What is the Domain .co? And Should You Buy It?
.co is a generic top-level domain (TLD) that stands for “company” or “corporation.” Originally launched in the early 1990s for websites connected to Colombia, it has since evolved into a global favorite for anyone seeking a short, snappy and modern domain.
The turning point came in 2009, when the Colombian government transferred control of .co to CO Internet S.A.S., a private company. This led to an ambitious global marketing campaign that repositioned .co as a versatile domain extension perfect for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives across the world.
And it paid off. From startups to major brands like Twitter, which uses t.co for its URL shortener, .co has proven itself as a smart and credible alternative to .com. Today, the domain name .co is recognized as a global TLD and is part of the Domain Name System (DNS). It's widely used by businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals seeking a memorable and relevant online identity.
.co domains have made a name for themselves as the go-to choice for startups, tech innovators and entrepreneurs. They’re snappy, memorable and instantly recognizable, which is perfect for anyone wanting to make their mark. But what makes .co even more exciting is its global appeal - because Google recognizes it as a generic domain instead of one tied to a specific location. This means it’s great for organizations that think big and serve an international audience.
Key benefits of a .co domain
Some of the main reasons for using a .co domain include:
Branding: it's trusted and associated with reputable organizations and large businesses. Major players like Twitter (using t.co for link shortening) and Google (g.co for its product redirects) have reinforced .co’s credibility on a global scale. If leading brands trust .co, it’s a testament to its reliability and professionalism.
Global recognition: it's versatile when used internationally and is instantly recognizable as a business related domain associated from anywhere, making it a good choice for businesses that market internationally.
Easy to remember: it's short, simple and easy to remember, the number one rule for choosing a domain name because it can help customers recall your business name.
Alternative to .com: it can present a viable, sometimes cost-effective, alternative option while still maintaining a level of authority if the .com domain you want is already taken.
Edgy: it isn't .com, so if you use it you can potentially make a slight statement that you're choosing to do things a little differently with your business. For some brands, this is important.
Brief history of the .co domain
Initially, .co was originally designated as a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Colombia. For years, it was reserved exclusively for entities within the country. However, recognizing its potential appeal, the Colombian government decided to liberalize the domain registration policies in the early 2000s, opening it up to the global market and registrants.
In 2009, management of the .co domain was handed over to a private entity called .CO Internet S.A.S. This marked a pivotal shift, transforming .co into a global alternative to the highly coveted .com.
Since then, the domain extension has been recognized worldwide and has become a favorite among organizations worldwide, such as startups, entrepreneurs and tech companies who want to establish a modern, forward-thinking image.
Are .co domains legitimate and safe?
The .co domain is both legitimate and widely accepted as a top-level domain (TLD). While its roots are in Colombia, the .co TLD is now recognized and used by businesses worldwide. It is governed by the same standards and practices as other major domains, ensuring that those who register it must go through accredited domain registrars.
Choosing between a .co and a .com domain can be tricky. The .com extension is undeniably the most recognized and trusted domain globally. It’s often associated with established businesses and lends a sense of credibility and permanence.
For decades, .com has been the go-to choice for companies, and many users automatically type “.com” when searching for a website, which is one of the main reasons for its widespread use.
On the other hand, the .co extension offers a fresh and modern alternative. Agencies, startups, tech companies and social enterprises often lean toward .co because it signals innovation and creativity.
Additionally, .co domains are typically shorter and easier to remember, giving large brands a unique edge in a crowded digital space. The brevity and availability of desirable names make it particularly attractive to new businesses wanting to stand out.
However, one of the potential drawbacks of .co is the risk of confusion. Since .com is so ingrained in users’ minds, there’s a possibility they may mistakenly type in your domain as .com instead of .co, which could lead to lost traffic.
Additionally, some potential clients may still need to familiarize themselves with the .co extension, perceiving it as less authoritative than .com.
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