Our goal is to introduce the service and attract primarily a US and Western European audience.

In regards to domain names, does it matter if we choose Jane.com versus Jane.us or Jane.net?

We have already determined that Jane.com is already taken, however changing our name at this point is not ideal as we have already spent considerable time on the naming process.

For a considerable period of time, domains have not been given much attention. In the past, there was a general understanding that .com represented commercial organizations while .org was reserved for non-profit organizations.

To represent our service in the United States, we have selected Jane.us, while for Europe we have gone with Jane.eu. However, other options such as .org, .biz, and .pro may also be worth considering.

In my opinion, the decision to use a .com domain depends on the website's specific goals and requirements. If your website is primarily focused on operating as an online business or represents a brand, then choosing a .com domain could enhance the credibility and help customers remember your website easily. But if it is a personal blog or website, going for a different domain extension might be more practical and affordable. It is essential to research and consider your objectives carefully before selecting a domain extension.

While .COM is the most recognized and commonly used domain extension, it's not necessary to have one for a successful online presence. What matters more is the quality and relevance of your website content. Other extensions like .NET, .ORG, or specific country domains can also work well depending on your target audience and business type. DevOps Certification

While I understand your predicament with the name change, let's explore how each domain extension could impact your reach and perception in the US and Western European markets.

Jane.com - .com is king, but...

The .com extension is indeed the gold standard, globally recognized, and often perceived as more credible and established. However, with Jane.com already taken, you might face challenges with brand recognition and potential confusion with the existing website.
Consider using a creative alternative like JaneCo.com or JaneHQ.com to maintain the .com advantage while standing out.
Jane.us - Leveraging country-code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

Choosing Jane.us can signal your focus on the US market, which might appeal to local audiences and search engines ( thanks to Google's country-specific ranking factors). This is a smart move, especially if you're targeting a specific geographic region.
However, using a ccTLD might limit your appeal in Western Europe, where users might expect a .com or .eu domain. Also, be aware of potential redirects and canonicalization issues if you plan to target multiple countries.
Jane.net - Exploring alternative Top-Level Domains (TLDs)

Opting for Jane.net introduces a less conventional extension, which can be both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, alternative TLDs like .net, .org, or .io can convey a unique, innovative, or tech-savvy image. On the other hand, they might also come across as less trustworthy or professional to some users.
To mitigate this risk, focus on building a strong brand and user experience, and consider using a clear and memorable subdomain (e.g., app.jane.net) to further emphasize your unique identity.

While Jane.com would ideally be your first choice, don't let its unavailability discourage you from launching a successful venture. Carefully consider the target audience, branding, and SEO implications when selecting an alternative domain extension.