Choose a domain name suffix: .COM, .ORG or .NET?

Do you have an idea for a website and don’t know if it should be registered as .com, .org or .net?

It really comes down to personal preference, but there are some practical considerations before choosing. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing:

1) Websites are virtual property. Consider the final resale value of the domain name. For this purpose, .com, .org and .net are the best.

2) The world in general is more familiar with these three suffixes. While a name may be available using .info or .ws, these suffixes have not found a place in the mind of the typical Internet user. In the end, sites with .com, .org, or .net extensions have a more natural “authority” and built-in reputation.

3) .com is the most familiar to most people. Even if a domain name has already been taken, it may be worth the effort to continue purchasing the name. See point #1.

4) .org has generally been used for non-profit organizations. This has been changing. Many nonprofit organizations have “stores.” Today it is often used for sites that simply provide information with no intention of selling anything.

5) .net is recommended if the .com equivalent has been taken and the .com version cannot be purchased.

6) The transfer of .org domains (in the case of a sale) requires signed documentation. This can get complicated.

While there are no hard and fast rules, beginners should stick to one of three main suffixes.