Trusted classics
Familiar choices for organisations with broad audiences.
TLD directory · Generic
Generic top-level domains
gTLDs organise names by purpose rather than country. Start with a familiar classic such as .com, or let a descriptive ending explain what you do before someone opens the site.
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What counts
Generic means category-led, not geography-led
.com
The default global choice for broad commercial use
.app
A descriptive gTLD that signals a software product
.brand
Some gTLDs are operated for a single organisation
Useful gTLDs by intent
The best extension completes the name. Read the address aloud: it should sound deliberate, not like the preferred ending was unavailable.
Technology
Clear positioning for software, infrastructure and developer products.
Business
Describe the company, service or transaction in the address itself.
Creative
Flexible spaces for portfolios, media and independent work.
A practical gTLD test
- The full domain is easy to pronounce without explaining where the dot goes.
- The extension matches the audience and purpose of the site.
- Renewal pricing is acceptable after any introductory discount ends.
- The same name does not create obvious confusion with a stronger .com brand.
- The registry has no eligibility or acceptable-use rule you cannot meet.
- Important social handles and close domain variants are checked before launch.
Classic or newer gTLD?
DecisionClassicDescriptive
Recognition.com, .org, .netMay need less familiar audience education
Short-name supplyLimitedUsually better
MeaningBroad and flexibleCan explain the product or industry
Best fitLong-term umbrella brandFocused product, campaign or niche
Generic-domain questions
Is every non-country extension a gTLD?
Not exactly. The root also includes sponsored, infrastructure and test categories. IANA's Root Zone Database is the authoritative classification.
Are new gTLDs bad for SEO?
No inherent ranking penalty applies simply because an extension is newer. Audience trust, relevance, content and links matter much more.
Is .org restricted to nonprofits?
.org is open to anyone, although people commonly associate it with nonprofits, public-interest projects and communities.
Should I buy the matching .com?
If it is affordable and important to brand protection, yes. A strong descriptive domain can still stand alone when the .com is unavailable.
Next step
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