Domain extensions are more than just a name’s finishing touch. As the Internet continues to expand with new businesses sprouting daily, the virtual landscape becomes increasingly crowded, especially when hunting for available .com domains. The good news is that there are countless top-level domains (TLDs) that can be used alternatively.
With the explosion of generative AI technology, everyday individuals are increasingly encountering domains like .ai and .io. What people may not notice, though, is that these domains haven’t always been used in their current context. The Internet landscape is evolving rapidly, and brands are doing everything they can to keep up.
Recently, Google has made significant changes to how they treat some Country Code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs). This shift could have a profound impact on how businesses incorporate ccTLDs into their website’s domain strategy.
Google’s New Stance on ccTLDs
Traditionally, ccTLDs were associated with specific locations. For instance, .uk for the United Kingdom, .ca for Canada, and so on. However, Google’s recent adjustments mean that some ccTLDs are now considered as Generic TLDs (gTLDs). This shift is due to the observation that users and website owners often perceive these ccTLDs as more generic than location-specific.
The ccTLDs that Google now treats as gTLDs include some interesting choices, such as .ai for Artificial intelligence, .io for Input/Output and tech-related websites, .me for personal branding, and many more. This change signifies that these ccTLDs are no longer country-targeted when it comes to search engine rankings. This opens up exciting opportunities for businesses and individuals alike to embrace creative domain hacks for their generic purposes without worrying about affecting their search marketing strategies negatively.
Say Hello to Creative TLDs
One of the most intriguing aspects of this change is the potential for creative domain names. Some individuals and businesses have been known to use country domains to create clever, memorable, and catchy web addresses. This involves incorporating the two-letter ccTLD as a meaningful part of a word or phrase within the domain name. Major industry players currently use this strategy, including Instagr.am, Bit.ly, Bi.ng, Goo.gl, Flic.kr, Redd.it and Youtu.be.
While many ccTLDs have strict registration requirements, these Generic ccTLDs do not, allowing individuals and organizations from around the world to register and use them for various purposes beyond their original country affiliations. This flexibility lends itself well to wordplay and creative naming strategies, which can make your website more memorable to users.
Complete List of all Generic ccTLDs
Here is a list of ccTLDs that Google now treats as Generic TLDs (please note that this list may change over time):
ccTLDs Google now treats as gTLDs:
.ad – Suitable for advertising and automotive-related websites.
.ai – Ideal for artificial intelligence-focused businesses.
.as – Can be used for private limited companies and websites related to the Principality of Asturias, Spain.
.bz – A great choice for business-related websites.
.cc – Suitable for customized URLs, “Carbon Copies,” cycling-related websites, and various other communities and clubs.
.cd – Perfect for music CDs and computer-related products/services.
.co – An alternative to “.com” when it’s not available.
.dj – Ideal for disc jockeys “DJs” and music-related websites.
.fm – A fitting choice for FM radio and music-related websites.
.io – Perfect for input/output and tech-related websites.
.la – Can represent Los Angeles or Louisiana.
.me – Great for personal branding and websites focused on “Me.”
.ms – Suitable for websites related to multiple sclerosis, Mississippi, or microservices.
.nu – Ideal for startups, tech companies, and news outlets delivering current/”new” information. Also Scandinavian for “now”.
.sc – Perfect for science and scientific-related websites.
.sr – Can be used for websites related to surnames.
.su – Suitable for historical Soviet Union websites, or startups and sustainability-related websites.
.tv – An excellent choice for television and live streaming-related websites.
.tk – Historically, a free domain that is often used for spam, but is also available for creative uses.
.ws – Ideal for web services and solutions-related websites.
ccTLDs our domain experts identified as great for creative domain hacks:
.ac – A fitting choice for educational institutions, online courses, and academies.
.ae – 6,423 words end in “ae”!
.ar – Ideal for augmented reality businesses.
.as – Suitable for creating memorable slogans or call-to-action URLs using “as”, such as “LookGood.as”.
.ec – A great choice for e-commerce websites.
.gg – Perfect for online gaming websites and streamers
.is – 12,017 words end in “is”!
.ly – 19,410 words end in “ly”!
.md – The abbreviation MD, short for “Doctor of Medicine”.
.ne – Can represent networking, network equipment, or denote a focus on education or academic activities.
.pr – A fitting choice for public relations websites and services.
.pt – Can be used for physical therapy-related websites and services
.rs – 11,585 words end in “rs”!
.st – 7,949 words end in “st”!
.vc – Can be used for “Venture Capital” or startup investments.
Why Google’s ccTLD Transformation Is a Game Changer
Google’s decision to treat certain ccTLDs as gTLDs presents a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to get creative with their domain names without compromising their search engine rankings. This move opens the door to exciting possibilities in the world of domain hacks and memorable web addresses. As always, staying informed about changes to Google’s search engine algorithm and adapting your online strategy accordingly can help you stand out in the competitive online landscape.
