There are over 233.6 million .com domain names, making this the common and popular domain extension. Its widespread acceptance and familiarity make it a go-to option for businesses or commercial organizations aiming to establish a credible and professional online presence. Because .com domains are so prevalent, they’re often the first domain people think of when searching online. However, before you decide, you may also want to explore our previous articles, “Should I Buy a .us Domain” and “Should I Buy a .org Domain Extension” for more context.
Learn more about the .com domain name further in this article.
Related: Most Popular TLDs
Key Benefits of a .com Domain Name
The advantages of securing a .com domain are the following:
- Universal Recognition: The .com top-level domain (TLD) is the most recognized domain extension globally, which can lend credibility and confidence to your brand.
- Memorability: Due to its long-standing history, .com domains are typically what people think of first when recalling a website address.
- High Resale Value: .com domains often prove to be excellent investments. Their value can increase over time, depending on the desired domain name. This potential for appreciation makes them highly sought after in the domain market.
- Versatility: Unlike more niche TLDs, a .com can be used effectively by virtually any type of business or personal site.
Cons to a .com Domain
However, there are also challenges associated with .com domains:
- High Competition: The popularity of .com means that finding your desired domain name without modifications can be difficult.
- Higher Costs: Due to their demand, .com domains can be more expensive than other TLDs, both in terms of initial purchase and renewal fees.
- Generic Association: While versatile, a .com doesn’t specify any particular niche or geographic location, this might be a disadvantage for businesses that want to emphasize a local or specialized identity.
Even with a few potential downsides, a .com domain remains a top pick for most online projects and businesses. Its wide recognition and the trust it inspires make it an enduring favorite.
Who Should Buy a .com Domain?
A .com domain is universally appropriate. This makes it a prime option for:
- Businesses of Any Size: From startups to global corporations, a .com address supports an authoritative, professional image.
- Professional Portfolios: Individuals, such as artists, freelancers, and consultants, can benefit from the professional image a .com domain provides.
- International Ventures: If you want to reach a global audience, a .com can help signify your presence on the international stage.
How to Buy a .com Domain Name
Purchasing a .com domain extension at Bluehost is straightforward:
- Visit our domain name search tool. You need to check first if your chosen domain name isn’t taken before you can proceed with the domain name registration.
- Enter your desired domain name and select .com as the domain extension.
- If your domain name is available, it will be added to your cart. You’ll also notice domain privacy in your cart. A domain privacy protection protects your personal information from the public to prevent identity theft, spam, and more.
- Click Proceed.
- You’ll be given a choice to add a hosting plan to your domain. You can either select a plan or proceed with a domain only. When you get a hosting plan, you’ll also get free SSL certificates, along with other perks.
- Follow the on-screen prompts as you go along with your preferred choice.
After completing your purchase, your .com domain will be registered to your Bluehost account, where you can manage it and your website via our control panel.
History of the .com Domain Extension
The .com domain extension stands as one of the most recognizable and sought-after domain extensions in the world. It was one of the original top-level domains introduced when the Domain Name System was implemented in 1985. Initially, the .com extension was intended to represent “commercial” entities to distinguish businesses in the digital space. However, as the years went by, it grew far beyond its commercial designation to welcome virtually all types of online projects.
The history of .com is a story of growth and dominance in the domain name registration market. By the late 1990s, the .com domain had become synonymous with the internet boom. Acquiring a .com domain was seen as an essential step for any business looking to establish an online presence. This increase in domain registrations led to a highly competitive market that influenced both the domain cost and strategies companies used to secure their preferred .com addresses.
As the number of domains registered under .com reached millions, it became increasingly tough for new businesses to find available .com names that suited their needs. This growing scarcity not only drove up the cost of .com domains but also led to the creation of numerous alternative domain extensions. While these alternatives offer more variety and are often more readily available, none have managed to achieve the same level of prestige and universal recognition of a .com address.
Common Questions Related to .com Domain Names
A .com domain is a top-level domain originally intended for commercial entities but is now broadly used by diverse types of websites.
Yes, a .com domain is a legitimate TLD recognized and regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Its popularity stems from its wide acceptance, credibility, and ease of recall, making it a preferred choice for many businesses and individuals.
Key benefits include global recognition, inherent trust, high resale value, and versatility across industries.
Potential downsides include high competition for domain names, higher costs, and a lack of niche specificity.
Secure Your .com Domain Today
If you’re looking for a domain that offers wide recognition and credibility, a .com domain is most likely the perfect fit for your needs. However, its popularity may present challenges in availability and cost, so it’s prudent to plan ahead when making your domain decisions. Given these factors, it’s essential to act quickly to secure your desired .com domain before someone else does. Don’t miss your chance to establish a strong online presence with a trusted .com address. Register your .com domain today and take the first step toward a successful online presence.
