In recent years, there has been a shift in the way startups choose their domain names. Y-Combinator, one of the most successful startup accelerators in the world, has helped launch the careers of many successful companies such as Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. However, a recent study has found that an increasing number of Y-Combinator-backed startups are opting to use alternative domain name extensions, also known as top-level domains (TLDs), rather than the traditional .COM. We’ll look at the causes of this trend and the proportion of Y-Combinator startups choosing alternative TLDs in this post.
Lack of available .com domain names
As the most well-known and reputable TLD, the.COM domain extension has long been regarded as the gold standard for web addresses. However, finding a desirable.COM name has grown more challenging as more businesses attempt to establish themselves online. In order to get a .COM domain, numerous businesses have turned to domain name hacks including employing inventive spellings or hyphens in their names.
Despite the difficulties, some businesses have been successful in obtaining a.COM domain through domain name auctions or by paying high fees for a domain that was already registered. However, the price and competition for.COM domains can be too high for many firms, which prompts them to search for alternative TLDs.
The “good”.com domain names all seem to be taken, which is part of the issue. Since it has been the most widely used TLD for more than 20 years, nearly all dictionary words as well as a large number of made-up words have already been registered. There are more than 131 million.COM domains registered worldwide. They may be for sale, but for a startup, your limited resources are frequently better spent on hiring personnel and funding research. New TLDs provide a greater selection of names and maybe a more affordable choice.
Branding
The need for a more memorable and distinctive domain name is a further element influencing the trend. Many startups are selecting TLDs, such, as those that are compatible with their brand or sector.
A brand-new top-level domain (TLD) called.SHOP was developed especially for companies involved in retail and e-commerce.By using a .SHOP domain, e-commerce businesses can create a clear and direct association with their online store, making it easy for customers to find them. This can be especially beneficial for small or new businesses who are trying to establish their online presence.
A top-level domain (TLD) established expressly for mobile and web applications is the.APP domain extension. The goal of the.APP TLD is to give app developers and companies a memorable and easily recognizable web address that will aid in app promotion and boost downloads. By using a .APP domain, app developers and businesses can create a clear and direct association with their app, making it easy for users to find and download their app. Small or new app developers and businesses that are attempting to build their web presence may find this to be extremely helpful. A.APP TLD can also be a fantastic approach for many app developers and businesses to boost their search engine optimization (SEO) and bring more qualified traffic to their app.
A top-level domain (TLD) designed especially for the art community is the.ART domain extension. The.ART TLD is designed to give artists, art establishments, galleries, and other organizations and people interested in the art world an instantly recognizable and distinctive web address. Artists and organizations involved in the arts can make it simple for art lovers and potential customers to find them by choosing a.ART domain to establish a clear and direct relationship with their brand. Small or emerging artists and art organizations striving to build their web presence can notably benefit from this.
