periods for .co domains. But many also allow you to register for multiple years upfront. Knowing your domain is secured for the long haul can give you peace of mind.
Yes! If you ever feel the need to change registrars, you can transfer your .co domain. The process is straightforward and involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar and initiating the transfer with your new registrar.
Yes, most registrars provide a grace period after expiration, during which you can renew your domain without losing ownership. However, once that grace period is over, the domain may become available for others to register. Always keep an eye on your renewal dates to avoid any unnecessary drama.
In general, no. While pricing can vary between registrars, .co TLDs are not typically more expensive than other popular TLDs. Always shop around to find the best price and make sure you’re not overpaying.
1 Comment
Really informative article – thanks Tiffani!