.co.uk vs .com

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L

lolage

Free Member
Jan 27, 2011
140
4
  • #1
    I know its a good idea to get both domains if possible but I've found a domain that I'd like but only the .co.uk is available. The .com version just goes to a page saying,

    An error occurred while processing your request. Reference #97.c4abef50.1350935104.9b28e0
    Click to expand...


    I could probably contact the owner of that site, but if worse comes to worse is it a bad situation to only own the .co.uk? Personally I presume when someone gives me an URL that its .com? Despite .co.uk probably being better for UK businesses, but still surely its a good idea to have the .com and redirect to .co.uk :(



    What are your views on this?


    Cheers.
     
    C

    Cromulent

    Free Member
    Dec 8, 2008
    890
    112
  • #3
    I'd choose a different name and get both. Then redirect one to the other (I'd probably use .com as my main domain and redirect the .co.uk to the .com).

    Frankly I've had this issue myself in the past and decided that however good the name was it wasn't worth paying the stupid prices that a squatter was charging for the name. Just sit down for an hour or two and you'll soon have a nice long list of potential names. I've found that at least one of those names have both available.
     
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    L

    lolage

    Free Member
    Jan 27, 2011
    140
    4
  • #4
    Paul_Rosser said:
    Personally I never assume it's a .com and always ask if the domain extension isn't provided.

    Could be worth checking on the status of the .com as if it expires you may be able to pick it up.

    If you aren't sure how to check the status drop me a PM with the domain name and I'll give you the details.
    Click to expand...

    I'm aware of WHOIS info, but it doesnt expire till next year. :(

    Cromulent said:
    I'd choose a different name and get both. Then redirect one to the other (I'd probably use .com as my main domain and redirect the .co.uk to the .com).

    Frankly I've had this issue myself in the past and decided that however good the name was it wasn't worth paying the stupid prices that a squatter was charging for the name. Just sit down for an hour or two and you'll soon have a nice long list of potential names. I've found that at least one of those names have both available.
    Click to expand...

    I think you're right. I hate thinking of domains. :rolleyes:
     
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    T

    Talay

    Free Member
    Mar 12, 2012
    4,170
    944
  • #5
    You can't sit about hoping that someone will release a domain name for you to register and in all likelihood, they will see you doing business via the .co.uk and hit you up for some fanciful amount to obtain the .com

    As advised, pick another name.
     
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    splashweb

    splashweb

    Free Member
    Oct 22, 2012
    72
    12
    Peterborough
    splashweb.uk
  • #6
    If you're looking to start a brand then I'd certainly try and secure both the .com and .co.uk. But, be sure that there's no conflict with existing trade marks and then be sure to secure your own TM and have some registered rights to the keyword(s).

    Before spending any decent money on domains I'd suggest you read up about the recent announcement from Nominet about the proposed new shorter UK domains.

    Frankly I've had this issue myself in the past and decided that however good the name was it wasn't worth paying the stupid prices that a squatter was charging for the name.
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    Cromulent - Do you mean squatter or do you mean registrant? A squatter is someone who has registered a name in bad faith, ie. there are existing rights that should have been respected. If those rights are yours then the dispute channels should allow you to recover the domain.
     
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    1

    10032012

    Free Member
    Mar 10, 2012
    1,955
    321
  • #7
    1) Get the .co.uk
    2) Get a new .co.uk and new .com, as advised
    3) When (or if) possible get the (old) .com if it becomes available and rebrand to that site if its that much better... then obviously redirect the new .com and .co.uk to the old .com
     
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    FIZIX Agency

    FIZIX Agency

    Free Member
    Jul 9, 2012
    753
    238
    Peterborough, England
  • #9
    Well .com just means commercial entity; but a lot of people consider it to mean American or international company.

    Personally I'd to for .co.uk and .com and use both.

    I also would weigh up what the taken domain is worth to you (if its available to buy). If the site could have value or custom internationally to the extent that the .com is worth the money then I would buy it.

    In the reverse; if there was a domain I wanted; .com was available and .co.uk wasn't; I wouldn't let that alone influence my decision on that domain (unless the co.uk could cause a problem for me).

    Note: not practicing what I preach
     
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    FIZIX Agency

    FIZIX Agency

    Free Member
    Jul 9, 2012
    753
    238
    Peterborough, England
  • #11
    10032012 said:
    .com originally was american commercial. This is why US don't have any alternatives (ok since then the .us came out) where UK, australia, india etc. all have them.
    Click to expand...

    Actually I think you will find (though my net history might be off), that it was restricted use and administered in the US until it was opened to the public for the purpose of giving commercial entities a recognisable domain and like net and org had no official geographic affiliation.

    The localised domains were added to give geographical identification.

    I am happy to be corrected though.
     
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    bennallick

    bennallick

    Free Member
    Feb 15, 2012
    19
    7
    Cornwall, England
  • #12
    For my clients who only trade in the UK, a .co.uk, is perfectly fine. I will use .com for clients who either trade in many territories, or may wish to expand in the future. uk.yourwebsite.com can always work (called a subdomain) if you wish to have a site for certain countries in the future.

    Hope this helps.

    Good luck with your venture!
     
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