One of the dumbest arguments and nit picky things I see is beginners lamenting on is if they should get a .net or a .org if the .com is not available (if it is available then duh, register it).
Real quick, search for the .com domain name you want to use.
Is it actually in use?
Yes?
Well then you can’t use the .net or .org if your site is going to be on the same topic.
Pat Flynn who runs SmartPassiveIncome.com had this issue with a copycat using SmartPassiveIncome.net.
Pat eventually filed and copyright infringement and bye bye SmartPassiveIncome.net.
No?
Then go right ahead and register the .net version of the domain you want.
I would shy away from .org because people do read that as “organization” so it’s probably not a good fit if you’re building a something with commercial intent.
Yes, a .com is more valuable and it’s the extension everyone wants, but your site will still perform just fine using a .net domain extension.
Whenever you’re ready, get your domains here at Namecheap. Low prices and free WHOIS protection (what’s not to like?).
Why are domain extensions important?
Domain extensions are part of the web address of a website. The .com being the legacy extension of the internet and still the most valuable of all the domain extensions.
With extensions you have things like Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs) and Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).
ccTLDs
Country Codes are extensions for countries. Like Vietnamese website have a .vn. These types of extensions are useful if you’re creating a website targeting a specific audience in a specific country.
If you’re a lawyer in Canada, it’s probably better to get a .ca domain than a .net or .com.
gTLDs
Generic Top Level Domains are things like .com, .net and .co.
By generic and top level, that just means these extensions are all treated the same. A .com is not going to outperform (that is rank higher and more easily) a .net or .org simply because it’s a .com.
.com
The .com extension was launched int he 1980’s and is intended for commercial websites. It was the go-to choice for all online business (dot com bubble anyone?) which helped to solidify the .com’s place as the favored extension for the internet.
While for technical purposes there is no difference between a .com and a .net website, people do automatically assume the extension is going to be .com which helps make it more memorable.
This is also useful for word of mouth traffic too as people just assume any website always is going to be a .com and are more inclined to search for the .com version.
.net
The .net extension was created in the 1980’s for companies or organizations involved in networking technologies.
Huh?
It’s an umbrella term, the idea behind the .net was to create an extension for companies and organizations that were creating the leading edge tech at the time like routers, cables, wireless access points and so forth.
In practice, the .net eventually became an alternative to the .com.
.org
The .org is for “organizations” but as a top level domain, you can use this for any type of website. Digino.org is a site about teaching English online and is run by a guy named Jason, not an organization.
I personally do prefer a .net over a .org as an alternative to a .com. But again, it’s not a big deal unless. Focus on building a great website.
How to get the .com you want
So your .com domain name is already taken and you really don’t want to get a .net or a .org extension.
It’s .com all the way or nothing at all.
I got you, here are some tips for finding a .com domain name you actually want:
- You can add a word before or after your preferred domain name to make it more unique or specific. Like BrickCoffeeBoston.com.
- What are your non-negotiable words? You can use a domain name generator or an AI tool like ChatGPT to come up with a bunch of word combinations using your non-negotiable words.
- Use “and” as a connecting phrase. Like create and go or bold and determined.
- Consider using your name if you’re building a personal brand or a play on your name if you don’t like your full name (or if it’s taken). RyRob.com is a great example, it’s still personal but it’s got that alliteration effect going on. Not to mention that it’s short and memorable.
Finally, maybe your .com is held by a domainer. First, search directly for your .com by typing it into a web browser.
Let’s use Gummy.com as an example:
Success!
This domain is available for sale, but $740,000 USD? GTF out of here. Let’s hop over to Flippa to see if it’s listed there:
Much better, it’s listed for $240,000 less.
If your domain is held by a domainer you need to email them saying you’re interested in purchasing the domain.
You’ll have to negotiate a price obviously, but once you come to an agreement you simply buy the domain off them and they will transfer you the domain.
I strongly suggest you use Namecheap as your domain name account and have the domainer transfer any domains there. Namecheap support will help you if you run into any issues.
Does it really matter?
Honestly it really does not matter that much if you’re building out a quality site that is helpful and useful to people.
Mark Manson runs a huge, high traffic website and personal brand at MarkManson.net. I’m sure he’s not losing any sleep over his website being a .net instead of a .com.
A .com for sure has better resell value, but you’re not a domainer. You’re looking to register a domain name and create a website.
So as long as you’re not infringing on anyone’s copyright, get the .net (or .co, or whatever) if the .com is not available and get to work.
Don’t get bogged down in small details like this.
.com vs .net – Stop worrying and launch
So that’s it for this short guide on .com vs .net, which one is best and does it even matter. Yes, if you can get the .com then go with that all day everyday.
But as long as you’re not infringing on anyone’s copyright, using a .net or a .org won’t stop you from building a quality website people love.
More? More! I have a YouTube video on this topic you can checkout (opens in a new tab) 👇
Namecheap
Low prices on domain names, low renewal rates, free WHOIS protection and good support.
I use Namecheap for all my domains and use them in my tutorial videos.
