In this increasingly digital era, having a website is one of the most important steps to building a successful online presence. And when it comes to websites, choosing the right domain name is a very important first step towards your success.
In addition, the presence of TLD plays a very important role in the Domain Name System (DNS) search process. Want to know more about TLDs? Come on, see the full explanation in the following article.
In this article, we will explore understanding the importance of a TLD (Top-Level Domain) domain and how to choose the right domain TLD to maximize the potential of your website.
What is a TLD domain?
The TLD domain name is the last part of the website address, after the last dot. TLDs identify a specific type of domain name, e.g. .com, .net, .org, .id, etc. TLDs provide clues about the characteristics and purpose of a website.
TLD stands for Top Level Domain which is the last part of the domain name, and is usually located after the last full stop or dot on the domain. Because it is located at the end of the domain name, the TLD is the last segment or is called the suffixes.
Furthermore, TLD is the identification of a website from its country of origin, it can also identify the property of a company, educational institution, government and so on. To better understand, an example of a TLD is the last part of a web address, for example, co.id, .com, .org, .edu and others.
Understanding TLD is important, especially if you are a developer or website developer. The levels of the TLD itself are divided into three, namely:
- Subdomain: is on the front or left.
- Second level domain: middle label.
- Top level domain: located at the end or the far right of the domain name.
TLD is the ending of a domain name which is also regulated by The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers or ICANN. The institution is tasked with overseeing all types of top level domains based on the relationship from the website.
How important is your domain name for SEO?
In the context of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the domain TLD can affect your site's ranking in search results. Choosing the right domain TLD can have advantages in terms of trust, authority, relevance and geotargeting.
Currently the internet has become an inherent part of everyday life, so the increase in search engines used is also very significant and search engines continue to develop. To meet this need, Google finally issued free domains for internet users, this is so that internet users can take advantage of the online media that is already available.
But does the domain affect SEO? This question often arises for ordinary internet users. Actually, there are dozens of names that can be used, such as .com, .info, .co.id, .tv, .net, .org, .us, .cc, .biz and others.
Do you think you have an idea about what domain you plan to choose? Before checking out your domain name, first take a look at the following explanation: Does a domain name have an effect on SEO? Just let us share more information with you.
1. The domain contains the desired keywords
Advertisers often forget the importance of "keywords" to help them acquire customers. Getting the right keywords is crucial, because if the keywords you use are not appropriate, the SEO process will not work optimally.
Therefore, try to have a domain name that has keywords so that your brand becomes more popular and can be optimized for SEO optimization.
2. Keyword as the First Word of the Domain Name
If the domain starts with the target keyword, of course it will be superior to a website whose domain does not start with the target keyword. In other words, it will be easier for visitors to remember your website because the keywords are listed.
With this, the opportunity for your brand to become more popular and dominate search engines is greater. Why is that? because SEO optimization can run optimally.
3. Domain Validity Period
Basically, domains that have a long lifespan will be more valuable. Because if the domain really has good value, then the domain will be used for a long time. You can see the age of a domain on websites such as https://who.is/ .
If someone already owns the domain you want, you can contact the owner of the domain so you can buy it again, or you can use other domains that are still available.
4. Domain History
The history of the domain owner also has an influence on search rankings. Domains that frequently change owners or expire indicate that Google has deleted data and indexes. Therefore, before you own a domain, try to know clearly the history of the domain to ensure its credibility.
5. Domain Age
If the domain you own is quite old, it will be more difficult to search. This means that the older the domain, the easier it will be to search for domains. For this reason, before deciding to buy a domain, it's a good idea to do research first about how long you want the domain name.
Why is it important to choose the right domain name?
Choosing the right domain TLD has several important reasons. Here are some reasons why choosing the right domain TLD is so important:
1. Trust and Authority
Popular and well-known TLD domains such as .com and .net tend to have a higher level of trust and authority in the eyes of users. Website visitors are more likely to trust and value sites with an established TLD domain.
2. Geographic Relevance and Targeting
If your business operates locally, the use of country-based TLD domains such as .id (Indonesia) or .co.id (Indonesian company) can help increase the relevance of your website to other local sites, search engines and visitors. It also makes it easier for visitors to recognize the origin of your website.
3. Impact On Search Engine Optimization
Search engines like Google use various features to rank websites. The TLD domain can be one of the factors to consider. Choosing a relevant TLD domain for your site's content can help increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.
What is a Good Domain Name for my Business?
When choosing a TLD domain, you need to consider your business goals and your target audience. Here are some types of TLD domains that you can consider:
1. Domain TLD General (Generic TLD)
Common TLD domains such as .com, .net, .org, and the like are suitable for businesses that are global or not limited to a specific geographic area.
2. Domain TLD by Country (country-code TLD)
Country-based TLD domains such as .id, .sg, .uk, and the like are perfect for businesses that are focused on the local market and want to demonstrate association with a specific country.
3. Domain TLD by Industry (Sponsored TLD)
Sponsored TLDs such as .gov, .edu, .travel, and others are designed for specific industries or business categories. If your business is related to a specific industry, using this TLD domain can give the impression of greater credibility and relevance.
4. Destination-Based Domain TLD (generic-restricted TLD)
Generic-restricted TLDs such as .shop, .blog, .restaurant, and the like offer domain TLDs that are relevant to your business goals. For example, if you run an online store, using a .shop TLD domain can help attract the attention of visitors looking for products.
What Function does a TLD serve?
After knowing what a TLD is, an explanation of the various functions of a top level domain is as follows.
1. Classifying Websites
First, the function of the top level domain is to classify websites into several categories. This function is also related to the many types of TLDs that have been adapted and made for various website functions.
For example, the TLD is for classifying educational websites, usually using .edu. Furthermore, the most common TLD is usually .com which can be categorized as a general website.
2. Strengthen Website Identity
The second function of the top level domain is to strengthen the identity of the website. Usually, websites are made with goals and contents that have been determined by the owner. As a result, the use of this TLD can also help internet users to find out the identity of websites that have been accessed.
3. Shows the contents of the website
Finally, the function of the top level domain is to show website content more clearly. Usually, visitors will get a brief description of the contents of a website that they have accessed.
How do you choose a top-level domain?
After determining the type of TLD domain that suits your business goals, the next step is to do research and choose an available TLD domain. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Understanding Popular Types of TLD Domains
Do some research on the types of TLD domains that are popular and match your business goals. Check if there is a specific TLD domain for your industry or business category.
2. Checking the Availability of the Desired Domain TLD
Use a trusted domain registrar service to check the availability of the TLD domain you want. If the domain TLD you want is not available, consider a variation of the name or other TLD domain options that are still relevant to your business.
3. Buying a TLD Domain Through a Trusted Registrar
After finding an available domain TLD, purchase it through a trusted domain registrar. Make sure to choose a registrar that can provide reliable service, good customer support, and additional features like WHOIS privacy if needed.
How do I make my domain name SEO friendly?
After choosing the right domain TLD, you also need to optimize it for SEO. Here are some tips that you can follow:
1. Include keywords in the TLD domain
If possible, trying to include keywords relevant to your business or industry in the domain TLD can help increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.
2. Avoid Using Special Characters and Numbers
To make it easier for users to remember and type your site address, avoid using special characters such as hyphens (-) or numbers in your domain TLD.
3. Using Words That Are Easy to Say and Remember
Choose words that are easy to pronounce and remember in your domain TLD. This will make it easier for your website visitors to remember your website address.
4. Limiting the Length of a TLD Domain
TLD domain names that are too long can be difficult to remember and difficult to pronounce. Try limiting the length of your TLD domain name to make it shorter and easier for visitors to remember.
Migration of TLD Domains
In some cases, you may need to move the TLD domain. This can happen if you want to change your business goals, change your brand name, or have other compelling reasons. When migrating domain TLDs, here are the steps to follow:
a. Reasons To Migrate TLD Domains
Specify a clear and compelling reason for moving the TLD domain. Make sure the migration will benefit your business in the long run.
b. Steps to Take When Migrating
Take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth migration of TLD domains. This includes updating links, redirecting visitors from the old domain to the new domain, and notifying search engines of changes through indexing and sitemap submission.
Maintain Consistency and Sustainability of TLD Domains
Once you have the right domain TLD, it's important to maintain the consistency and robustness of your domain TLD. Here are some things you should pay attention to:
a. Update Domain TLDs Regularly
Make sure to renew your domain TLD regularly by paying the domain renewal fees on time. Keep your domain active and not expired.
b. Avoid Deleting Established TLD Domains
If your TLD domain is well established and has good authority in the eyes of search engines, avoid deleting the domain. Removing a TLD domain can result in a loss of ranking and authority that was previously built up.
What are the advantages of top-level domain?
Top Level Domain (TLD) is the last part of a web address after the last dot, such as .com, .org, or .net. Here are some of the advantages of TLD with informative and easy-to-understand sentences:
1. Strengthening Identity
Top Level Domains provide an opportunity to reinforce a website's identity and purpose. For example, if you own a business, using a TLD like .com or .co.id will help identify your site as a legitimate business site.
2. Increase Trust
Some TLDs like .gov or .edu are used exclusively by governments or educational institutions. Using this TLD gives site visitors more confidence in the authority and reliability of the information presented.
3. Regionalization
Regional TLDs such as .co.uk for the UK or .fr for France help focus a website on a specific audience. This can help in establishing a local presence and increasing appeal to local visitors.
4. Selection of a More Specific Name
Custom TLDs such as .photography, .tech, or .fashion allow for more specific domain name selection according to the relevant industry or topic. This helps visitors understand the context of a website before visiting it.
5. Can Improve SEO
Several TLDs have been known to have a positive impact on search engine optimization (SEO). For example, using a TLD that matches a site's main keyword or topic can help improve ranking in search results.
6. Better Domain Name Availability
In some cases, using a non-traditional TLD can help find a more available domain name. Given the high popularity of the .com domain, using an alternative TLD can provide more options for choosing a suitable domain name.
Closing
Choosing the right domain TLD is an important first step to building a successful online presence. TLD domains can influence SEO rankings and convey a sense of trustworthiness and relevance. By understanding the importance of domain TLDs and making the right choice, you can maximize the potential of your website.