There are 1.13 billion websites on the internet as of 2023, and getting your business website to stand out is a constant challenge. Choosing the wrong domain name can cost precious opportunities to woo clients and establish trust.
This is where the .biz domain steps in. It immediately categorizes your website as business-related, conveying a professional image for your company’s online presence while standing out from common .com websites.
In this article, learn what .biz is, its unique benefits, and valuable tips on how to select the perfect domain name to pair with your .biz extension. Dive in and learn whether a .biz domain is right for your business.
.biz: The ideal domain for your business website
.biz domains are designed for business websites. Most websites use common domain extensions such as .com or .net, but they don’t immediately convey what kind of site they are. .biz, on the other hand, immediately narrows down your website’s purpose to web visitors as something related to commerce.
It’s a generic top-level domain tailor-made for:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- ECommerce businesses
- Startups
- Professional consultants
- B2B service providers
- Online retailers
- Freelancers offering business services
- Marketing agencies
- Tech companies
- Trade associations
There are no formal restrictions on who can register a .biz domain, but it’s widely recognized that the domain should be used for a “bona fide business or commercial use”. You may be required to declare that the domain will be used for a legitimate business purpose when registering.
Why use a .biz domain extension?
.biz domain was created in 2001 to provide an alternative to the crowded .com namespace. It was introduced as part of a wider initiative by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to diversify available domain options as more businesses moved online.
The new .biz domain names gave companies a new avenue for establishing a professional online presence when their desired .com domain was taken. But more than that, .biz has other benefits for your website.
Improves credibility and professionalism
A .biz domain instantly boosts your brand’s professional image and assures clients that they’re in the right place for business.
So, let’s imagine someone named Alex. He owns a small makeup company and wants to create a shop online. At first, he named his website “alexmakeupcorner.com,” but it sounds more like a blog than a professional business. Wanting to make a better impression, Alex switches to “alexsmakeup.biz.”
This small change makes the website more like an official business where customers can buy makeup.
Drives targeted traffic
The .biz extension directs relevant visitors to your site. Because .biz is short for “business’, people looking for business services and products know right away that you’re an online store.
Let’s go back to Alex’s makeup shop. Before he changed his domain name to “alexmakeup.biz”, his online store didn’t really give the impression of an eCommerce website. After the change, he gets more traffic from people with the intention to purchase makeup and cosmetics — exactly the type of traffic he wants.
Boosts search engine rankings
Domains are also a crucial part of your SEO strategy. Your domain name can influence how easily people find you online. We’ve talked about how having a .biz extension helps viewers find your business website faster. However, it doesn’t just help potential customers.
Search engines acknowledge the relevance of your domain extension. Since Alex’s domain name “alexmakeup.biz” is clear and relevant, search engines easily understand what your site is about. Then, your website can show up higher on search results for queries with purchasing intent, such as “cheap makeup deals” or “where to buy makeup”.
Promotes better brand recognition
With a .biz domain, your brand stands out as a distinct and memorable entity. Using the right keywords in your domain explains what your business is about. In Alex’s case, “alexmakeup.biz” explains two things:
First, .biz is distinct from a .com or a .net, instantly making your site stand out as a business website.
Second, it helps people remember the name better because it matches his business name and reinforces what he sells: makeup.
Now, when people think of buying makeup, they remember “alexmakeup.biz” easily because the domain name reflects the brand perfectly.
6 tips to keep in mind when picking a domain name for your business site
1. Add relevant keywords
A good domain includes keywords related to your business name. It should mirror what you offer so viewers can immediately understand in a blink of an eye. Web.com’s AI Domain Name Generator tool can make this step more convenient.
2. Keep it simple
A domain that’s easy to remember keeps you on top of mind. People tend to remember simple names over long and complex ones. You want your customers to think of you when they’re planning to purchase a product or service you’re offering.
3. Avoid numbers and hyphens
Numbers, hyphens, and other special characters in your domain name can cause confusion.
For example, if you use a number, people might not know whether to spell it out or use the digit. Keep it simple by avoiding hyphens and other special characters. “alexmakeup.biz” is cleaner and easier to remember than “4leX-makeup.BIZ”.
4. Make it easy to pronounce
Choose a name that rolls off the tongue. If it’s a tongue-twister, it’s probably a no-go.
It’s crucial for word-of-mouth marketing and ease of sharing. If a customer can say your domain name effortlessly, they’re more likely to pass it along to others. A pronounceable domain ensures that when someone hears about your website, they can remember it, repeat it, and type it without mistakes.
5. Check its availability
Before setting your heart on a name, ensure it’s actually available for you to register. You can use a domain name search tool or visit a domain registrar’s website to do this. Just type in the name you want, and the tool will tell you if someone else already owns it.
It’s best not to skip this crucial step because if the domain you want is already in use, you’re back on the drawing board to find another name that fits your brand and is still up for grabs.
6. Register your domain immediately
Domain names sell like hotcakes. Found the perfect one? Register it pronto.
Once someone else registers it, you can’t have it unless they let it expire or agree to sell it to you. It’s a first-come, first-served world on the internet, so when you find an available domain that fits your business like a glove, don’t delay. Get your .biz domain name and make it yours.
Embrace the power of a .biz domain name
A .biz domain shows you mean business, makes it easier for customers to find you, and helps them remember your name. Position your business or personal brand on the path to online recognition and credibility with the right domain.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Register your .biz domain with Web.com today. Not only will you secure a domain that says ‘professionalism’, but with our robust online solutions, you’ll also give your business website the edge it needs to stand out.
Don’t wait for opportunities to pass you by—make your move with Web.com and watch your business soar.
