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So, you’re thinking about setting up a website, but aren’t sure whether to get your own .org domain or stick with the common .com? Think no further! This article will compare each option and recommend which one is best suited for your specific business needs.
Owning a Domain Name
First, let’s take a look at why you would want to use either of these options in the first place. You can certainly go without owning any domain name, instead of using services like Facebook or Craigslist that allow users to create their own page for free.
While this method does come with its advantages (most notably, not having to pay), there are also major disadvantages associated with relying on these social media sites alone. For example, Facebook limits what information can be included on an individual’s page, while Craigslist is mainly created for local postings.
While some websites can be successful without owning a domain name, there are several reasons why having one might be beneficial. For one thing, using your own domain allows you to brand yourself in any way you wish.
Additionally, every time someone visits your site they will see your company name and logo on the top of the screen. Having this reliable source of information available to web surfers will make them more likely to trust what you have to say.
It also adds an extra layer of legitimacy – after all, if you’re not even willing to spend $10 per year on your own website name then how serious could you really be about running a business?
We’ll take a look at the differences between using a .com and using a .org. Both options will provide you with an easy-to-remember site name that potential customers can use to find your page. However, there are several key differences that separate them from each other.
The Differences between .com and .org
The first thing we’ll take a look at is the price. Owning a regular .com domain costs about $15 per year while obtaining a .org is completely free. This might not seem like much of a difference, but over time it definitely adds up – if you own five different websites then paying $60 for one of them puts you at quite an advantage!
Additionally, while some hosting services offer discounts for multiple yearly purchases (such as GoDaddy), they only reduce the price for the first domain name you buy. So, if you want to own multiple .coms then you will have to pay at least $15 per site.
Secondly, let’s take a look at what types of sites are appropriate for each option.
Since .org domains are typically used by non-profit organizations it is best suited for online community groups or pages related to philanthropy.
Pages about personal issues, governmental bodies, or professional businesses should be using a .com instead!
One notable exception to this rule involves church websites – both .org and .com domain names are commonly used by churches looking to set up their own website presence online.
Where to Buy a .org or .com Domain Name
GoDaddy is a popular domain registrar. Others like GoDaddy are Namecheap, HostGator, and Network Solutions.
When it comes to choosing a domain name you have a few options:
You can simply choose the .com version of your desired name. This is probably the best choice for businesses that do not have an established reputation or have been around for several years. If you’re just starting out then adding “Inc.” or “Ltd.” to the end of your business’ name is acceptable too!
If you’d prefer to go with a .org option instead, however, you should be aware that there are some restrictions on what names can be used. For example, obscenities and words implying violence are typically not allowed by organizations like ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
Owning a .org Domain Name
If you’re setting up a website that is primarily focused on providing information to the public or bringing together several individuals with similar interests then it’s probably best to go with a .org. This option will make it easier for users to immediately recognize what type of site they are looking at, whether it be professional or personal in nature.
This extension also makes sense if your site doesn’t have any products available for sale since most purchases come from commercial websites using the .com option. Finally, if you
Owning a .com Domain Name
Finally, we will discuss how easy it is for potential customers to find your page using each option. One of the main benefits of using a .com name is that it is universally associated with websites related to business, making it easier for customers to find you online.
On the other hand, since .org domains are generally given out for free without requiring any type of application process there can be some ambiguity about what your site is actually about. This means that web surfers might not know if they have found the right page unless they actually visit it first!
So… which one should I choose?
Overall, it seems like using a .com domain name definitely has more benefits than using a .org domain. As long as your website isn’t for a non-profit organization or church then this should probably be your first choice.
Lori Ballen is a real estate agent in Las Vegas. She’s a digital marketing specialist, speaker, and marketing coach and loves to share her “Ballen Method” to generate website traffic and leads online. Lori’s specialties are SEO content writing (ranking on the search engines), social media strategies, and affiliate marketing. Need a website? Contact Lori’s brothers Jeff and Paul Helvin at Ballen Brands.
