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Millions of customers rely on our domains and web hosting to get their ideas online. We know what we do and like to share them with you.
In today’s saturated digital space, finding the perfect domain name has become increasingly difficult. With over 154 million .com domains registered by 2023, the availability of short, clean, and brandable names is alarmingly scarce. Many entrepreneurs quickly discover that their dream .com domain is already taken, often parked, overpriced, or in use by someone else.
This scarcity is driving a shift in domain strategy. Startups and even growing businesses are turning to the .co extension, not just as a fallback, but as a viable, competitive choice. As the web matures and naming competition intensifies, the reasons why startups are choosing .co when .com is unavailable are becoming increasingly practical and persuasive.
One of the most compelling advantages of .co is its availability. While many .com domains are either reserved or cost thousands of dollars on resale markets, .co equivalents are often available at regular registration prices. This gives startups the freedom to secure a domain name that:
For lean startups operating on tight budgets, being able to launch with a clean, memorable domain, without overpaying, is a game-changer.
Beyond availability, .co has carved out a reputation as a modern, innovative domain extension. Over the last decade, it has become a favorite among tech startups, digital creatives, and entrepreneurs looking to communicate agility, innovation, and future-readiness. It resonates particularly well with younger audiences and digital-native consumers.
A .co domain naturally suggests:
These connotations give startups an edge in perception, especially when first impressions matter.
A common concern is whether choosing .co could negatively impact search engine visibility. Fortunately, search engines like Google treat all generic TLDs equally. That means a .co domain performs just as well as a .com domain in rankings, assuming the same quality of content and SEO practices.
Some potential SEO-related upsides of .co include:
So from a search perspective, the playing field is level. This makes .co a safe and smart choice for startups focused on long-term organic growth.
Originally Colombia’s country code, .co has evolved into a globally recognized domain extension. Today, it’s understood by customers around the world as shorthand for “company” or “corporation,” not a geographic marker. This wide recognition supports its growing popularity across borders.
The .co extension fits well for companies that:
With globalization in full swing, a .co domain sends the right message across markets.
A domain name that’s short, clean, and intuitive makes a major difference in user experience. Startups forced to choose a long or awkward .com domain often find that customers mistype it, forget it, or fail to associate it with the brand. This can impact everything from ad performance to brand recall.
With fewer characters and broader availability, .co domains help startups craft URLs that are:
This memorability and flexibility add real-world marketing value.
Successful brands using .co include some of the most well-known tech players:
These high-profile cases prove that .co can scale with a brand, attract trust, and deliver performance. For startups, these examples offer both inspiration and validation.
Despite the benefits, it’s important to acknowledge common worries around .co domains:
Still, these are increasingly minor concerns as user awareness evolves and non-.com extensions become more widespread and normalized.
If you're considering a .co domain, here are a few strategies to ensure strong branding and adoption:
When executed well, a .co domain becomes a strategic brand asset, not a compromise.
The domain world is changing. While .com still holds weight, the digital environment is trending toward greater flexibility, diversity, and brand expression. The increasing adoption of .co reflects several macro trends:
In this climate, .co stands out as a domain extension that balances accessibility, credibility, and branding potential.
Registering a .co domain is as easy as registering a .com. Trusted providers like NameSilo offer .co domains with affordable pricing, free privacy protection, and simple DNS management. The process typically takes just a few minutes.
Tips for registering a good .co domain:
Registering early gives you the advantage of claiming a clean name before demand rises further.
The case for .co domains is increasingly clear. As startups and small businesses struggle to find available, affordable .com domains, .co offers a powerful alternative. It’s short, available, credible, and modern. Importantly, it allows businesses to launch with a clean, compelling domain name that supports brand growth, not limits it.
From SEO to user perception to global reach, .co stands tall among the newer generation of domain extensions. As more success stories emerge and internet culture evolves, the stigma around alternatives continues to fade.
So when .com is unavailable, .co is not a backup plan. It’s a bold, smart step forward. And for startups building tomorrow’s brands, that may be the edge that makes all the difference.
