If you’re building a business—whether you’re planning on coaching, creating digital products, or speaking on stages—your domain is like your online home base. It’s where people come to find you, learn more about what you do, and, let’s be real, it’s how you make your business official.
No domain? It’s kinda like opening up a shop without a sign.
Now, I’m gonna be honest with you: I’m a bit of a domain hoarder. Every time I come up with a new business idea (which happens wayyy too often), I immediately snag the domain. Like, before I’ve even figured out the details of what I’m going to do. I just can’t help myself! Future business Christina is gonna thank me one day… I hope.
Just last week I was struck by genius on a drive from home to Oak Island, North Carolina, and this morning I purchased not one, not two, not three, but four domains for a future project that may or may not see the light of day.
Honestly I just like to be organized and prepared – and I try to cull my domains on an annual basis if the project really isn’t going to come to fruition.
All hoarding jokes aside, securing a domain isn’t just for us serial buyers with what seems like an unlimited amount of shiny-object-business-ideas. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make when starting (or rebranding) your business.
A domain is your way of saying, “Hey world, I’m here, and this is where you can find me.” Whether you’re launching a brand-new offer or turning your expertise into a digital product, your domain is your home on the web—and you want to claim it early before someone else does.
Why .Com Has Historically Been King
When it comes to domains, .com has been the gold standard for as long as most of us can remember. It’s the domain that everyone just expects a website to have. Why? Because it’s what we’re familiar with. From the early days of the internet, .com became synonymous with trust, reliability, and, well, the internet itself.
Think about it—how many times have you typed out a URL and automatically added .com at the end without even thinking? It’s practically muscle memory at this point! And because of that familiarity, businesses have always prioritized getting their hands on a .com domain. They don’t want to risk confusion or the dreaded missed traffic because someone instinctively types in .com instead of .net, .org, or, yes, .co.
A .com domain instantly tells your audience that you’re a legit business. It’s like wearing a sharp blazer to a meeting—it gives you a certain level of authority without you even having to say a word. And let’s be real, when you’re launching your brand or building your online presence, making that first impression counts.
But here’s the catch: with so many businesses out there, getting your hands on a .com that aligns with your brand can be tough. That’s why .co is stepping up to the plate as a strong alternative—and it’s not as bad as you might have been told.
Why .Co Isn’t So Bad These Days
While it may not have the same legacy as .com, .co has been stepping up its game lately, and more businesses are embracing it as a solid alternative. In fact, it’s becoming pretty common to see businesses rocking the .co domain—and it’s no longer the eyebrow-raiser it used to be.
A Growing Trend in the Domain World
I don’t have to tell you that when you’re trying to secure a domain, .com isn’t always available. It can feel like all the good ones are taken, leaving you to choose between a name that doesn’t quite fit your brand or a different domain extension.
With more and more businesses opting for .co, it’s gaining familiarity and trust. So, if you can’t snag the .com, .co is often a fantastic alternative that lets you keep your brand name without compromise.
The Trendy Factor: .Co is the new Black
And ya know what? .co can actually make your brand feel fresh and modern.
Because it’s not as overused as .com, it gives off this vibe of being just a little bit ahead of the curve.
When people see a .co, it stands out—kind of like when you find a super unique name for your business or use a bold design that grabs attention.
It shows you’re not afraid to be different, and honestly, that can be a good thing. Who doesn’t want to look like they’re ahead of the norm?
In a way, choosing a .co signals that your brand is thinking forward, staying on top of trends, and isn’t stuck in the past. So if you want to look innovative, edgy, or just a bit more hip, .co can be a part of that brand story.
“But won’t people just accidentally type .com instead of .co?”
That used to be a valid concern, but here’s the reality: most of your website traffic these days is not coming from people manually typing your domain into their browser. It’s coming from search engines, social media links, email marketing, and good old-fashioned Google searches.
As long as your SEO is solid and you’re ranking for the right keywords, people are going to find you—regardless of whether your domain ends in .com or .co. It’s way less of a “deal-breaker” than it used to be. In fact, I’d argue that a well-optimized .co domain is just as effective as a .com.
So, while .com might still be the default in people’s minds, .co is quickly catching up. It’s not only a great backup option but also a smart choice if you’re looking for something that feels fresh and unique.
Importance of Good SEO with a .Co
So, you’ve chosen a .co domain—awesome! Now, let’s talk about something that’ll make it really work for you: SEO. When you’re working with a .co domain, making sure your website ranks well in search results becomes even more important. Why? Because while people may still instinctively type .com into their browsers, the majority of your traffic isn’t going to come from people manually typing in your domain anyway.
Why SEO Matters Even More with .Co
Did you know that, according to Hubspot, only 22% of all website traffic comes from direct visits? That means the rest of the time, people are finding websites through search engines, social media, or other referral sources.
In other words, most people are clicking on a link to get to your site—not typing in the domain directly.
This is great news for anyone with a .co domain! As long as you’ve got solid SEO, people are going to land on your site—whether it’s .com, .co, or something else entirely. It’s all about getting your site in front of the right audience.
Here’s what you can do:
- Optimize your website for relevant keywords that your audience is searching for.
- Put your domain in all the right places—whether that’s in your social media bios, email marketing, guest blog posts, or even on your business card.
- Strengthen your SEO overall by keeping your content fresh, relevant, and valuable to your audience.
As long as you’re focusing on these things, people will find you. Whether they’re searching on Google, clicking a link from your latest Instagram post, or scrolling through an email newsletter, strong SEO will ensure that your audience ends up exactly where you want them—on your site.
Where I Buy My Domains: Namecheap
When it comes to purchasing domains, you want a platform that’s easy to use, affordable, and doesn’t hit you with hidden fees. For me, that place is Namecheap, hands down.
It’s been my go-to for years, and if you’re like me—juggling multiple domains, business ideas, and all the things—having a place to easily manage everything is a must.
Why I Recommend Namecheap
Here’s why I love Namecheap: they make managing your domains simple and streamlined. Whether you’ve got just one domain or a whole collection (guilty), their dashboard makes it super easy to keep track of everything. You can renew, transfer, or update your domains with just a few clicks, which is perfect for busy entrepreneurs who are wearing all the hats and don’t have time for complicated processes.
But that’s not all—their pricing is totally reasonable, and there are no surprise fees lurking around the corner. I’ve found that a lot of domain providers out there like to lure you in with low prices, only to hit you with fees for renewals, privacy protection, and other add-ons.
With Namecheap, what you see is what you get, and that’s a huge win, especially when you’re building your business on a budget.
For second-career women who are taking the leap into entrepreneurship and turning their experience into something new—whether it’s consulting, digital products, or speaking—having a reliable domain provider is key. Namecheap helps you stay organized and prepared without breaking the bank, which is exactly what you need when you’re focusing on growing your business.
When should you buy your domain?
The answer is simple: as soon as you land on your business name, grab that domain! Don’t wait until you’re ready to launch or even until you’ve fully fleshed out your business plan. Securing your domain early is like saving a seat at the table—it ensures no one else can take it, and you’re free to build on your brand when the time is right.
Timing is Key
Think of your domain as an investment in your business’s future. Even if you’re not quite ready to build out your website or make a big splash online, it’s better to lock down that domain now. This is especially true if your business name is on the simpler side or feels like something others might want—because once it’s gone, it’s gone.
And here’s a little pro tip: If both the .com and .co versions of your domain are available, buy both. Even if you don’t plan on using the .com right away, owning it prevents someone else from grabbing it later. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than building up your brand with a .co, only to have someone else swoop in and snag the .com version down the line. It’s all about protecting your brand for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, .com will always be the go-to for many businesses, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option. If your preferred .com domain is unavailable, don’t hesitate to consider .co—it’s a strong contender that can give your brand a modern, forward-thinking edge.
With good SEO practices, clear branding, and a thoughtful online strategy, a .co domain can work just as effectively as a .com. Remember, most of your traffic will come from search engines and links, so as long as you’re visible in all the right places, you’re set.
