Just when you thought all the good domain names were taken, there's now a new opportunity to snap up a memorable domain—or even your brand name if your .com is taken. If you have a registered trademark, you can apply register yourname.co via the .CO Registrars today. If you don't have a trademark, you'll be able to get it as early as June 21.
What's this all about? Just like .biz, .info and .name, .co is the latest of what the industry refers to as "top-level domains" to be offered for domain name registration. The unique thing about .CO is it already carries similar credibility as .com around the world (think .co.uk, .co.au etc.) and that this is the first time .CO domains are being offered as top-level. If you're interested in background information, check out this Wired Magazine article on .CO domains.
Is it worth grabbing?
Yes and No. If you want your domain now, during the Global Trademark Holder phase, it will set you back $300. At that price, it’s not worth it for small businesses.
Once this becomes available at the $30 price, then it’s probably worth it. "Dot-co" rolls off the tongue. It connotes "company" and carries the familiarity of "dot-com." Plus, you have the opportunity to grab your first choice domain name if your dot-com is taken.
Register Your Own .CO
Here are our recommendations for getting your own .CO domain:
- Brand Managers: If you have a registered trademark and a high-value brand, register your .CO domain now before registration opens to the public. Only do this if your name is high-value as it will set you back $300 per domain.
- Small Businesses: Wait until the Standard Pre-Registration phase that starts July 20. Then the price will be a reasonable $30, and at that point we recommend you grab the .co domain.
- Everyone: Before the Standard Pre-Registration phase starts on July 20, think of opportunities to register just a couple generic domains relevant to your business that will have high search engine optimization (SEO) value (e.g. chicago-pizza.co). If high traffic either globally or from a specific region is valuable to you, you have another shot at creating a site that naturally ranks high for a generic search term.
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