Recently, you might have seen more and more “.io” websites popping up. It might look cool and trendy at first, but you might think twice about setting up such a website for your business. While you might not know it, your website’s domain can actually affect and even hurt your business. Generally, a “.com” is the go-to for any business. In fact, if you can, you should always opt for a “.com” over others. Why is this so? Well, this is the question we’ll tackle in today’s article.
Let’s talk about domains, specifically “.io,” and why you should not pick it for your business:
1. Many “.io” Websites Are Actually Scams
That’s right, the “.io” extension is actually used by those who want to scam others into buying some get-rich-quick scheme or other. This free extension is not regulated by the government and is left open to anyone who wants to use it. Because of this, many fraudsters are taking advantage of this loophole and abusing it.
If you’re running a business, you don’t want to be perceived as a scam because of your domain. This could spell the end of your business. In fact, in Devumi’s own case, it was only after we changed our domain from “.io” to “.com” that we managed to change our business’ reputation for the better.
On the other hand, “.com” domains are regulated by the government. Your “.com” domain is recognized everywhere, and it is also the most popular. This means that if you want to reach the most people with your business, it is best to have a “.com” domain, which is great for SEO. Also, if you want to build a lasting business, you want it to be recognized by everyone.
2. You Can’t Use Social Media with a “.io” Domain
This might be a deal-breaker for those who want to be active on all the major social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) because the majority of them are “.com” only. This means that to use them all, you will have to have a “.com” domain. If you don’t, your customers might think your website/business is some kind of scam because of your “.io” domain.
This is a major issue for businesses that are just getting started. Your customers will have to trust you in order to buy your products or services. If your domain is not “.com,” many of them will think you’re some kind of fraud.
3. Using a “.io” Domain Can Be Harmful to Your Business
In fact, if you are running a business of any kind, it is best to have a “.com” domain, because it has the most global appeal.
That doesn’t mean you have to have your own “.com” domain. You can use a website builder to create one for you. This way, you still get access to most of the features a regular “.com” website has, but it won’t cost you much.
Conclusion
If you’re still thinking about getting a “.io” domain and wondering if it could be a great option for your business, you should really reconsider. It is highly debatable whether you really need a “.io” domain or not. The truth is, “.io” domains are often associated with scams. This can damage your reputation and even your business. Also, if you want to be active on social media, you will still have access to most of them with a “.com” domain.
Silo Hill Media is an internet marketing service provider offering affordable and effective strategies to help businesses grow online effectively. If you are looking for a web development agency to create the perfect website for your business, work with us today!