Are you thinking to buy .ac top level domain but don’t know if it’s a good fit for your website? Then, you are reading the right blog.
The .ac domain name is often associated with academic institutions. So, it can be a beneficial choice for educational organizations, tech startups, and businesses looking to convey authority and trust in this industry.
Related: Most popular TLDs in 2024
One of the key reasons why someone may register or buy a .ac domain name is because it can be an effective branding tool. The .ac extension is short, easy to remember, and can make your website stand out from the crowd. And since many common TLDs like .com and .org are saturated, finding an available .ac name that fits your brand is relatively easier.
However, some people may not recognize it as easily as more common TLDs, which could impact credibility and traffic. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of purchasing a .ac extension and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your website.
Key benefits of .ac domain names
Here are the main benefits of domain names ending with .ac for your business:
Academic and professional credibility
Domains registered with .ac extension are often associated with professional organizations, academia and research institutes. This can enhance your brand’s credibility, especially if you’re in the education, research, or technology sectors.
Unique and memorable
With the internet full of .com and .net domains, .ac domains offer a unique and memorable alternative. Its distinctiveness helps people remember your site more easily, potentially leading to more repeat visits and referrals.
Availability
With many popular TLDs already taken, .ac domains are a fantastic alternative. You can find the perfect domain name and register your business without having to settle for a long, complicated, or irrelevant name.
SEO benefits
The .ac domain extension can help you rank higher in search engine results, as a well-chosen extension can assist with niche branding and recognition.
Get started: Search and register your domain today!
Cons of .ac domain names
There are a few drawbacks to using a .ac domain name extension.
Lack of recognition
One of the main drawbacks of using a .ac extension is that it may not be as recognized as .com or .org. So, it may take time for businesses to establish trust and credibility with potential customers.
Potential for confusion
Users may mistakenly assume that your website’s URL ends in .com domain instead of .ac. If another business owns the .com version of your domain, this could potentially lead to confusion and lost traffic.
Association limitations
The .ac domain name is strongly associated with academic and professional institutions. If your business doesn’t fit these categories, the extension may confuse your audience.
Geographical misconception
The top-level domain .ac is the country code (ccTLD) for Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, and is mainly used for Ascension Island. This may create misunderstandings about your business’s location or primary market.
Businesses should carefully consider the potential drawbacks before making a decision. By understanding the potential challenges and developing a strong branding strategy, companies can successfully use this domain.
Who should register .ac domain name?
There are no restrictions on buying .ac extension. It is suitable for anyone who wants a short, memorable domain name that’s easy to brand. Since .ac is still relatively niche, there are other new TLDs such as .world, .ws, .tech, etc. This means you have a better chance of securing the domain name you want for your business or personal brand.
Another reason to consider a .ac extension is if your business or organization is related to academia, research, or professional services. This domain can convey a sense of authority and trustworthiness in the industry.
How to buy a .ac domain name
Buying a .ac domain name extension is quite easy.
To get started, simply navigate to the name search tool of domain registration provider like Bluehost.
Enter your desired domain name and select .ac as the domain extension. If your domain name is available, you can add it to your cart.
Once you’ve added your .ac extension to your cart, you’ll need to complete the checkout process. Enter your billing and contact information. You can also select any additional domain or website-related services, like a privacy policy, which keeps your personal information confidential.
Once you’ve completed the checkout and payment process, your .ac tld will be registered and associated with your Bluehost account. You can easily manage your domain and website through the Bluehost control panel.
Combining .ac TLD with a WordPress hosting plan
Pairing .ac TLD with a WordPress hosting plan is a recommended strategy for launching a new website. WordPress is a robust, user-friendly platform that allows you to create a professional website with ease. When combined with the distinctive and credible .ac domain name, your site can stand out as both authoritative and unique.
Bluehost offers seamless integration with WordPress, making it easy to set up your website, manage content, and optimize for SEO. This combination is ideal for educational institutions, research organizations, and businesses that want to project professionalism and expertise right from the start.
Frequently asked questions about .ac domain names
A .ac domain is a top-level domain (TLD) extension originally assigned to Ascension Island. However, academic institutions and professional organizations all over the world frequently use it.
Yes, a .ac domain extension is a legitimate TLD extension recognized and accepted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Its association with academia and the professional sector can enhance credibility.
The .ac extension is popular due to its association with academic and professional institutions. This makes it an appealing choice for universities, research organizations, and businesses in these industries.
Benefits of registering a .ac domain include its credibility, unique and memorable nature, better availability of desirable names, and potential SEO advantages due to niche branding.
The cons of .ac extension include a potential lack of recognition, possible confusion with other tlds, association limitations if not related to academia or professional services, and geographical misconceptions.