If you're thinking of starting a blog, one of the first decisions you'll have to make is what domain name to choose.
A domain name is the web address that people type in their browser to access your blog, such as www.example.com or www.example.blog.
But how do you decide which domain extension to use? Should you go for the classic .com, or opt for the newer .blog? What are the pros and cons of each option, and how will they affect your blog's success?
In this post, I will discuss help you decide which TLD is better for your blog by comparing .blog and .com in terms of their meaning, advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different types of blogs.
What is .blog?
.blog is a relatively new TLD that was launched in 2016. It is specifically designed for bloggers and blogging platforms.
It is meant to indicate that the website is about blogging or related topics, such as content creation, online marketing, personal branding, etc.
What is .com?
.com is one of the oldest and most widely used TLDs in the world. It was created in 1985 and stands for commercial.
It is meant to indicate that the website is related to business or commerce, but it has become so common that it can be used for any type of website.
How to Choose Between .blog and .com for Your Blog Domain Name
There is no definitive answer to which domain extension is better for your blog. It depends on your personal preference, your blog's goals, and your target audience.
So, I will discuss the pros of cons of choosing .blog and .com both, and then you can decide on your own which one is more prefereable for you.
Benefits of .blog
Here are some of the main reasons why you might want to choose a .blog domain name for your blog:
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It can help you stand out from the crowd. A .blog domain can make your blog more memorable and unique, especially if your preferred .com domain is already taken by someone else.
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It can help you establish your niche. A .blog domain can signal to your audience what your blog is about, and what kind of content they can expect from you.
For example, if you have a travel blog, a .blog domain can show that you're passionate about traveling and sharing your experiences.
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It can help you build trust and credibility. A .blog domain can show that you're serious about blogging, and that you're not just another spammy or scammy website.
A .blog domain can also indicate that you're part of a community of bloggers who share similar interests and values.
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It is more niche and less crowded than .com. There are fewer .blog domains registered than .com domains, which means you have a better chance of finding an available domain name that matches your blog name or topic.
Benefits of .com
A .com domain is the most popular and widely used domain extension in the world. It was originally created for commercial websites, but it has become a generic and versatile option for any kind of website, including blogs.
Here are some of the main reasons why you might want to choose a .com domain name for your blog:
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It is more familiar and trusted than .blog. Most people are used to seeing and typing .com domains, and they associate them with credibility and authority.
It can help you reach a global audience. A .com domain is recognized and trusted by people all over the world, and it can make your blog more accessible and appealing to international visitors.
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It is more versatile and flexible than .blog. A .com domain can be used for any type of website, regardless of the topic or niche.
You can easily change or diversify your content without worrying about your domain name being irrelevant or misleading.
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It can help you protect your brand. A .com domain can help you prevent others from using your blog name or stealing your traffic, as it is the most sought-after and valuable domain extension.
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It can cost less than .blog. Depending on the registrar you use, a .com domain may be cheaper than a .blog domain.
For example, at the time of writing this post, a .blog domain costs $29.99 per year at GoDaddy, while a .com domain costs $11.99 per year.
Does Choosing a .blog Over a .com Domain Improve Your SEO?
When it comes to SEO, the domain extension you choose, such as .blog or .com, doesn’t directly impact your website’s search engine rankings.
Search engines like Google primarily focus on the content and the relevance of your website to the user’s search query. The key to a successful SEO strategy lies in the quality of your content, not in the TLD.
For more clarity, you can watch this video from Google Search Central, where John Mueller goes over if a .jobs domain improves the ranking in Google for jobs.
While the domain extension doesn’t directly influence SEO, it can indirectly affect user perception. For example, a .com domain is widely recognized and trusted, which can enhance your website’s credibility.
On the other hand, a .blog domain clearly communicates that your website is a blog, which might be beneficial if that’s the primary purpose of your site.
How to Decide Between .blog and .com?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preferences, goals, and budget. However, here are some general tips to help you decide:
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Consider your niche and audience
If you have a specific niche or topic for your blog, or if you want to appeal to a certain group of people, a .blog domain might be a better choice. It can help you communicate your message and attract the right readers.
On the other hand, if you have a more general or broad topic, or if you want to reach a wider and more diverse audience, a .com domain might be more suitable. It can help you establish your authority and credibility across different markets and niches.
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Consider your availability and budget
If you have a unique or creative blog name that is not already taken by someone else, you might be able to register it with either a .blog or a .com domain.
However, if your desired name is already in use, you might have to compromise or look for alternatives.
A .blog domain might give you more options and flexibility, as it is less saturated and competitive than a .com domain. However, a .com domain might be more affordable and easier to find, as it is more widely available and often offered at discounted prices by various registrars.
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Consider your future plans and goals
If you're planning to grow your blog into a bigger project or business in the future, or if you want to monetize it or sell it someday, a .com domain might be a better investment.
It can give you more credibility and value in the eyes of potential partners, sponsors, advertisers, or buyers.
However, if you're blogging for fun or as a hobby, or if you're not interested in making money from your blog, a .blog domain might be enough for your needs. It can give you more freedom and creativity to express yourself and share your passion with others.
Of course, these are not the only factors to consider when choosing a domain name. You should also think about the length, spelling, pronunciation, and branding of your domain name.
Conclusion
Choosing a domain name for your blog is an important decision that can affect your online presence and success.
There are many different types of domain names, but two of the most popular ones are .blog and .com. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your goals and preferences.
In this post, I compared .blog and .com and gave you some guidelines on how to choose between them. I hope this post was helpful and informative.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!