Choosing the right domain extension for your website can be confusing. We have just the guide below that can help you make up your mind. – whether it’s .com or .my
What are the differences? Pros and cons
For new businesses that wish to expand online, the first thing to do is to register for a domain name. Normally when registering, we are given several options for the domain extension. Do we go with .my or .com? No doubt these are the top popular extensions we know. What impact will it have on your website’s search engine optimisation (SEO)?
.MY vs .COM
First off, what is the difference between a .my and a .com domain extension? Generally, as the name suggests, a .my domain extension would indicate that the site/company originates from Malaysia while a .com would suggest the company to be global or internationally based. On average, a .my domain extension will cost around RM60 a year while a .com will cost around RM47 a year.
However do bear in mind that .com is global so there is a higher chance that a foreign company who shares the same name as your company might have registered for the domain name before you. The risk of encountering a local company with the same name is lower for .my domain extension so it is crucial to do your research first before deciding.
Another factor to consider is if your customer
However, there is no single factor that can guarantee your company’s SEO outcome, for example, Amazon, despite having a .com domain name still has top ranking over many local sites. It’s best to do your research on all these aspects and weigh the pros and cons of using a .my or .com domain extension before making your decision.
How does local Search Engine Optimisation works?
One of the main factor that contribute to SEO is your location and browsing history. If an individual is located in Malaysia and has a high percentage of browsing through local webpages, the search engine results page will prioritise ads and search results which is closer to your location. If you are a local business with an actual physical store, a locally targeted SEO has a better advantage than a general SEO. Certain search terms will even turn up with google maps that pinpoint the location of your business. Local SEO will also put you ahead of your competitors and increase the flow of traffic to your site.
Another way search engines figure out a website is targeted to a specific country is through the location of the server. As website servers tend to be physically near users, it works as a signal that lets the search engine figure out your target audience, however this might not be case if the websites are hosted in a different location or country. Local businesses can boost their local SEO by including local address, contact information, local language and currency. It also helps if your website has links to other local websites.
Over To You
Deciding on a local or generic extension is a big decision in terms of your business and should not be taken lightly. The cost difference is significant but it may be a case of making a call when you feel your business needs that localisation factor immediately. Search for your domain today!
