New Domain Extensions: Are .tech, .shop, and .xyz Worth It? – Evaluating Whether Newer TLDs Are a Good Investment or If .com Is Still King

Imagine you want to build a new house. Before you can start, you need land to put it on. In the online world, a domain name is like a piece of land where you can build your website. For a long time, almost everyone wanted land in the same neighborhood: the “.com” area. But now, new neighborhoods have popped up, like “.tech,” “.shop,” and “.xyz.” The big question is: Are these new neighborhoods a good place to build, or is “.com” still the best?

What Are Domain Extensions?

A domain extension, also called a top-level domain (TLD), is the part of a website address that comes after the dot. For example, in "www.example.com," “.com” is the domain extension. For many years, the most common and trusted extension was “.com.” Others, like “.org” (for organizations) and “.net” (for networks), were also popular, but “.com” was always the favorite.

Today, there are hundreds of new domain extensions. Some of them tell people more about the website they belong to, such as:

• .tech for technology-related websites
• .shop for online stores
• .xyz for general use, often chosen for creative projects

With so many new options, you might wonder if it’s worth using them instead of a “.com.”

Why .com Was and Still Is King

The “.com” extension is like the main street of the internet. Here’s why people trust it so much:

1. Familiarity: Almost everyone recognizes “.com” as a website extension. If you tell someone your website name, they will probably assume it ends in “.com.”
2. Trust: Many big brands use “.com” because customers feel safe clicking on a “.com” website.
3. SEO Benefits: Google and other search engines do not rank “.com” websites higher just because of the extension, but since most trusted businesses use “.com,” they often perform better in searches.
4. Resale Value: If you ever want to sell your website, a “.com” domain is usually worth more money than a newer TLD.

The Rise of New Domain Extensions

Despite the popularity of “.com,” the internet is always growing. New TLDs were introduced to give people more choices, especially since many good “.com” names are already taken. Let’s look at some of the newer options.

1. .tech – Great for Technology Websites

Who is it for? People who run tech blogs, startups, or companies working with computers and gadgets.

Pros:

• Instantly tells visitors the website is about technology.
• More available names, so you can choose something short and catchy.
• Big brands like Intel and CES use .tech.

Cons:

• Less familiar to general users, who might not trust it as much.
• Some people still expect a tech company to have a .com.

2. .shop – Perfect for Online Stores

Who is it for? Businesses that sell products online.

Pros:

• Makes it clear that the website is a shop.
• Good for branding and marketing, making it easy for customers to remember.

Cons:

• Not as common as “.com,” so some people might not trust it.
• Many online stores still prefer “.com” or “.store.”

3. .xyz – A Unique and Modern Choice

Who is it for? Creative individuals, startups, and modern brands.

Pros:

• Stands out as something new and different.
• Short and easy to remember.
• Used by Google’s parent company, Alphabet (abc.xyz).

Cons:

• Some people think it looks strange or unprofessional.
• Has been used by some spammy websites, making it less trusted.

Are These New Domains Worth It?

The answer depends on your goals. Here’s how to decide:

• If you are starting a new business and can find a good .com name, go for it. It’s still the best for trust and value.
• If your business is about technology, “.tech” could be a great choice.
• If you are building an online store, “.shop” makes sense and tells customers what you do.
• If you want something creative and different, “.xyz” might work, but it’s not for everyone.

What About SEO?

Some people worry that Google prefers “.com” websites, but Google has said that all domain extensions are treated equally. However, users might still trust and click on “.com” websites more often, which can help with ranking.

Final Thoughts

If you can get a great “.com” name, it’s still the best choice. But if the perfect “.com” is taken, don’t be afraid to consider a new domain extension that fits your brand. The most important thing is to create a great website with useful content and a name that people will remember.

Would you build a house in a new neighborhood if it had everything you needed? The same idea applies to websites: pick the best domain for your needs, whether it’s “.com” or something new!