Time for new, daring domain names is now, here’s why…

Innovative technology and consumer trends are changing and adapting “life as we know it” at a rapid pace. This is something companies should accept and take into consideration when making important decisions, because ignoring it could prove too risky.

Adapting to the times means considering a more modern approach to all aspects of the business especially how you position yourself in the industry through marketing. The Internet has been levelling the playing field for years, giving small businesses the same opportunities as large corporations. An optimised, user-friendly and creative Web site is the key to unlocking the potential of the World Wide Web, and it all starts with a recognisable domain name.

Traditionally, the options for domain name extensions were restrictive, but today .tech, .online, .capetown and .africa, to name a few, are reshaping the domain name industry completely.

Here’s why choosing a different domain name can count in your favour:

• It can paint a clearer picture

BusinessName.co.za doesn’t really tell the whole story. But BusinessName.joburg or PartyPlanner.durban could. A domain name can offer customers instant insights into where your company is located and what it does. Clever, thought out domain names can also send other indirect signals about your business, like “we are Internet-savvy”, “we think outside of the box”, “we innovate”.

• There are new and exciting options that could fit your brand better

An online store could work perfectly with a .online extension, for example. A .design could add value to an architecture or graphic design company and .bar is ideal for nightclubs. And if you think about it, geographic domain extensions such as .joburg, .durban, .capetown and .africa could add considerable value to services and travel companies in the local vicinity.

• It can help you stand out from your competitors

If you are able to select a domain name that is memorable, you are well on course to building that formidable presence everyone is fighting for online. It is an advantage if your domain name can be easily recalled and searched for. It’s great for direct navigation traffic, and when it is good for direct traffic, you can be sure it is excellent for your site’s SEO.

Consider your options before registering just any domain name, because there might be another more modern domain name extension that could work harder for you.

To help you register a more creative and memorable domain name, Domains.co.za is selling new African geographic top-level domains (gTLDs) .joburg, .capetown, .durban and .africa for only R30*.

Promotion valid until 29 February 2020.

* Terms and conditions apply

* Excludes premium domains

* Subject to availability