Learn Creative Ways to Brand Your Domain with ccTLDs

A domain name is the core of every business website. A well-thought-out domain name lets you establish a positive branding impact and domain authority.

Each country is assigned a two-letter country code top-level domain (ccTLD). So, websites targeting a Singaporean audience can use a .sg domain name or a .nz for those catering to Kiwi customers.

Country-specific domains work best for businesses that have a various local presence. If you’re a global brand with existing operations in different countries, a specific domain targeting a particular area can help you gain traction with audiences in various places.

ccTLDs: Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Company Website

Customer recognition - Consumers often prefer local brands. If you want to win the local market, encourage recognition for your business with a ccTLD. People looking through a series of search results wouldn’t think twice about visiting a website within their locality.

Adds credibility - ccTLDs can serve as your brand’s authenticity stamp. Business websites securing ccTLDs such as .AU and .SG show that they’ve complied with a set of mandatory requirements — boosting customer trust for your products and services.

Search-engine friendly - Using a ccTLD also helps increase your local search rankings. In fact, local-specific URLs is at the top of Google’s country targeting elements. If you aim to beat local search competitions, a ccTLD is the way to go.

READ: 5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

Creative Branding Ideas with ccTLDs

Creative branding opportunities are another reason why a ccTLD works for your business. While it’s country-specific, it can be a part of your branding scheme. A creative ccTLD is notably striking and easy to remember— allowing you to stand out among competitors.

You can whip out multiple creative domain names using your desired ccTLD - do a domain name check first to verify its availability. Before you register or renew your domain, check out some of these helpful tips to hack that branded domain.

• .ag (Antigua and Barbuda) - Anything that ends with ‘ag’ such as Toteb.ag, Fashionm.ag.
• .be (Belgium) - This ccTLD works well with words that end in ‘be’. Example: Iamthecu.be or surfvi.be
• .co (Colombia) - You can use this as an alternative to your main .com and point it to the same website. Popular examples: Twitter (t.co) and Overstock (O.co).
• .fm (Federated States of Micronesia) - Ideal for online radios and streaming audio sites like Last.fm. or moderntunes.fm
• .gs (South Georgia and the Sandwich islands) - Action-oriented brands or any site that ends in ‘gs’. Example: Blo.gs

• .in (India) - This cCTLD is perfect for phrases ending with ‘in’ including check.in, move.in, bitco.in, or even tastypumpk.in
• .it (Italy) - .it domain is for anyone aiming to boost visibility in the Italian market. For instance, if you’re selling swimsuits, you can secure a “italianswimsu.it. This cCTLD is also perfect for brands that sound like a verb. Example: helpmelearn.it, explore.it,
• .me (Montenegro) - This ccTLD works well for vanity, personal blogs, or anything that has to do with the word ‘me’. Popular example: About.me, takingcareof.me, or localperfu.me.
• .ly (Libya) - Popular among websites that use the suffix ‘-ly’ to form a single-word domain. Examples: bit.ly, ow.ly, brief.ly.
• .us (United States) - This is great if you want users to do something with your US-based website. Examples: visit.us, call.us, message.us

• .to (Tonga) - This adds a spin to a word or phrase ending in ‘to’ such as cr.yp.to, dine.to, go.to
• .tv (Tuvalu) - This is best for companies in the entertainment and media industry. Example: MTV.tv, comedy.tv, kids.tv
• .am (Armenia) - This goes well for radio stations with AM networks and words ending with ‘am’. Example: Instagr.am, news.am. You can also use if you’re a ham supplier with authentich.am.
• .at (Austria) - Use this extension for words ending with ‘at’. Example: heartbe.at, stay.at, cutec.at.

READ: 5 Ways a Branded Domain Name Can Help You Grow Your Business

Get Creative

In a world filled with .COMs, be different.

There’s more to ccTLDs than being a mere location marker. Besides helping you build connections with a certain locale, it also widens your reach, prompts user action, and propels your business forward. Refer to these creative ideas to come up with a unique and brandable domain name. If you already have one in mind, check out its availability with our Domain Search Tool.