Finding the right name and top level domain (TLD) is essential when it comes to . However, the process may seem complicated, as there are to choose from, such as .com Y .io.
Each of them serves a specific purpose. For example, the are suitable for commercial websites and the .io they are popular with tech corporations.
In this article we will talk specifically about the extension of , from its definition and brief history to its functions. We’ll also list the pros and cons of the .io domain name, to help you decide whether to use it for your website.
What is a .io domain?
.io is a country code top-level domain name (ccTLD) used for the Chagos Archipelago, corresponding to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). However, it has become a generic domain and is now popular in the technology world as IO or I/O stands for input/output in computing.
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the organization that manages the root zone of the , delegated the TLD .io to the Internet Computing Bureau (ICB). Subsequently, Levis Strauss registered the domain name levi.io with a purpose other than geographic identity.
Now the domain .io is operated by , a US registry that also manages the domains .mobi and .info.
When should you use the .io domain extension?
Compared to other popular ones, fewer sites use .io. However, this domain extension is becoming more and more popular on high-traffic tech sites.
Here are just a few examples of popular .io websites:
- opensea.io: the largest market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
- Etherscan.io: This website is used to search for transactions on the Ethereum blockchain.
- greenhouse.io: is an applicant tracking system and recruiting software.
Although the domain .io is popular in the technology industry, this extension is available for any business. Typically, web visitors see this domain as something more generic than country-specific, common examples of which are .co.uk either .fr.
Therefore, Google treats .io as one of the : ccTLDs, which are recognized as generic top-level domains.
Note that .io is different from the TLD .lywhich is still administered as the Libyan country code top-level domain, although many companies outside the country such as Bit.ly Y ow.ly use this extension.
Therefore, the use of .io it is one of the domain hacks for global companies to have memorable brand names. They do not have to be located in the BIOT to register domains .ionor worry about search rankings, since it is not country-oriented.
For example, Marco Rubio successfully used blond for his presidential campaign in the United States. brick linka platform for the sale and purchase of LEGO parts, uses stud.io for redirect to their software called studio 2.0.
For their part, speakers of Italian and Esperanto use the .io to create a domain that is geographically relevant and that suits the keywords. Io, in Italian, means “I” and serves as a suffix to end the official names of lands and countries.
For example, hope.io redirects to , an online newsletter written in Esperanto.
What does .io mean for startups?
Tech and SaaS startups use domain names .io due to its reference to input/output terminology, providing a single word relevant to its audience and startup communities. Furthermore, it is possible that .com not available for your second level domains, which makes .io in a perfect domain alternative.
What does .io mean for tech companies?
Just like tech startups, other companies in the tech field use .io to associate with the input/output reference. These include open source organizations and those in the financial services industry, such as cryptocurrency companies.
Many video game projects also use .io What similar domain, as the term io in the gaming industry refers to browser-based games with multiplayer components and minimal graphics.
Pros and cons of the .io domain
Now that you know the basic concept of the domain .iolet’s examine the pros and cons of using this extension on your web address.
Advantages of .io domains
Here are some great reasons why people use the domain .io:
- technology affiliation: .io is recognizable in the tech space and startup communities. This makes the domain effective for external communications, helping people quickly recognize the industry.
- higher availability: in compared to other domains, such as .com and .net, the address .io it only represents the . As a result, this TLD is more likely to be available than other options when purchasing a domain name for your current brand.
- Wide recognition in search engines: Google does not relate .io with the British Indian Ocean Territory, which means that it does not specifically target that geographical area when displaying the sites .io in search results.
- a creative name: uses .io to shorten your URLs and create more memorable domains.
Disadvantages of .io domains
In addition to offering several advantages, the domain extension .io It also has several disadvantages, including:
- a higher price: depends on its extension, availability and popularity, and .io is more expensive than domains, or .com. One of the reasons is that it has become fashionable and in demand in the technology industry and startups.
- Lower confidence and recall scores: in comparison with popular domains like .com and , .io is . Its confidence index is around 3.0 and it is one of the least memorable, with a score of 28%. This may be because .io is relatively new and has not earned the same credibility and reputation as .com.
A controversial story: there are geopolitical issues over the Chagos Archipelago between the United Kingdom, the Republic of Mauritius and the United States. This dispute could immediately disable BIOT, IO’s ISO-3166 country code, and the .io domain, as its domain names. .eu after Brexit.
pro tip
If you choose the .io extension, make sure you go to a trusted domain provider, like . All domain names come with privacy protection and 24/7 expert support. You can also purchase our and get a free domain name.
conclusion
The Dominion .io used to be solely one of the country code TLDs, specifically for sites in the Indian Ocean. However, it is no longer country-specific, as Google recognizes it as a generic top-level domain, serving a much larger audience.
Many people consider that .io it is the appropriate domain name extension for your technology business, referring to input/output, in the computing process. Meanwhile, others buy it to make a more creative and relevant domain using a different TLD.
Despite their higher cost, lower trust rating, and complex history, domains .io offer higher availability and a shorter name. They also help people associate the sites .io with startups or technology companies, even without viewing the content.
We hope this article will help you decide whether to use the domain .io for your website or not. Make sure to register the domain while it’s available, through a reputable registrar or hosting provider along with a hosting plan.
Diego is a social communicator, a digital advertising specialist who is constantly working on improving his knowledge of digital marketing, focusing on content and SEO. Languages, series, books and internet courses are his main hobbies, in addition to sports.
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