Hey there. I'm in the process of picking a domain zone for a new startup, and as expected, .com is already taken. The target audience for our service is mainly English speakers.

I've come across various discussions on blogs and Reddit regarding a decrease in trust for the .net zone (I'm not sure why), which is leading many to opt for .co (due to its association with "company" and "commerce," among other reasons). However, won't this lead to potential issues if users mistakenly type .co instead of .com in their browsers?

The .com domain has long been the gold standard for online businesses, and its widespread recognition and trustworthiness among internet users cannot be understated. However, the saturation of the .com zone means that finding a suitable and available domain can be an arduous task for startups, leading many to explore alternative options.

The .net domain, once considered a viable alternative, has seen a decline in user trust and perception due to associations with spammy or lower-quality websites, as well as the rise of more specific domain extensions. This decline in trust can raise concerns about the credibility and professionalism of a business using a .net domain, potentially impacting user engagement and conversion rates.

In contrast, the .co domain has emerged as a popular choice, particularly within the startup and tech sectors, due to its association with "company" and "commerce." Many successful companies have adopted the .co extension, contributing to its credibility and acceptance among internet users. From a marketing perspective, the .co domain can convey a modern and innovative brand image, aligning well with the ethos of many new startups.

However, the potential for user confusion between .co and .com is a valid consideration. Users typing the wrong domain extension could land on a competitor's website or encounter errors, leading to a loss of traffic and potential customers. It's crucial to implement clear branding, user-friendly design, and strategic marketing efforts to reinforce the correct domain and mitigate the risk of confusion.
From a search engine optimization (SEO) standpoint, the choice of domain extension can influence online visibility and ranking. While Google has stated that all domain extensions are treated equally in terms of search rankings, user behavior and perceptions can indirectly impact SEO performance. A well-executed marketing and branding strategy can help establish the chosen domain extension as a reputable and authoritative online destination for both users and search engines.

There's no doubt that the oversight made by ICANN, in approving the launch of the .com zone, was a mistake.
To steer clear of confusion, it's imperative not to opt for an unfamiliar and unpopular domain extension when reaching out to your audience.

It is recommended to acquire an aesthetically pleasing COM domain and then modify the project's name to align with the chosen domain.