Domain extensions like .com, .net, and even .id are not just web addresses—they can also influence user trust and SEO strategy. But do domain extensions really impact your website’s ranking on search engines like Google? Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation to help you choose the right domain name.
Do Domain Extensions Affect Rankings?
Google has stated that all generic top-level domains (gTLDs) such as .com, .net, and .org are treated equally. In other words, the domain extension you choose won’t directly impact your website’s search engine ranking.
However, some newer extensions like .xyz may be treated differently in practice. These domains have often been associated with spam, which can lower user trust. So, while domain extensions don’t directly affect SEO rankings, user perception still plays an important role.
ccTLDs and Local SEO
Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), like .id (Indonesia), .fr (France), or .au (Australia), signal to Google that the website is intended for users in that specific country. This can be especially useful if you’re targeting a local audience.
However, Google recommends also using tools like hreflang tags to ensure your content is properly localized—especially if you want to reach multiple countries or languages.
Should You Buy Multiple Country Domains?
When expanding into international markets, businesses often ask whether they should register multiple ccTLDs (like .id, .my, .sg) or use subfolders (website.com/id/) or subdomains (id.website.com).
From an SEO perspective, both methods can work well if managed correctly. ccTLDs send a strong geographic signal but require more resources to maintain. Subfolders and subdomains allow you to benefit from your existing domain authority, but technical setup may be more complex depending on your platform.
The right choice depends on your team’s technical capability and your long-term branding strategy.
What About Domains Like .ai and .io?
While .ai and .io are technically ccTLDs (for Anguilla and the British Indian Ocean Territory), they’ve gained global popularity, especially among tech companies. Their appeal often lies in their association with artificial intelligence and computing (I/O = input/output).
Although these domains may boost click-through rates due to user expectations, Google does not officially give ranking advantages to .ai or .io domains. Still, they can be effective for branding if you’re in the tech industry.
Branded Extensions and User Trust
Newer and branded extensions like .shop, .tech, or .agency are often used for branding purposes. However, some SEO tools may initially have trouble recognizing them, which can affect perceived domain authority.
More importantly, consider how your audience reacts. Users unfamiliar with these extensions may be hesitant to click. Use branded extensions to strengthen your identity—not just for SEO.
Final Thoughts: Choosing a domain extension matters, but it shouldn’t be your only focus. What’s more important is user experience, branding, and how well your team can manage and localize your site.
Extensions like .ai or .io have seen success, but they’re exceptions—not the rule. The best domain extension is one that matches your audience, reflects your brand, and fits your technical capabilities. SEO is just one part of the bigger picture. Your domain should serve both your users and search engines—not just one or the other.