When developing your web presence one of the first issues that you will probably have to address is your domain name’s suffix. Having identified your domain name, one that gives an accurate representation or verbatim copy of your company name or your product offering, you may well have to decide whether to register a co.uk, a .com or both suffixes.
co.uk the clear winner?
One thing is very clear, Google UK dominates the United Kingdom search engine market with google.co.uk boasting a market share ranging from 60% to 90% depending on sources. Google.co.uk favours UK-specific sites over others so the debate could be closed very quickly here, go for a co.uk domain every time and capitalise on the preference google.co.uk gives to UK-specific sites.
What about .com?
However, if your website is aiming at a global market there could be detractors who may be likely to navigate away from a co.uk suffix. Take an example, a United States based internet user visits your website selling clothing (which can be posted internationally) but may be less likely to make a purchase or even follow a link as he or she may not immediately see the global reach of your company and its products. This would argue heavily towards having a .com suffix, one that taps into the global market and does not alienate users outside the UK.
Striking the balance between co.uk and .com
The argument is now less clear. If you take the .com route you could capitalise on greater global coverage but equally lose out on the google.co.uk UK bias. The third option is to register both domain suffixes with the .com site mirroring the content of the co.uk site and adding a greater international feel to the .com website such as using currency with a greater international acceptance such as the dollar.
co.uk or .com – reaching a decision
Making the final decision between co.uk and .com can be lengthy and you could benefit from an experienced opinion.
The WebMarketing Group can help answer your co.uk versus .com dilemmas. To contact us now call 0845 555 5040.
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