A new update on the way we look at domains is on the way with ICANN revealing recently that they are opening the domain name system so that a breed of new TLDs can come to fruition.
Currently when we are on the internet looking for a domain to promote a UK business, we might lean towards .co.uk’s more than a .ca (Canada) or a .pl (Poland). For something global we might search for a .com or a .net, and for an online directory we might hunt of a .tel. But imagine if we could localise our domains to be more relevant to our target audience?
.xxx is the first that we’re seeing, the extension for the adult market, but it could revolutionise the way we think about portraying our business and purchasing our domain names. For example, if you are a hairdresser in the Liverpool area, it would be better for your business to have hairdresser.liverpool than hairdresser.co.uk, so that customers can find you specifically on your region. And on top of the massive benefit that a new gTLD would have for businesses in major cities, it would also have a great draw for tourists visiting your country. People visiting the capital for the Olympics could search on hotel.london or bar.london to find places to better serve them through their stay, and have an easy hub to find out what events and occasions are going on during their time in the city.
So what’s next? And is a influx of new gTLDs something that the Internet needs? The jury is out on this one and with high fees to register your own gTLD, it isn’t as easy as just deciding on an extension. But keep your eyes peeled for domain news about the newest extensions on the market and make sure you purchase through an ICANN registrar!