Which domain should I use for a new business venture?

[John O]

I'm set up plenty of online sites before but never in the structured way I'm planning to launch this venture.

As such, before I've started doing anything, I've researched suitable names and located the domains, which I would like to keep hold of. These are .com, .co.uk and .uk.

However, the next step is probably the most important, as my business will be purely online.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the .com gives the greatest air of credibility but it is not targeted - my business is UK only.

The .co.uk and .uk are both targeted. While the tradition is to use a .co.uk, .uk is shorter - but do uk buyers automatically think ".co.uk" for UK companies.

It's a nice dilemma to have for once but does anyone have any thoughts about which one I should use?

 

[MaureenP]

.uk is short but people are very well aware of .co.uk domain so you have to go with .co.uk domain.

In recent months on this thread http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/threads/uk-or-co-uk.370420/ discussed about the same matter so you can refer it also for more information.

 

[mcmm]

UK business owner with .com main and co.uk redirect.

 

[John O]

UK business owner with .com main and co.uk redirect.

Any particular reason why you chose that route?

 

[tukhnet]

For a UK-based, it's 100% sure that you should go with the .co.uk domain, that's why it was created. It will help you a lot, and you should also pick a web hosting with a UK data centre. The other .com domain is only for international business. Of course, you can also buy them both that you are safe in future.

 

[Free.stockphoto.com]

.uk is short but people are very well aware of .co.uk domain so you have to go with .co.uk domain.

I agree with @MaureenP especially given you're targeting UK customers. Another way of looking at it is if your domain pops up in the search results for your keyword or product/service - would your target customer click on it?

 

[makeusvisible]

For a UK only business, there are proven studies which show a .co.uk will give you more validity with UK buyers. UK consumers are generally more familiar with .co.uk domains, and this can impact both your conversion rate, as well as your click-thru-rate from search results.

For the small cost involved its always worth buying the .com too, but I would suggest you place your website on the .co.uk domain.

 

[RedApple]

I'm set up plenty of online sites before but never in the structured way I'm planning to launch this venture.

As such, before I've started doing anything, I've researched suitable names and located the domains, which I would like to keep hold of. These are .com, .co.uk and .uk.

However, the next step is probably the most important, as my business will be purely online.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the .com gives the greatest air of credibility but it is not targeted - my business is UK only.

The .co.uk and .uk are both targeted. While the tradition is to use a .co.uk, .uk is shorter - but do uk buyers automatically think ".co.uk" for UK companies.

It's a nice dilemma to have for once but does anyone have any thoughts about which one I should use?

For that matter, I suggest that you read on some tips about domain extensions and how to choose one for your business. You could check about "Is It Best To Register a .CO.UK or a .COM Domain?" I hope that could help you in setting up your new business.

 

[webhostuk]

Personally still prefer .co.uk I guess its a default choice from years for me.

 

[PropertyWebmasters]

Defiantly something to think about! But It would go with the .co.uk domain as this is what people automatically think of and its more commonly known. It will still rank just as well too!

 

[webdesignnewcastle]

If you're trading in the UK and want only UK sales, buy .uk or .co.uk
If you're looking for international sales buy .com
If you can't find the word or key phrase that you want buy another extension.

All domain names rank the same. Google sells domain names, Google has no reason to rank a .co.uk over .guru or .technology or .voyage

The only people who know how Google works is Google themselves.

 

[Wanda123]

Go with .co.uk Domain name instead of .uk

 

[webdesignnewcastle]

Go with .co.uk Domain name instead of .uk

Why?

 

[StevePoster]

For your target business which is UK it is highly recommended to set up a .uk domain instead of .co.uk and for me this is for more spaces for your target domain name in the business.

 

[MaureenP]

I agree with @MaureenP especially given you're targeting UK customers. Another way of looking at it is if your domain pops up in the search results for your keyword or product/service - would your target customer click on it?

Yes, off-course. If domain name will pop ups in search results for the query as per user keywords or product/service then people will definitely click on it. But how many ratio from target audience is not fixed.

 

[webdesignnewcastle]

I'm set up plenty of online sites before but never in the structured way I'm planning to launch this venture.

What domain name did you buy?

 

[Amber2017]

If I was purchasing something online from a UK site then the co.uk would have more credibility than a .com site.

 

[extulsftjz]

I have recently gone with .com over .co.uk though I own the .co.uk and will be moving over to it at some point soon.

I think .com looks good but there is an added trust factor, as people have said, when you see .co.uk - especially if you are parting with cash online.