If you’re starting a new business or rebranding an existing one the decision on what domain to use is an important one.
For companies in New Zealand whose only focus is the kiwi market, the debate often boils down to whether to opt for a .co.nz or a .com domain. Here’s my two cents on ensuring your virtual storefront sits on the perfect piece of digital real estate.
Going Local with .co.nz
There is nothing like seeing a .co.nz for instant security. NZers like safe, and the .co.nz domain is the gold standard for New Zealand businesses which is why businesses targeting customers in Aotearoa should go with a .co.nz domain:
Recognition and Trust
The .co.nz extension is a trusted hallmark recognized not only by Kiwis but also by international customers looking for authentic New Zealand products or services. At the mere sight of a .co.nz domain, there is an instant association with New Zealand, which can be a massive plus for businesses leveraging the country’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Local SEO Advantage
Search engines prioritize local businesses in their results when queries are made from the same region. Having a .co.nz domain can boost your SEO efforts, ensuring that you rank higher in the search results for customers in New Zealand. With the right SEO strategy, your .co.nz site can become the go-to destination for local consumers.
Safety and Credibility
In the ever-important battle against online fraud, .co.nz domains stand out for their safety. According to Spamhaus, a mere 0.1% of .nz domains have been involved in nefarious activities. This impressive statistic can put both you and your customers at ease, knowing that you’re operating on a reputable and secure domain.
Going Global with .com
For businesses eyeing the international stage, the .com domain is often the preferred choice. It’s the most recognized and established domain globally, which can work to your advantage in various ways:
Global Appeal
The .com domain is not geographically limited; it has universal appeal and recognition. By choosing .com, you signal that your business is global and not tied to a specific country or region. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses shipping worldwide or offering digital services.
Marketability
A .com domain is often seen as more prestigious. It’s the default domain that many people think of when recalling a website address. When in doubt, a prospective customer will likely try yourbusiness.com first — a powerful argument for choosing .com for your domain.
Availability and Options
While it can be harder to find short and memorable names on .com due to its popularity, the sheer volume of registered .com domains means there are many examples to learn from. You can craft a domain strategy by observing successful .com businesses and applying similar logic to your brand.
When .nz Makes Sense
Let’s not forget the .nz domain, which is a solid alternative to .co.nz and does an excellent job of representing New Zealand businesses online. While it is slightly less traditional than .co.nz, it is shorter and may be a better fit for businesses that prefer brevity in their online presence.
Last Words
Each business needs to weigh its online strategy and goals to pick the right domain. But if your company is deeply rooted in New Zealand and primarily serves customers in that market, a .co.nz domain is absolutely the way to go. It provides local recognition, search engine benefits, and signals trustworthiness in the online sphere.
On the other hand, if you have a global outlook or aim to attract international customers, the more generic .com domain offers worldwide recognition and a broader appeal.
