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As the internet continues to grow, the demand for distinctive and versatile domain names has become more important than ever. To address this, ICANN introduced a range of new domain extensions in the early 2010s. Among them is the .world domain, which has quickly gained popularity, surpassing many other options in terms of registration. 

But what makes the .world domain unique? Whether you’re considering it for your website or just curious to learn more, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits and uses of the .world extension. 

Related: Most popular TLDs in 2024 

Choosing a .world domain for your website can significantly impact how people perceive and find your site. This extension can serve as a strong branding tool: it’s distinctive, memorable, and can help your website stand out, particularly in an online space where finding an available .com domain is increasingly difficult. 

However, there are some potential drawbacks. A .world domain might not be widely recognized, which could lead to confusion or hesitation among users. It may not carry the same level of trust as more established domains like .com. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of registering a .world domain to help you decide if it aligns with your website’s goals and needs. 

Why choose a .world domain 

The .world domain extension is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations looking to create a strong global presence. It’s unique and memorable and has gained significant popularity over the years. Here are the main benefits of purchasing a .world domain for your business: 

Global appeal 

A .world domain inherently suggests a broad, international scope. For businesses, organizations, or individuals with aspirations beyond local borders, a .world domain can instantly communicate your commitment to reaching audiences worldwide.  

Whether you’re a multinational corporation, a non-profit with global initiatives, or an individual seeking to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, a .world domain can help you convey your global vision and aspirations effectively. 

Versatility 

One of the great advantages of a .world domain is its versatility.  

Unlike industry-specific or niche domain extensions, a .world domain can be adapted to suit a wide range of purposes and industries. Whether you’re in technology, education, healthcare, hospitality, or any other sector, a .world domain can accommodate your brand and messaging seamlessly.  

A .world domain gives you the freedom to craft a domain name that reflects your values, mission, and offerings without being constrained by industry-specific keywords or terminology. 

SEO benefits 

While domain extensions themselves don’t directly impact search engine optimization (SEO), they can play a role in signaling the focus and relevance of your website to search engines.  

A .world domain, when coupled with high-quality, relevant content, can indicate to search engines that your website caters to a global audience. This can potentially boost your visibility in search results, particularly for keywords with international search intent. 

Availability 

Securing a memorable and relevant domain name is often a challenge, especially with popular extensions like .com. However, .world domains tend to have greater availability, meaning you’re more likely to find your desired domain name without resorting to alternative spellings or lengthy combinations.  

This availability simplifies the process of establishing your online presence and reduces the risk of confusion among your audience. You can confidently choose a .world domain that aligns with your brand identity and messaging without compromising on your preferred domain name. 

Get started: Search and buy your domain today! 

Why a .world domain might not be the best choice 

Potential for confusion 

When users encounter a .world domain, it may not immediately register as a typical website address for some. People are accustomed to seeing more common domain extensions like .com or .org, so seeing a .world domain might cause a moment of uncertainty. This hesitation could lead to mistakes when users type the domain or could even make them question if the website is legitimate. 

Not well-known 

Compared to established extensions like .com or .org, .world domains are relatively less well-known. When users see a .com domain, for example, they immediately associate it with a website. However, with a .world domain, there might be a moment of hesitation or uncertainty for some users. 

This lack of familiarity could impact how effectively your online branding works and might mean putting in more effort to explain to your audience why your .world domain is important. 

Perceived trustworthiness 

Trust plays a key role in online interactions, and the domain extension you choose can shape how users see your website.  

Many people tend to trust sites with well-known extensions like .com or .org more than those with less common ones like .world. This perception can impact how willing users are to explore your site, especially if they have concerns about the credibility of .world domains.  

Even if your site is trustworthy, an unusual extension might make some users doubt its legitimacy, which could lessen their trust in your brand or products. 

Who should buy a .world domain? 

There are no restrictions to buying a .world domain name. Anyone who wants a unique, memorable domain name that’s easy to remember and brandable can opt for this TLD.  

Since .world is still a relatively new extension, there are many more options available than there are with traditional domain extensions like .com or .net. 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 .world domain is if your target market is global. Unlike country-specific domains, .world doesn’t have any restrictions on who can register a domain name, making it a great option if you’re targeting an international audience. 

If you’re looking for a domain name that’s unique, memorable, and available, and you’re targeting a global audience, a .world domain extension may be the perfect fit for you. However, if you’re in a highly competitive industry, you may still want to consider a .com domain, as it’s still the most recognized and established domain extension on the web. 

How to buy a .world domain name 

Buying a .world domain name extension at Bluehost is easy and straightforward. To get started, simply navigate to our domain name search tool. Enter your desired domain name and select .world as the domain extension. If your domain name is available, you’ll be prompted to add it to your cart. 

Once you’ve added your .world domain to your cart, you’ll need to complete the checkout process. You’ll be prompted to enter your billing and contact information, as well as select any additional domain or website-related services you may need to purchase. 

Once you’ve completed the checkout and registration process and your payment has been processed, your .world domain name will be registered and associated with your Bluehost account. From there, you can easily manage your domain and website through the Bluehost control panel. 

What is a .world domain name? 

A .world domain is a top-level domain (TLD) extension that is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to emphasize their global presence and reach. 

Is a .world domain legit? 

Yes, a .world domain is a legitimate TLD extension that has been recognized and accepted by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). 

Can a .world domain be redirected to another domain?

Yes, you can set up a .world domain to redirect to another domain. This can be useful for marketing campaigns or if you want to use .world for specific international audiences while maintaining a primary website under a different domain. 

How can I build trust with a .world domain? 

To build trust with a .world domain, make sure your website has quality content, a secure HTTPS connection, clear contact information, and a professional design. Providing good user experience and transparency can help address any initial doubts people might have. 

  • Devin is a Senior Event Marketing Manager for the Bluehost brand. He is our brand steward for all things Bluehost and WordPress. You'll always see him supporting Bluehost at WordCamps around the world!

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