Traditional Domain Names work on most of the internet, can be used for content websites, email, resources and links,hosted apps,lead-gen and sign-up pages, ecommerce and can be easily bought and sold in traditional and crypto marketplaces with existing registrars.

That is an impressive list. Plus there is existing case law, a global regulatory body and accountability for errors and mistakes, and better privacy and less chance of unrecoverable fraud.

So yes Web3 Domains are new and exciting and haven’t faced the scrutiny of use, but they have drawn big money speculation.  But tried and mostly true isn’t a bad place to go to build one  of the most important digital assets of your company, personal brand or website.

At the time of writing, reports show that there are more than 593 million registered domains! With such an incredible number already registered, how do you decide on the right domain name for your personal or business website?

Do you go for traditional top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .co.uk and .tech? Or maybe you’ve read about the new concept of domains based on Web3.0? The fact traditional domains have been around so long makes it unlikely that you will find the perfect .com domain for your brand and you may be drawn to explore Web3.0 domains.

However, the message we wish to convey in this article is that are some significant benefits to choosing a traditional domain, whether older ones like .com or new ones like .tech. It is always worth understanding both sides of the argument and that is why we will also touch on Web3.0 domains further down.

Let’s start with a short summary of what a traditional domain is and the types available to choose from.

What is a traditional domain and what are the most common types?

When we use the term traditional domain, we are referring to the range of TLDs that form part of the Domain Name System (DNS). The phonebook for the internet, this system translates complicated IP addresses into names that we type into the address bar at the top of a browser.

These domains are controlled by ICANN, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN originally carefully controlled what traditional domain extensions were available (e.g. .com and .org), however, in 2010 they started to remove these restrictions opening the door for a range of exciting new opportunities.

Traditional domains will generally fall into three main categories:

Generic TLDs (gTLDs) – the most common domains you will find on the internet and include .com which dominates the market, as well as others like .org and .net.

Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) – domains reserved for specific countries, such as .co.uk for the United Kingdom. However, some have been appropriated by industries and specialist areas such as Artificial Intelligence.

New Generic TLDs (new gTLDs) – With ICANN relaxing their restrictions you can now find over 1200 new gTLDs including .tech, .blog and .xyz.

So what ones are the most common?

As you would expect, the oldest domains dominate the market and this is why the old gTLDs and ccTLDs count for approximately 490 million of the 593 million domains.

One interesting conclusion we can take from the statistics is that despite being relatively new, the modern gTLDs such as .xyz are growing at a phenomenal rate. People are worrying less about finding a .com domain just because of its reputation and searching for a more suitable, brandable domain name.

What are the benefits of choosing a traditional domain?

As we have found, there is an extensive list of potential domain extensions and as a result, almost limitless options for domains. So what are the benefits of choosing one of these traditional domains for your new or existing website?

Reputation and trust

The fact that traditional domains have been around for decades and are so common means that by choosing one of these you build an immediate level of trust. For those that have less experience or expertise, selecting a .com domain will simply feel like a safe choice.

This also reflects on the reputation of your business or brand. If you have a traditional domain for your website, then a person is more likely to believe you have a good or professional reputation.

Clearly, this isn’t the only consideration when a customer chooses to pay for a product or service but the simple fact is it does make a difference so why wouldn’t you stack the cards in your favour!

Existing connectivity and integration

Traditional domains are recognised and utilised by almost every corner of the internet, every piece of software and every application. This existing level of connectivity means that you will almost certainly be able to use your chosen domain with your existing systems. 

No matter the type of website you have, the hosting package used or the mobile app connected, you should have minimal problems connecting them with your domain. This level of connectivity and integration means you can extend your online presence without impacting the service you offer your customers.

Emails and file storage

The challenge for Web3.0 domains is that they lack the same level of functionality and connectivity as traditional domains. This is proven by the fact that if you want to utilise emails for your chosen domain or set up file storage then the traditional route is by far the best option.

Whether you use a desktop application like Outlook or a browser-based email client you will be able to set up your traditional domain email account in seconds. 

Availability with registrars and trading platforms

Traditional domains dominate both the primary and secondary domain markets and this availability is a huge benefit to those searching for that perfect domain name.

Thanks to more TLDs being released, the chance of finding your preferred domain being unregistered has improved. However, you may need to go for a less well-known TLD if you’re set on a specific name.

When it comes to trading platforms like Cloudname, you may be able to find a brandable traditional domain that has already developed authority with Google. This not only saves time but also money spent on building up the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of your domain.

Brand control

If you choose a traditional domain for your new or existing business, then you can take ownership of your brand. One of the most frustrating things for any business is finding out that your business name or brand name is taken by someone else so if you can get it first then you gain that extra level of control.

With traditional domains, you will have greater power to challenge those that use your brand name in a domain. With Web3.0 domains, thanks to the decentralized nature of it you have limited power to control and protect your brand.

Who should go for a Web3.0 domain?

For those that want to delve deeper into the world of Web3.0 domains, we have a Cloudname article just for you. For those reading this article and wondering why some people move away from traditional domains, the three concepts below will help explain why.

Ownership and Control

When you buy a domain that is based on blockchain technology, you no longer have to lease it from a registrar for a yearly, or multi-year agreement. The moment you purchase the domain, then it becomes yours indefinitely unless you decide to sell it on a platform like Cloudname.

You also have full control over the use of the domain, the content you create and how you wish to generate funds. This is a fantastic option for those concerned about content creation and data sharing.

Crypto wallets

One of the best reasons for going for a Web3.0 domain is that it can be used as your crypto wallet address. Whilst traditional domains can be used in this way, with these new domains you can also future proof your crypto brand as Web3.0 develops further and is embraced by the wider society.

If you’re active in the blockchain and crypto community then it is certainly a great choice for you.

Decentralization

We have all experienced the frustration that our data has been collected and utilised by a small number of large, multinational corporations and governments. With blockchain technology and domains that utilise it, you no longer have to worry about this problem. Greater control over our own data aids security and potential revenue streams.

There is a growing section of society that wants to reduce the power and control that massive corporations like Google and Meta have. It is these people that will be drawn to the potential of Web3.0 domains.

Where can I buy domain names?

When it comes to buying a domain, you have two main options to consider before you research specific organisations. Do you wish to buy a domain that hasn’t been registered yet (the primary domain market) or try to find an existing domain that is for sale or for rent (the secondary domain market)?

In some cases, you can find both at a single registrar but it is always a good idea to shop around and see what is available. Remember – you may not want to settle for a domain just because it’s on a well-known registrar’s website if you can get a more brandable, effective domain on a domain trading platform.

Some of the largest traditional domain registrar websites include:

• GoDaddy
• NameCheap
• Domain.com

If you’re searching for that perfect domain, then we recommend trying a domain trading platform like Cloudname. You will be able to search through an extensive range of domains for sale and for rent, checking relevant data to make an informed decision about if it is the right choice for you.

If you’d like to know more about how to approach buying a domain, then this guide is a great way to get started.

A final thought on traditional domains

As this article suggests, traditional domains dominate the internet and have a well-established set of characteristics that make them the best choice. No matter whether you’re interested in starting a personal or professional project, or wish to build on a brand then there is likely to be a traditional domain that will do the job.

If you’re now ready to search for that perfect domain, then we recommend joining the Cloudname community today! With a wealth of both traditional and crypto domains available to buy, sell, rent and tokenize we are truly the first all-in-one domain trading platform.