Hello everyone.

I wanted to secure a domain for a fresh financial and credit website, but faced a hurdle as all the catchy domains in the .com zone were already taken. Then it hit me that a bunch of new international top-level domains were introduced last year, and among them is the perfect fit for me – .finance, and it's available.

Query: What is Google's stance on websites housed in these new "thematic" domain zones? Is it worth shelling out an extra $100 for a memorable .finance domain, or should I settle for a .com?

I'm mainly concerned about search engine optimization and the fact that people may not be familiar with these new domains.

When it comes to search engine optimization, Google treats new thematic domain extensions the same as traditional ones. This means that there is no inherent advantage or disadvantage from an SEO standpoint in choosing a .finance domain over a .com domain. Google's algorithms focus more on the relevance and quality of website content, user experience, and backlink profile rather than the specific domain extension. Therefore, from an SEO perspective, the impact of the domain extension on search rankings is minimal.

However, beyond SEO, it's essential to consider the user experience and brand perception. A domain that aligns closely with the website's niche, such as a .finance domain for a financial and credit-focused website, can enhance the brand's positioning and credibility within that industry. The thematic domain extension can convey expertise and specialization, potentially resonating more with the target audience and setting the website apart from competitors.

In terms of user familiarity, it's true that .com domains have been the default for many years and are widely recognized and accepted by internet users. New thematic domain extensions may require some time for user adaptation, especially in industries where traditional extensions dominate. However, as the internet landscape continues to evolve, awareness and acceptance of new top-level domains are growing. With effective branding and marketing efforts, a memorable and relevant .finance domain can become associated with the website's identity and niche, overcoming initial familiarity challenges.

The decision to invest in a .finance domain or settle for a .com domain should be guided by the brand's long-term goals, industry positioning, and budget considerations. If the financial and credit website aims to establish itself as a niche authority and the thematic domain aligns closely with the brand identity, an investment in a .finance domain could be justified. However, if the brand's identity is not inherently tied to the thematic extension and budget is a primary concern, opting for a .com domain may be a practical choice.

It's crucial to consider the potential impact of the domain choice on offline branding and marketing initiatives. A clear, relevant, and memorable domain, whether it's a .finance or a .com, can contribute to a strong and recognizable brand presence across both online and offline channels.
While the SEO impact of domain extensions is minimal, the decision to choose a .finance domain over a .com domain should take into account the brand's niche positioning, long-term branding strategy, user familiarity trends, and offline marketing considerations. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your website's goals and resonates with your target audience.

An exclusive domain name is advantageous for the country, while the rest of the domains tend to remain consistent.

Is the traffic in your niche specific to a certain region? If so, then it's a good idea to opt for a domain name that's specific to that region.
I can also suggest that choosing a regional domain can help in targeting the right audience and improving your online presence in the specific region. It can also assist in building trust and credibility among the local audience.

If you think a .finance domain is the holy grail, you might be overestimating its impact. Many users still associate legitimacy with .com. If you want to build trust, a well-established .com could be a safer bet. Sure, a .finance domain sounds catchy, but if you're not actively educating your audience about it, you could be setting yourself up for confusion.