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What Is a Top-level Domain (TLD)?
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Have you ever come across top-level domain options while building a website or registering a domain, and you were unsure what is a top-level domain? Let us break it down for you.
Click here to skip down to the top domain registrars.
A TLD is a short answer for what is a top-level domain. A TLD constitutes what comes after the dot in a URL. For example, our domain name is several.com; the .com is the top-level domain. Other examples of TLDs are .edu, .org, .gov.
Why Is a Top-level Domain Important?
The TLD has many functions, without getting too technical about it; we can explain that the TLD server uses it to communicate with the DNS server to direct your search to the IP address of the requested website as you enter it in your browser.
For instance, when you type in several.com in your browser’s search bar, the DNS resolvers (Domain Name System) communicate with the top-level domain server to send back the IP address of the requested site.
To put it simply, the DNS resolver is the negotiator between you and the domain name server.
Another reason why TLDs are essential is that they tell us what kind of website we are visiting, like a little heads up. So, for example, when you visit a website with a .gov TLD, you will understand that the site belongs to a government. And a .org TLD tells you the website is for an organization, and so on.
Keep reading to know more about what is a top-level domain.
What Are the Different Types of TLDs?
Now that we have discussed what is a top-level domain, let us talk about its different types.
Top-level domains are classified into several groups. Therefore, it is wise to know all about what is a top-level domain before you register for a domain or build yourself a website.
There are:
- Generic TLDs: these are most common including .com, .net, .org.
- Country code TLDs: these TLDs represent countries and territories, like .uk, .jo, .au.
- Sponsored TLDs: these TLDs represent professional, ethnic, or geographical communities. E.g., .gov is intended for use by the US government and is sponsored by the General Services Administration.
- Reserved TLDs: these TLDs are on a reserved list and are unavailable for use.
The answer is no; Google does not care about which TLD you use for your website when it comes to SEO. Google focuses on content than what is your top-level domain.
However, there is a catch; if your TLD is not memorable, it might affect your SEO and traffic. A study conducted by GrowthBadger states that .com TLD is remembered 44% of the time. Their data also shows that .com TLD is also the most trusted.
Now that you are too familiar with what is a top-level domain and its importance, let us take you through the best domain registrars and website builders.
Domain Registrars Recommendations
1. Namecheap
Namecheap is the number one recommendation on our list. Not only is it an affordable domain registrar and easy to navigate, but it also provides a pack of free add-on services for growing businesses.
Namecheap’s security is top-notch; you are prompted with two-factor authentication when you create your account. They also bestow absolute WHOIS protection for your domain to protect your personal details. Furthermore, they also offer DNS security for $4.88 a year, which encompasses global DNS services and stops unwanted traffic or hoax DNS requests.
With Namecheap, you can also freely transfer your domain with no additional costs!
Last but not least, Namecheap offers great starting prices for .com TLDs, .net TLDs, and many more!
Get Namecheap With A Huge Discount Now!
2. DreamHost
DreamHost is our next best on the list of domain registrars. Like Namecheap, it offers several features and tight security for your domain.
You get free unlimited WHOIS protection and a domain lock, so your information cannot be stolen, and your domain will not transfer without your permission.
To transfer your domain to DreamHost, there is a $9.99 fee for every .com TLD to be transferred. To transfer your domain from DreamHost, on the other hand, is entirely free.
Moreover, DreamHost also offers you free web-design consultation with one of their web experts to get you started with not only web design but also digital marketing and search engine optimizations.
3. GoDaddy
Next up for our top domain registrars is Godaddy. Let us explain why Godaddy is simply one of the best.
Godaddy provides free apps and services for website optimizations. In addition, you get a grace period in case you forget to renew your subscription to your domain name. The grace period keeps it restrained for you for a period of time before someone else buys it.
Godaddy has competitive prices for its plans and a user-friendly website design and function you cannot turn a blind eye to.
Godaddy also offers a discount when you buy domain names in bulk for each TLD.
Building your own website can be pretty tricky if you are not a coder. Below you will find the top website builders you can use after buying a domain name for your website.
Click here if you missed the answer for what is a top-level domain.
Website Builder Recommendation
1. Wix
Wix is on the top of our list as the best website builder out there. It features more than 160 million websites from about 80 countries! You also get hundreds of great templates to choose from with various features depending on your website’s demand.
Wix offers a bunch of third-party applications and built-in tools to help boost your website to increase traffic and engage with your audience.
Wix’s premium plans also include Search Engine Optimization, tag manager, and google analytics to help your website rank in the top 10 search results page.
SSL certification is also included to keep your website and data safe.
Check out our Wix tutorial for a thorough step-by-step guide!
2. Squarespace
If you are an artist, photographer, or blogger, Squarespace is the best option for you.
It offers unlimited storage for all its plans, in addition to a bunch of beautiful templates at the tips of your fingertips.
Squarespace also provides a free domain for the first year of its plans. It also offers a 14-day trial on all its plan so you can test out its features before making a payment.
With Squarespace, your website also gets free SSL certification to keep your data safe and secure.
Finally, Squarespace offers a dedicated E-commerce plan if you plan to use your website for business purposes.
If you are stuck between Squarespace and Wix, read our Squarespace vs. Wix comparison to help you make up your mind.
3. Site123
Site123 is considered one of the friendliest website builders on the market. Site123 is most suited for personal websites or small businesses. Its E-commerce plan offers specific features for marketing; it also allows you to add discount promo codes and CTAs.
Site123 includes search engine optimization and social media integration as well.
At last, Site123 provides your website with free SSL certification and security monitoring to make sure your website’s data is safe and encrypted at all times.