If the client wants their website to have a global reach, which top-level domain should I recommend?
For instance, should I suggest .com, .fr, .pro, or .online?

Opt for a domain zone frequented by your target audience. To illustrate this point, let's consider an instance: if your clientele primarily speaks English, but is based in the UK instead of the US, then you should ideally choose the .UK domain. This is because it is the country-specific domain of the United Kingdom and aligns with the locals' ethos. However, if you wish to be more flexible, you can opt for the widely recognized .COM domain that caters to audiences worldwide.
Keep in mind not to invest in a domain that fails to interest your customers. For instance, if I desire to purchase a household blender and navigate to a website with a domain.ua (Ukraine) or .kz (Kazakhstan), selling merchandise in Germany, I will not proceed with the purchase.

It is worth mentioning that purchasing a domain name that resonates with your target audience is crucial for building a strong online presence. It helps you establish credibility and win customer trust. Additionally, it plays a significant role in boosting your website's search engine ranking, which further aids in attracting potential customers.

Preferably, we would like to have an international domain such as com, pro, or online.

It is important for us to have a domain that is recognizable and accessible to a broad audience worldwide.

Having an international domain can also help establish credibility and professionalism for our organization.

The obvious choice would be .com, however, finding a fitting name may pose as an issue due to the commonality of the domain. In addition, .net and .org should also be considered as they are well-known international domains and offer more opportunities for securing an appealing name. Another option is .biz which directly indicates business services in the global market.

If you intend to prioritize a specific country, it would be beneficial to obtain a "local" domain and establish a redirect from it. This would allow for easier communication with potential customers from said country as the local domain zone name would be more familiar and convenient to use.

As a suggestion, it's important to also consider the relevance of the domain name in relation to your brand or business. A catchy and memorable name can greatly contribute to the success of your online presence.

I would strongly recommend the .com top-level domain (TLD) to a client seeking a global reach for their website. Here's a more detailed explanation of why the .com extension is the best choice in this scenario:

1. Unparalleled Global Recognition and Familiarity:
  - The .com TLD has become the de facto standard for websites worldwide, with unrivaled brand recognition and user familiarity.
  - Decades of widespread adoption have solidified .com as the most recognized and trusted domain extension globally, across all age groups and demographic segments.
  - Users instinctively type ".com" when trying to access a website, making it the natural choice for a globally accessible online presence.

2. Broad Accessibility and Availability:
  - The .com TLD is widely available and accessible in most countries around the world, unlike country-specific TLDs (e.g., .fr for France) or region-specific extensions (e.g., .online).
  - This global accessibility ensures that your website can be easily found and reached by users from diverse geographical locations, without any barriers or confusion.
  - The abundance of .com domain name options also increases the chances of securing a memorable, brandable domain that resonates with your target audience worldwide.

3. Optimal Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
  - Search engines, particularly Google, tend to favor .com domains in their organic search results, especially for broader, non-geo-targeted queries.
  - This SEO advantage can significantly improve the visibility and discoverability of your website in global search engine rankings, making it more likely to be found by potential customers and clients.
  - The .com TLD is often seen as the "default" or "preferred" choice for businesses and organizations, which can influence search engine algorithms and contribute to higher search engine rankings.

4. Brand Recognition and Consistency:
  - Securing the .com version of your client's brand or company name can help establish a strong, globally recognizable online identity.
  - Users worldwide are more likely to associate and remember your website with the familiar .com extension, which can aid in brand building, marketing, and customer recall.
  - Maintaining a consistent .com domain across different markets and regions can also simplify your client's marketing efforts and enhance their brand's cohesive identity.

5. Perceived Credibility and Trustworthiness:
  - The .com TLD is often perceived as more credible, established, and trustworthy compared to other domain extensions.
  - This perception can positively influence user confidence in your client's website, making it more likely for them to engage with the content, products, or services offered.
  - Establishing a .com presence can help your client's website appear more professional, authoritative, and reliable to a global audience.

While there may be specific use cases where alternative TLDs (e.g., .pro, .online) could be considered, the .com extension remains the optimal choice for a website aiming to achieve a truly global reach. Its unparalleled brand recognition, accessibility, SEO benefits, and perceived credibility make it the recommended domain extension for your client's needs.