Top-Level Domain (TLD)

What is a Top-Level Domain?

A top-level domain (TLD) is the segment of a domain name that follows the last dot symbol. It holds the highest level in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet.

For example, in the domain name app.example.com:

• com is the top-level domain (TLD),
• example is the second-level domain,
• app is a third-level domain.

Types of Top-Level Domains

TLDs are managed by independent organizations under the guidance of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). There are several types of TLDs:

1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs):

   • The most popular type of domain extensions.
   • Includes common extensions like .com, .org, and .net.
   • Open for registration by anyone.
   • Expanded in 2011 to include over 1,200 innovative extensions like .agency and .beer.

2. Country-code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs):

   • Specific to particular countries or regions.
   • Identifies the country or region’s official internet address (e.g., .uk for the United Kingdom).

3. Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs):

   • Designated for specific purposes, such as education (.edu) or government organizations (.gov).
   • Typically require eligibility to register.

4. Infrastructure Top-Level Domains:

   • Contains only one domain: .arpa (Address and Routing Parameter Area).
   • Used exclusively for internet infrastructure purposes.

Importance of Top-Level Domains for SEO

TLDs can influence SEO, but the keywords in your TLD alone do not improve rankings. Key points include:

• Local Relevance: ccTLDs tend to rank better in local search results than gTLDs, signaling to search engines and users the targeted country.
• Perception and Trust: Some TLDs, like .xyz, .cn, or .biz, are associated with spam and black-hat SEO tactics, potentially impacting trust and reliability.

Best Practices for Choosing a TLD

1. Opt for Common TLDs: Choose .com, .org, or .net as they are widely recognized and trusted. According to Statista, these are the most common TLDs and meet visitors’ expectations effectively.

2. Be Cautious with Creative ccTLDs: When using ccTLDs creatively (e.g., .li in paper.li), ensure it aligns with your target audience to avoid confusion. Google treats some ccTLDs like .io and .fm as gTLDs, acknowledging their broader usage.

3. Use ccTLDs for Local Targeting: If your site targets a specific country, ccTLDs are beneficial as they strongly signal this to both users and search engines.

FAQs

How many TLDs are there?

As of January 2022, there are 1,590 TLDs in use. This number changes as new TLDs are released and others expire. The complete list is available on ICANN’s Root Zone Database.

What are the most popular TLDs?

The top five popular TLDs are .com, .ru, .org, .net, and .in. These TLDs are recognized worldwide and open to any registrant.

What is the difference between a domain name and a top-level domain?

A domain name is the full address of your website, consisting of a series of labels separated by dots (e.g., www.example.com). The TLD is the last segment (e.g., .com) and helps classify your website’s purpose and intent.