I've been reflecting lately on the "domain revolution" and the abundance of thematic domain zones - over 140, in fact. However, despite this abundance, I find it difficult to accept domains beyond the traditional .info/.com/.net/.org. Occasionally, I'll come across .me or .it, but those are the extent of my familiarity.

But now there are domains like .LUXURY - with a registration fee of almost $1000 - as well as perplexing options like .IMMOBILIEN and .DEMOCRAT. Have you encountered these domains in your work, and if so, do you perceive them in a positive light?

Does it really matter what's at the end of a domain name, considering that you can always find new websites through a search or link on another resource? Personally, when visiting a site, I'm indifferent to which zone it belongs to.

That being said, for my own projects, I solely consider the net/com/org domains - perhaps out of habit. Have you experienced a similar preference for certain domains in your own work or online browsing?

Quote from: Dmitry328 on Aug 08, 2022, 12:36 AMRecently I caught myself thinking that despite the "domain revolution", and the fact that there are now more than 140 thematic domain zones, I have a hard time accepting domains other than .info/.com/.net/.org.
Sometimes I see .me and .it, but no more. But there is already .LUXURY (with a registration fee of almost 1000 dollars) and absolutely incomprehensible .IMMOBILIEN and .DEMOCRAT.

Tell me please, do you come across similar domains, do you use them in your work, and do you perceive them normally?

It all depends on what level you work with the site. If you surf the Internet to find the information you need, then it doesn't matter to you which domain zones the site belongs to, but if you work with a business, then completely different algorithms go into battle, where the domain zone and the registrar have a completely different meaning. If we talk about domain zones like .food, .training, .basket, then domain zones are not so much important as their sonorous sound or memorability.

When selecting a domain, it's important to consider how your audience will perceive your website and the business structure behind it. As someone from Ukraine, I've found that Ukrainian domains are the optimal choice for sites operating within the region and those with thematic ties to it.

Do you agree that choosing a domain that aligns with your audience's geographic location and interests can enhance the success of your online presence?

The traditional domains like .com, .net, and .org have established a sense of familiarity and trust. They are often the go-to options for businesses looking to create a professional online presence. However, the proliferation of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) introduces exciting opportunities for branding and differentiation.

The emergence of specialized domains such as .LUXURY, .IMMOBILIEN, and .DEMOCRAT allows brands to convey their values and niche more effectively. For example, a luxury goods company might benefit from a .LUXURY domain to immediately convey exclusivity and high-end offerings. Similarly, a real estate business might adopt a .IMMOBILIEN domain to resonate with its target market in German-speaking regions. This targeted approach facilitates clearer messaging and can enhance search engine optimization by aligning the domain with specific keywords.

However, the high registration fees for some of these domains can be a barrier for many businesses. A .LUXURY domain costing nearly $1000 is a significant investment, and it raises the question of whether the brand will see a return on this investment. For smaller businesses or startups, this could mean choosing between a premium domain and other vital expenses.

Moreover, some of these new TLDs may come off as gimmicky or may not hold the same level of credibility as the traditional ones. As a marketer, I recognize the importance of consumer perception. A domain that appears overly niche or trendy might not inspire confidence in potential customers. In contrast, a .com or .org can evoke a sense of reliability and professionalism, which is crucial for any brand's success.

Another consideration is long-term brand strategy. While some brands may find immediate benefits in adopting gTLDs, it is essential to evaluate whether their target audience understands and trusts these newer domains. Additionally, securing the traditional domain alongside a new gTLD can be a strategic move to ensure comprehensive brand coverage.
While thematic domain zones present unique opportunities for branding, they also come with challenges. The key is finding a balance between innovation and trustworthiness. As digital landscapes evolve, watching how these new domains are adopted and perceived will provide valuable insights into the future of online branding. For now, I remain cautious but open-minded about their potential impact in the marketing arena.

I find the rise of obscure domains like .DEMOCRAT and .IMMOBILIEN puzzling. They may cater to niche audiences, but the high registration fees seem excessive and counterproductive. Most users default to familiar TLDs, and I doubt that these new options will shift user behavior significantly. It feels like a cash grab rather than a genuine innovation in the domain space.