So, are you ready to buy a new domain? Click here to get your search started and take advantage of CanSpace’s absolute lowest priced .ca domains, anywhere!
Are you looking to buy a great domain name for your website and keep seeing TLD (top level domain) everywhere and aren’t sure where to start?
Let’s jump right in:
What is a TLD?
Top level domains refer to the “extension” used after the “period” in your domain name.
These TLD’s are commonly seen as: .ca, .com, .net, .org etc.
You may also see the term “domain extensions” used synonymously with TLD, as domain extensions and Top Level Domain’s both mean the same thing.
Choosing a Top Level Domain depends on your business and particular goals/desires.
What Top Level Domains Are There?
Aside from the commonly used .ca, .com and .net, there are literally dozens to choose from. Some you may have seen before…
- .biz
- .co
- .io
- .bid
- .club
There are also ones like .agency, .accountant and .realtor that work into the branding of specific businesses.
You can even pick something geographically targeted like:
- .com.co
- .com.au
- .co.uk
- .co.nz
Of course .com and .ca would also classify as the above (US and Canada respectively). Using these geo-targeted TLD’s (especially .CA) is another great way to find good domains that may be taken in the .com form.
TLD And SEO
It’s the question that seems to be on everyone’s minds when it comes to domains… Which TLD is best for SEO and will help my website rank?
In general, the traditional .com, .ca, .net and .org type TLD’s are best for SEO. Picking from the more unique and newer TLD’s can (sometimes) result in decreased search engine performance. This isn’t always the case though, and if you want a unique .ninja, .realtor or similar, you should go for it.
If you’re not sold on the idea of a unique TLD, we recommend going for a traditional TLD as it could have an impact on your chances of ranking.
Given that we know the above, the question that remains is which of the traditional types is the best TLD for SEO.
The answer? It depends.
The Best TLD For SEO is .ca
If you are a Canadian business or conduct business in Canada, the best option is usually the .ca domain.
This is because it unquestionably targets a specific geographical location. The TLD .ca is meant for Canadian-centric websites (Canadians can still use a .COM domain whereas companies not targeting Canadians wouldn’t use .CA).
When you use a .ca TLD, you automatically tell Google that you’re targeting Canadians.
What this does is give you more weight in Canadian search queries. You will automatically be seen as more geographically relevant or useful for their searches.
So what if you’re not targeting Canadian visitors/consumers?
.COM vs Everything Else
Some people see .COM as the holy grail for TLD’s. While it may slightly affect how your brand is perceived (do people take .NET domains seriously?), there is little difference on what is the best TLD for SEO.
If you can get a .COM, that’s great. If not, using .net, .co or .org won’t affect your SEO.
The only thing to worry about when debating which TLD is best for SEO is your target market.
Is your business Canadian or target Canadian consumers? Use the TLD .CA. For all other situations, you can choose basically any of the traditional types (.com, .co, .org) and there will be no difference.
In Conclusion
Top level domain names are basically your domains’ extension. They can help differentiate your business – by targeting the area or business niche you work in.
This can help you build more trust, and generate more sales as a result of a stronger brand identity.
If you’re a Canadian business, we recommend the TLD .ca. It is undoubtedly the best domain for businesses that are located or do business in Canada.
Click here and start your search for a great domain.
