What top-level domain is right for me?

You know you need a domain name.

You’ve got a good idea of what it should say. Could be your business name, your brand, maybe even your own name. Something that really screams “you”.

Then you get to the bit after the dot. And suddenly you’re faced with a list that looks like alphabet soup: .com, .uk, .org, .cymru, .io, .eco… and you’re left wondering what on earth they all mean.

Don’t worry. You’re not the only one. Everyone who’s ever registered a domain has had at least a similar moment of confusion.

But here’s the good news: It’s easier than it looks once you know the basics.

So let’s break it down.

What is a domain name, anyway?

On a basic level, a domain name is just an address on the internet. It’s how people find you. Think of it like a street address for your website: memorable, unique and easy to type in.

A domain is usually made up of three parts:

• The subdomain – often ‘www’, though you don’t have to use it. Some sites skip it entirely, or use something different, like blog.example.com.
• The domain – the main name you’ve chosen, like ‘dellasdelights’. This is the part that reflects your brand, business or personal identity.
• The top-level domain (TLD) – the part after the dot, like .com or .uk.

All three parts work together to give you your very own unique spot online.

What exactly is a TLD?

As mentioned above, the TLD is simply the ending of your domain name. The bit after the dot.

For a long time, choices were limited to a handful of options, like .com, .org, .net. Then came country endings like .uk or .fr.

Today, TLDs can be almost anything. From .london to .eco to .photography, there’s a huge menu to choose from. Some are serious, some are playful, and some are designed for very specific things.

They broadly fall into two categories:

• Generic TLDs (gTLDs): things like .com, .org, .info. These aren’t tied to a country and can be used globally.
• Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): things linked to a specific place, like .uk, .cymru, .de. These are often the go-to choice if your audience is mostly in one location.

How do I pick a TLD?

This is the bit that can feel overwhelming, because there are so many options. But the decision gets easier if you ask yourself a few questions.

Where are your customers?

If you’re mainly serving people in one country, a country TLD like .uk or .fr tells visitors straight away where you’re based. Local search engines often favour these too, so it can give you a small boost in being found.

Do you want to highlight a region?

If your audience is more regional, there are TLDs for that too. Think .cymru for Wales, .scot for Scotland, or .london if you’re a business rooted in the capital. They instantly show your local pride and help people feel connected.

What type of organisation are you?

Traditionally, businesses use .com, charities go for .org, and networks often use .net. But the lines have blurred somewhat. A start-up in tech might go for .io because it feels modern. A coffee shop could try .cafe. A design studio might like .studio. There’s room to get creative.

What’s your niche?

Specialist TLDs can make you stand out. .eco for sustainable businesses, .photography for photographers, .info for resources and knowledge-sharing. If your industry has one, it can be a great way to signal what you’re about before anyone even visits your site.

What’s your budget?

Not all TLDs cost the same. A classic .com or .uk is usually affordable, while newer or more unusual endings can carry a premium price tag. It’s worth checking the annual renewal fees before you fall in love with something unusual.

Why choosing the right TLD matters

At first, the ending might feel like a small detail. But it’s worth giving it some thought, because it affects how people see and find your site.

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

If most of your customers are in the UK, a .uk address can help search engines show your site to people in that country. It’s a subtle signal, but it really can make a difference.

Local recognition

People trust what feels familiar. A small business in Cardiff might find a .cymru domain helps locals immediately see that it’s relevant to them. That can create instant connection.

Memorability

Sometimes the right TLD makes a domain easy to remember. swift.tech is short, punchy and instantly ties the name to the industry. Compare that to swift-technology-services.com - longer, awkward to type, and far less likely to stick in someone’s mind.

Brand personality

A creative agency might stand out with .studio. A charity could reinforce its credibility with .org. A renewable energy start-up might love .eco. The right TLD can underline what you’re about without you saying a word.

How to get started

Choosing a TLD isn’t something you have to overthink. The process itself is pretty straightforward.

1. Head over to our Domains page.

2. Type the name you want into the Search box. Don’t worry if your first choice isn’t available, it happens all the time!

3. Look at the list of available TLDs. You might find your perfect fit right there.

4. If not, adjust. Shorten the name, add a word, or try a different ending.

5. Once you’ve found one you love, register it. The domain is then yours for as long as you keep renewing it.

It can help to brainstorm a few different options in advance. Write down your ideal name, a shorter version, and one or two creative twists. That way, you’re not immediately stuck if your first idea is taken.

And remember: you don’t have to stop at one. Many businesses register multiple domains to protect their brand. For example, you could register dellasdelights.uk and dellasdelights.com so that customers can reach you (and your delights!) whichever one they type in.

Ready to choose?

Your TLD is more than an afterthought. It’s part of your online identity, and the right one can help you connect with the people you want to reach.

Finding that perfect fit can take a bit of thought (and sometimes, a little bit of trial and error) but it’s totally worth it. And because you can register more than one, you don’t have to see it as a once-and-for-all, final decision.

Think of it as building your online shop. The TLD you choose is a key part of the front display. Make it welcoming, make it clear, and make it easy to remember.

Start your search for the perfect domain now, or talk to our Support Team if you’d like some help. We’ll be happy to guide you through it.