Selecting a domain extension is a crucial decision when launching a website, and it greatly depends on your target audience and long-term goals. This article aims to help you decide between three popular domain extensions: .com, .in, and .co.in. Your choice should align with your website’s purpose and reach.
.com vs. .in
Let’s delve into the differences and considerations for .com and .in domains:
| Questions | .com | .in | Both |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are you targeting global customers and not only India? | Yes (Not Mandatory) | Not Mandatory | Yes if you can |
| Are you a small store with clients from a local area in India? | Not Mandatory | Yes (Not Mandatory) | Yes if you can |
| Will you ship products outside India too? | Yes (Not Mandatory) | Not Mandatory | Yes if you can |
| Is the site written in Hindi or other Indian languages? | No | Yes | No |
| Is the .com keyword domain you want too expensive for your budget and you don’t find a good alternative? | No | Yes | No |
| Are you willing to spend enough money on your domain because you believe it is important? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Do you want to create a clever domain hack such as areyou.in? | Not Mandatory | Yes (Not Mandatory) | Not Mandatory |
When considering whether to choose a .com or .in domain, you must first identify your target audience and purpose. Here are some insights into each domain option:
The Allure of .com
.com is universally recognized as the king of domain extensions, instilling trust and credibility in users worldwide. However, it comes with some limitations due to its extensive usage. As of now, there are over 196 million registered .com domains globally, making it challenging to find available and relevant domain names. This saturation leads to higher costs for quality .com domains.
The Value of .in
.in domains are highly trusted and well-received within India. They are suitable for local businesses with a primarily Indian clientele. Additionally, if your website is written in Hindi or other Indian languages, a .in domain can be more appealing to your audience. .in domains are also more affordable than their .com counterparts.
Clever Domain Hacks with .in
Many people prefer to create clever domain hacks, such as turning phrases into domain names (e.g., “areyou.in”). .in domains are particularly well-suited for such creative naming conventions, making them an attractive option for branding purposes.
Real-World Examples
Let’s explore real examples of websites using .com and .in domains based in India to gain insights into their domain choices:
- Reliance Industries Limited
- Domain: ril.com;
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/reliance/;
- A major corporation with over 50,000 employees, active in various industries such as energy and manufacturing. While they own ril.in, they do not use it. A different company owns ril.co.in.
- Cyient Limited
- Domain: cyient.com;
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cyient/;
- An international global engineering and technology solutions business with over 10,000 employees and global offices. They use a .com domain for their primary website. They also own cyient.in, but cyient.co.in remains available.
- CodeChef
- Domain: codechef.com;
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/codechef/;
- A platform that helps programmers improve their skills and runs related contests. They own both codechef.in and codechef.co.in, but neither domain is in use.
- Kala Ghoda Café
- Domain: kgcafe.in;
- A small café, bakery, wine bar, and occasional gallery in Mumbai. They do not own kgcafe.com, and kgcafe.co.in is available for registration. Using a local .in domain aligns with their Indian customer base.
- Canine Products
- Domain: canineproducts.in;
- Facebook Page: facebook.com/Canineproducts;
- A pet store based in Mumbai. They do not own canineproducts.com (owned by a domain investor), and canineproducts.co.in is available for registration.
These examples highlight that tech-savvy companies, especially those connected to global markets and the English-speaking audience, tend to opt for .com domains. Conversely, businesses catering primarily to Indian customers often find .in domains more suitable.
.in vs. .co.in
If you’ve decided to go with an Indian domain, let’s explore why .in is the preferred choice over .co.in:
The Dominance of .in
- .in is the primary country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for India, making it the default choice for both individuals and companies;
- .in domains are shorter, a desirable trait in the world of domain names;
- Public sales data suggests that .in domains hold more value than .co.in domains.
Historical Perspective
Before 2005, .in domains were not accessible to the public. The .IN era began with a Sunrise Period, allowing owners of registered Indian trademarks or service marks to apply for .IN domains before the general public. This marked a shift towards .in domains gaining prominence.
Real-World Sales Data
Let’s examine some real-world sales data to understand the value of .in and .co.in domains:
.in Domain Sales (Selected Examples):
- poker.in: $60,000;
- hop.in: $50,000;
- sportsbetting.in: $42,300;
- domains.in: $40,000;
- hike.in: $32,000.
.co.in Domain Sales (Selected Examples):
- tire.co.in: $20,000;
- tyre.co.in: $20,000;
- diapers.co.in: $20,000;
- windows7.co.in: $10,200;
- business.co.in: $10,000.
These sales data demonstrate that .in domains consistently command higher prices than .co.in domains in the secondary domain market, reflecting their greater perceived value.
Conclusion
In the realm of domain extensions, the choice between .com, .in, and .co.in is not merely about letters and dots; it’s about your website’s identity, reach, and aspirations. As you embark on your digital journey, remember that your domain is your digital home’s address, and choosing the right one is the foundation of your online presence. Whether you opt for the global allure of .com, the local prominence of .in, or the in-between charm of .co.in, let your choice reflect your vision and connect with your audience. With this guide, you’re equipped to make an informed decision that paves the way for your online success. Happy domain hunting!
FAQ
Your choice depends on your target audience and business goals. If you aim for a global audience, .com is a strong choice. For local businesses in India, .in is recommended, while .co.in is a suboption.
Yes, you can use a .com domain for any business, including local ones. However, it may be more relevant if you plan to expand beyond India or target international customers.
Yes, .in is the primary country-code domain for India and often perceived as more prestigious. It’s shorter and usually preferred for branding.
Registering both is not mandatory, but it can be a good strategy to protect your brand. .in is typically recommended for the primary website, and .co.in can be a backup.