As the internet continues to evolve, so do the domain names we use to identify websites. In 2012, a major expansion of the domain name system was introduced, which brought with it a new type of top-level domain (TLD) known as new gTLDs. These new gTLDs offer a range of benefits for website owners, including improved branding, better search engine optimization (SEO), and increased security.
In this article, I’ll be exploring the benefits of new gTLDs, with a particular focus on the .app gTLD. I’ll explain what new gTLDs are, how they can benefit your online presence, and why .app is a game-changer for website owners. I’ll also look at who can benefit from using .app, how to register a .app domain name, and provide some best practices for using new gTLDs in your online strategy.
What are new gTLDs?
New gTLDs are TLDs (top-level domains) that were introduced in 2012 as part of a major expansion of the domain name system. Prior to this, there were only a limited number of TLDs available, such as .com, .org, and .net. The introduction of new gTLDs made it possible for website owners to choose from a wider range of domain names that were more descriptive of their business or industry.
Examples of new gTLDs include .app, .blog, and .shop. These TLDs offer a range of benefits over traditional TLDs, including improved branding, better SEO, and increased security.
The benefits of using new gTLDs
There are several benefits to using new gTLDs for your website. One of the main benefits is improved branding. By using a TLD that is specific to your business or industry, you can create a more memorable and distinctive domain name that is easier for customers to remember.
New gTLDs can also help with SEO. By using a TLD that is specific to your industry, you can help search engines understand what your website is about. This can lead to improved rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs) and increased traffic to your site.
Another benefit of using new gTLDs is increased security. Many new gTLDs, including .app, require HTTPS encryption, which helps to protect user data and prevent cyber attacks.
The impact of new gTLDs on search engine optimization (SEO)
New gTLDs can have a significant impact on SEO. By using a TLD that is specific to your industry, you can help search engines understand the content of your website. This can lead to improved rankings in SERPs and increased traffic to your site.
One of the main ways that new gTLDs can improve SEO is by making it easier for users to find your website. By using a TLD that is relevant to your industry, you can help users understand what your website is about before they even click on the link.
Another way that new gTLDs can improve SEO is by increasing the relevance of your website to search queries. For example, if you have a website that sells shoes, using a TLD like .shoes can help search engines understand that your website is relevant to queries related to shoes.
Understanding the .app gTLD
The .app gTLD is one of the most popular new gTLDs available. It was introduced in 2018 and is managed by Google. The .app TLD is specifically designed for mobile apps, making it an ideal choice for app developers and businesses that offer mobile apps.
One of the main benefits of using the .app gTLD is improved branding. By using a TLD that is specific to mobile apps, you can create a more memorable and distinctive domain name that is easier for users to remember.
Another benefit of using the .app gTLD is increased security. The .app TLD requires HTTPS encryption, which helps to protect user data and prevent cyber attacks.
Why .app is a game-changer for your online presence
The .app gTLD is a game-changer for website owners because it offers a range of benefits over traditional TLDs. By using a TLD that is specific to mobile apps, you can create a more memorable and distinctive domain name that is easier for users to remember.
The .app gTLD also offers increased security, which is essential for websites that deal with sensitive user data. By requiring HTTPS encryption, the .app TLD helps to protect user data and prevent cyber attacks.
Another reason why .app is a game-changer for website owners is its potential impact on SEO. By using a TLD that is specific to mobile apps, you can help search engines understand the content of your website, which can lead to improved rankings in SERPs and increased traffic to your site.
Who can benefit from using .app?
The .app gTLD is ideal for businesses and individuals that offer mobile apps. This includes app developers, mobile game developers, and businesses that offer mobile services, such as banking or food delivery.
However, the .app gTLD can also be used by businesses that don’t offer mobile apps. For example, a business that sells shoes could use a domain name like shoes.app to create a memorable and distinctive brand identity.
How to register a .app domain name
Registering a .app domain name is a straightforward process. Simply visit a domain registrar that offers .app domains, such as Google Domains or GoDaddy, and search for the domain name you want.
Once you have found a domain name that is available, simply follow the instructions to register the domain. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your name and contact details, as well as payment information.
Best practices for using new gTLDs in your online strategy
When using new gTLDs in your online strategy, there are some best practices you should follow to ensure the best results. These include:
- Choose a TLD that is relevant to your business or industry
- Use a TLD that is easy to remember and spell
- Use a TLD that is SEO-friendly
- Ensure your website is secure by using HTTPS encryption
Examples of successful .app websites
There are many successful websites that use the .app gTLD. For example, the mobile game Monument Valley 2 uses the domain name monumentvalley2.app, and the mobile payment app Venmo uses the domain name venmo.app.
Other successful .app websites include the food delivery service Grubhub, which uses the domain name grubhub.app, and the online retailer Lululemon, which uses the domain name shoplululemon.app.