ShortDot is one of the largest domain registrars in the world. We currently manage .icu, .bond and .cyou. We use multiple internal and external tools and sources to actively monitor our zone files for DNS abuse and other domains that may violate our Terms and Conditions found here: https://nic.icu/terms/. We do not tolerate any abusive domains, and when we’re alerted to DNS abuse on Domain(s) in one of our zones, we promptly take action. Usually, this means placing the Domain(s) on ServerHold status, and sometimes we’ll first notify the Registrar, giving them time to investigate the issue. Registrants that believe this action was taken by mistake can always reach out to us, and we will review the case; however, as you will learn, most of our tools are built to reduce false positives.

In 2019 we explained our process for handling DNS abuse here at ShortDot and the .icu registry; https://nic.icu/how-.icu-handles-abusive-domain-names/. In 2020 as the digital environment evolves, so has our process for handling reports of DNS abuse. For this article, we’re going to use the types of DNS abuse as defined in the ‘Framework for DNS Abuse’ letter put together by Domain Industry Leaders found here: http://dnsabuseframework.org/.

Malware is malicious software, installed on a device without the user’s consent, which disrupts the device’s operations, gathers sensitive information, and/or gains access to private computer systems. Malware includes viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other unwanted software.

Botnets are collections of Internet-connected computers that have been infected with malware and commanded to perform activities under the control of a remote administrator.

Phishing occurs when an attacker tricks a victim into revealing sensitive personal, corporate, or financial information (e.g. account numbers, login IDs, passwords), whether through sending fraudulent or ‘look-alike’ emails, or luring end users to copycat websites. Some phishing campaigns aim to persuade the user to install software, which is in fact malware.

Pharming is the redirection of unknowing users to fraudulent sites or services, typically through DNS hijacking or poisoning. DNS hijacking occurs when attackers use malware to redirect victims to [the attacker’s] site instead of the one initially requested. DNS poisoning causes a DNS server [or resolver] to respond with a false IP address bearing malicious code. Phishing differs from pharming in that the latter involves modifying DNS entries, while the former tricks users into entering personal information.

Spam is unsolicited bulk email, where the recipient has not granted permission for the message to be sent, and where the message was sent as part of a larger collection of messages, all having substantively identical content.

These definitions and their sources sourced in the Framework letter at the link above.

The next factor in DNS abuse is how abusive domain names are reported to Registrars and Registries. At ShortDot and with the .icu domain extension, there are two primary avenues for DNS abuse reports to reach our abuse team. Trusted Sources and Publicly Reported Domains.

Trusted Sources are typically companies in the cybersecurity industry that monitor the internet for DNS Abuse. When we receive a report of DNS abuse from a Trusted Source, we immediately take action, typically this involves placing the Domain (s) on ServerHold status and notifying the Registrar where the Domain is registered that there is an issue. Some of the Trusted Sources that we use to monitor the .icu zone are below, keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list.

SpamHaus.org is one of the most well known non-profit organizations that actively monitors more than 3 Billion¹ mailboxes globally for Spam emails. ShortDot uses a third party service that pulls domains from an API into SpamHaus and notifies us when Domain (s) violate our Terms and Conditions. According to SpamHaus, their Domain Block List is compiled by:

The DBL’s reputation database is maintained by a dedicated team of specialists using various data from many sources to craft and maintain a large set of rules controlling an automated system that constantly analyses a large portion of the world’s email flow and the domains in it. Most DBL listings occur automatically, although where necessary Spamhaus researchers will add or remove listings manually. DBL data is exchanged with other Spamhaus systems which can result in further listings in the DBL, or in IP addresses being listed in other Spamhaus zones.²

PhishTank is an information clearinghouse operated by OpenDNS. While their data is reported by users around the internet, they have a verification system that significantly reduces false positives making their reports accurate. Anytime PhishTank reports an abusive domain to ShortDot we take immediate action as described above. More information about PhishTank can be found by visiting: https://www.phishtank.com/

Google Safe Browsing (GSB) helps protect over four billion devices every day by showing warnings to users when they attempt to navigate to dangerous sites or download dangerous files. ShortDot’s third-party monitoring software also pulls data from GSB, anytime a .icu or other ShortDot Domain is reported by GSB we take immediate action by placing the Domain on ServerHold status and notifying the Registrar.

1. Self-reported from https://www.spamhaus.org/organization/
   2. Compilation method as defined by SpamHaus: https://www.spamhaus.org/dbl/
   3. Description of Google Safe Browsing from: https://safebrowsing.google.com/

Publicly Reported Domains is the classification we give domains that are reported by the general public. These reports come to ShortDot in multiple ways, some of which are: our abuse reporting form located at www.nic.icu/reportabuse, by internet users forwarding abusive domains to abuse@nic.icu, or by reports filed via phone by calling our toll free or international phone numbers +1 (844) 447-4678 or +1 (512) 596-2935. When domains fall into this category we notify the Registrar where the Domain is registered that there may be an issue, give them 48 hours to investigate and report their findings and any actions taken back to ShortDot. If we have not received a response or can verify that the Domain violates our Terms and Conditions, we place the Domain(s) on ServerHold.

What is ServerHold, and once a domain is placed on ServerHold, how is it removed?

ServerHold is a mechanism available to Registries that removes all DNS records from a domain name. It also eliminates the ability for a Registrar to modify the domain name until the Registry removes the ServerHold status. Essentially Your Domain is not activated in the DNS.¹

If you are the registrant of a .icu or other ShortDot Registry Domain and want to request that the ServerHold status be removed, send an email to legal@nic.icu with an explanation of the issue, and the actions you have taken to remedy the issue. It is also important to confirm that the issue will not happen again. Our abuse team will review all requests to remove ServerHold and respond within 48 hours.

1. ICANN’s definitions can be found: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/epp-status-codes-2014-06-16-en

ShortDot is proud to be one of the largest new domain registries on the planet. Our extensions include .icu, .bond and .cyou. We are constantly looking to acquire more extensions and to continue being a leader in the domain name space. The DNS abuse information and process outlined here is meant to not only be informative as to how ShortDot handles DNS abuse but also to demonstrate our commitment to combating abusive content on the internet.

Thank you for reading, we’re happy to answer questions or provide further clarification.

-The ShortDot Team

.icu | .bond | .cyou

Why do you need all of this? To attract the right audience and to establish credibility, of course.

After you register with a domain extension, follow these 3 steps.

1. Work With A Web Developer

In order to ensure your site looks professional, to get prospective clients to call you or order a service or product online, you are going to need to work with an expert web developer.

If any of your industry peers have a site that you love, get hold of them and ask them what their process was and whom they worked with. Ask them what they paid and if they were entirely satisfied with the work carried out.

Before you get in touch with a web developer, it would be beneficial in the long run if you do some research looking for sites that you like so your web developer can use them as a reference. This is especially important from a functional point of view because a web developer has nothing to do with the visual aspect of your web site; they are responsible for the usability.

Be specific with your references, making notes on precisely what it is that stands out to you about the sites.

2. Work With A Web Designer

The second step after you register with a domain extension is to work closely with a web designer to bring your visual ideas to life. Again, in this situation, it is best to compile some references. When working with a designer, your input is imperative. You will need to provide much direction in order to give the web designer a strong starting point. What many people don’t realize is that the process is a collaboration from start to finish.

Once you have provided the designer with references to other sites that you like, what colors and feel you prefer, then they will provide you with a mockup of the proposed design.

This can be the most challenging part of your website development process. The reason being that it can take some time for you and a web designer to be on the same page from a visual perspective. There could be a lot of back and forth, but it is par for the course when building something spectacular. So, be patient and open to ideas. It is a collective effort, after all.

3. Work With A Copywriter

Understanding what SEO is and how it will be beneficial to a business’ website doesn’t have to be your responsibility. SEO is crucial to helping a website gain more visitors, but any good copywriter will be well-versed in this.

After sourcing a copywriter, set up a one-to-one meeting with her/him and tell them your story. It would be best if you told them everything; how the idea for your business came about when it was first established, and your milestones. Audiences become invested in a brand the more human their story is, so don’t be afraid to be yourself.

You will then need to outline specific details on your service or product offering and point out what makes them unique. Essentially, you need to arm your copywriter with all the information they need to bring your brand across in the exact way you see it in your head.

Concluding Thoughts

At ShortDot, we are creating valuable content to help business owners stand out online. So whether you need more detail on what goes into building an effective website, or you are wanting to register a domain extension that represents individuals who are revolutionizing the modern world, visit our blog for a wide array of useful resources.

Furthermore, there is a lot to think about in terms of what product or service you offer, the industries you provide value to, and who your prospective clients are.

Including all this in your website build is imperative. As a tech startup, you need to provide the right resources, including compelling call-to-actions and ensuring the correct research has gone into your audience before even getting to the design stage – more on that below.

Here are our top 4 website design tips and hacks for tech startups:

1.  Search Engine Optimisation

When designing your website, you need to keep SEO in mind. This means conducting extensive research before writing the content that is to be published on your site.

Writing for SEO is a must and should be generated to high standards determined by apps like SEMrush and Google Analytics for higher visibility.

If you would like to rank for a particular keyword, you must ensure that you are providing the most relevant and valuable information to that related search query.

As a tech startup, you should try and work with the best web designers to obtain the most current and effective frontline web design services.

2.  A Design Strategy

Frequently, people jump into building a website due to the urgency of having one. It is understandable, you have received funding, you have deadlines, and KPI’s so making sure your website is live as soon as possible is important. However, rushing in could prove detrimental, or at the very least, create future headaches. Designing your website should be first on your list of priorities. For example, let’s say you open a physical clothing store selling imported, handmade Kashmir apparel. Can you see how selling premium quality clothing out of a poorly arranged store in a dingy part of town would negatively affect your brand? The same sentiment applies to building a website; it is your digital home and a direct reflection of your startup.

What overall message do you want your website to convey? Are there specific features that will excite your audience and therefore make you stand out? Ask yourself these questions after conducting target market research and let them shape and influence your design.

3.  Keep it orderly

A well thought out, and organized layout and structure to your website will simplify the navigation for your users. When you plan the structure with simplicity in mind, users will find it easy to use and which, believe it or not, has significant influence over their buying decisions. Functionality is the most important thing. Design your website in such a way that it is clear, for example, make sure you have a main menu that links to all your primary pages so that a visitor knows exactly where to go.

Some visitors may not want to know about your background and how he idea for your startup came about. They may see an ad on Google or Facebook, like what they say and immediately want to purchase your product or service.

Therefore, strong call to actions on your website and adverts need to be bold and clear. How should the copy on your website be displayed? Well, it isn’t as if someone is sitting down to read a novel. So, keep it concise – use bullet points, infographics and headers.

4.  Choosing the right domain for tech startups

When it comes to choosing the right domain name for tech startups, you should try to match your website’s extension to your industry or purpose.

Domain names are much more than just a web address; they tell your customers who you are and what you stand for. The good news is, there are new and emerging top-level domains that can enhance your brand campaigns.

By choosing a domain like .icu, for example, you will immediately be seen as a creative and boundary-pushing startup. With our domain extension, choosing a domain name for tech startups has never been easier.

A domain or domain extension is what comes after your businesses name on your URL such as .com or .icu.

You have two types to choose from, a local domain such as .co.uk or an international domain like .com or .icu.

Choosing a domain name that is best suited to your business should be influenced by your objectives.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both to help you find out which type will be most effective for you or your business.

Using an international domain

Due to generic international domains such as .com, .net, and .org being used by so many; search engines deeply trust them. This means that websites which use generic international domains may be easier to rank on Google.

International domains can also help to establish a more global online presence for your website. For instance, if your services are offered globally, you will want to go with an international domain because a local domain such as .co.uk may give users the impression that a website is for the UK only, which would be limiting for your business.

So, let’s look take a quick look at the pros and cons:

International domain pros

• Both users and search engines deeply trust major generic international domains such as .com
• International domains help to attract worldwide traffic to your website
• New international domains such as .icu let domain businesses or individuals be more specific with their website domain name

International domain cons

• Some generic international domains such as .biz and .info have a terrible reputation with users and Google
• With a generic international domain, it might be more challenging to target and attract a local audience

Using a local domain

While a website’s SEO ranking is usually improved through the use of an international domain, using a local domain could still prove beneficial – depending on what you intend to use it for.

As we’ve somewhat outlined above, the primary benefit of using a local domain such as .uk or .nl is targeting and attracting a local audience.

To better understand, ask yourself this:

If you are based in the UK and you are looking for leather boots online, once you have typed your search query into Google’s search bar, will you be more inclined to click on a .co.uk result, or a .com result?

You would click on the .co.uk result for several reasons; cheaper shipping, convenience etc.

So, it is no surprise that local domains are better suited for local business websites and services as opposed to international domains.

If you are catering to a specific audience, and your services apply only to a particular town or region, then it is best to go with a local domain.

For example, if you are a chiropractor that works out of a local practice, you don’t need to be targeting the whole world.

Local domain pros

• Great for targeting and attracting local business, if that is your businesses main objective.
• If a user is searching for products or services on a localised search engine, a local domain may help improve your websites search ranking.

Local domain cons

• Local domains do not have the global range that international domains do, which means your reach may be limited.
• Local domains have limited SEO capacity because they are limited to country-specific search queries.

It’s not so much a question of which is better, but more about what suits you best. We hope that clears things up because choosing a domain should be the easiest step towards building a great website that will help you stand out and be seen.

Before you start thinking about the content that will go on your site, you need to make some critical decisions.

1.        Choosing a domain name

Domain name for startups? Domain name for corporates? There’s a difference. Regarding a domain name for startups, your domain name should be a combination of your businesses name, with a domain extension that represents who you are as a company or individual.

Choosing a domain name is your first step when starting a website. It is your digital home that people will use to connect with you.

When you see .org, what do you think of? Non-profits, right? You need to bear this in mind when choosing a domain extension.

You can scan websites like GoDaddy and NameCheap for extensions, but finding one that represents your business and allows you to use the exact name you want can prove quite tricky.

At .icu, we represent startups, trailblazers and individuals who are doing authentic things in the creative and tech industry.

Say your businesses name is SmartPets, and you make AI dogs and cats that can accompany you on an afternoon stroll and make you a cup of coffee, placing your name next to an extension like .icu immediately gives people the impression that you’re joining a fast-growing community of innovators.

Get yours today.

2.        Get a business email address

Having an email address that matches your domain name and extention is crucial if you want to be taken seriously.

Why?

Using free email services does nothing for the credibility of your business. Say your name is Victoria. What looks more professional? Victoriasmartpets@gmail.com or Victoria@smartpets.icu?

Unfortunately, internet users are quite judgmental, making their mind up about a brand or business within seconds.

As a result, when you opt for a free email service, many people you communicate with will immediately be under the impression that you cannot afford $5 per month on a business email subscription.

What do you think that says about your reliability?

When people visit your site, most of them will have just found out about you, visiting for the very first time.

If they like what they see, their next step will be to get in touch with you to enquire further. If visitors see you are using a free email service, it could create doubt in their mind about your offering.

It may seem like a minor detail, but as they say “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.”

So, if you want to build a website that can help you attract new customers and grow your business, opt for an email that matches your domain extension.

3.        Design a logo for your business

Lastly, you need to design a logo and perhaps a monogram to go with it.

By design a slick logo that also ties into the representation of your business, you will be enhancing the brand you are now starting to build.

When it comes two designing a logo, you can go about it in tow ways.

Either you hire a graphic designer, or use an online logo generator.

Let’s look at both options:

Hiring a graphic designer

This option will more than likely get you the most unique result, but it may end up being more costly.

You can expect to pay anything from 100 – 500 dollars for a good one. This depends on who you choose to work with.

This design will typically include a logo with a well-defined company name and mark. The more straightforward, the cheaper, because a logo design with intricate patterns and sophisticated typography will most certainly increase the price.

The key to keeping costs down is by being upfront and honest with the designer you choose to work with from the very beginning. Let them know exactly what you want and spend some time putting together a Pinterest board with visual references.

Using a logo generator

Logo generators allow you to create professional-looking logos without autonomously. This is usually the cheaper and less tedious option.

You won’t have to wait for a real human being and their schedule, but you won’t get a one-of-kind logo design this way either. You will, however, get a professional-looking logo that you can tweak online.

So, in short, whether it comes to a domain name for startups, an email address for your sole proprietorship, or a logo for your personal website, it’s imperative to pay attention to the details.

Use this checklist to create a website that highlights the things that make you incredible.

1.  Choose a domain extension for your personal website

The first thing to check off of your list is choosing a domain extension for your website.

Nowadays, your domain name is your brand name. They need to be the same. Therefore, domain extensions for personal websites are just as important as your product or service.

Domain extensions like .com or .org are overused, so the likelihood of you being able to use your desired name is minimal.

Our recommendation? Choose a domain extension that represents your who you are. For example, .org usually represents non-profits. Our domain extension, .icu represents innovation and creativity.

2.  Write an impactful elevator pitch

You need people to understand who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for from the word go. This means you need to grab their attention as soon as they land on your site.

Use your home page to tell them the most important things about you. Make this conversational, but include career highlights such as who you’ve worked for/with and memorable projects you’ve worked on.

It’s important to be yourself, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.

This is your elevator pitch. What are you going to say? Limit this copy; you haven’t got much time.

3.  Show them your best work

Now, hopefully, your elevator pitch will have been enough to sustain their interest. If so, the first thing they’re going to look for is examples of your work.

Treat your website as your digital portfolio. This is especially crucial for creatives, such as designers, artists, and photographers.

If you’re in marketing or business, you should use this as an opportunity to include examples of successful campaigns you’ve run, or products you’ve launched. Provide insight into some of the companies you’ve helped, and be specific on the results you achieved.

4.  Include social profiles

People want to know who you are. The more personal your website, the better.  This means including links to your socials such as your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram profiles.

Link to all your social profiles. If you appear anywhere on the web and it’ll make you more credible, mention it and provide easy access to it.

If you contribute or have contributed to any websites, link to them. Your personal site is the perfect place to bring all of this together.

5.  Provide visitors with testimonials

Testimonials are another great way to show your worth. By including quotes from colleagues you’ve worked within the past, or team leaders and ex-employers who have positive things to say about you, you will give people even more reason to hire you, use your services, or work with you on future projects.

Testimonials can help you highlight your soft skills that are somewhat difficult to demonstrate.

Having respected industry players sing your praises is one of the most effective ways of convincing someone that you’re good at what you do.

6.  Visualize yourself

Don’t make the mistake of including too much text though. This tends to bore people.

So, try to visualize yourself, your achievements, and your skillset. This can be in the form of infographics, a well-designed logo, a video and professional photographs of yourself.

This will make your personal website more engaging and aesthetically pleasing.

7.  Include a blog page

Lastly, if you’re looking for ways to boost your credibility, a great way to do this is to share thoughts or methods that relate to your industry. Doing this through a weekly (or bi-weekly) blog is your best bet.

Not only will you be producing unique and valuable content that will help build your audience, but it’s also an effective way to rank organically on search engines.

At the same time, by sharing your experiences, you could establish yourself as a thought leader in your relevant field.

For these reasons, consider adding a blog to your site and use it to talk about the challenges you face as a professional, share your opinions, or give tips to less experienced people in your industry.

Now that you’ve got the ultimate checklist for an excellent personal website use it to establish yourself as an invaluable professional, and become sought-after in your field.

.icu is now the 6th largest new domain extension in the world with over 1 million registered domains. Join our collective of trailblazers to exhibit precisely what makes you exceptional.

A few fun facts about Mayuri; She loves animals, claiming to have ‘cat-like’ reflexes (we’ll have to test this at the next domain industry event). She loves cooking, and some of her favorite foods are cookies, donuts, chocolate and ice cream.

Our customers can expect to start hearing from Mayuri immediately. She will be making sure all of our registrar partners are up to date with what’s happening at ShortDot. End users will be able to hear from her as she contributes to our blog and lets you know all about her Computer Engineering experience!

ShortDot is currently the eighth largest new domain registry in the world. They own .icu and .bond. .icu is now the sixth largest new domain extension with more than one million domain registrations. .bond was recently acquired from Bond University in Australia and will be launching very soon!

However, you may come across a hurdle or two, such as picking a domain extension that allows you to use the name you want, creating a sitemap, and of course, deciding on a design and feel.

So, what is the best domain extension for an entrepreneur? Moreover, what do you need to know about design, digital marketing and SEO?

Here are the 5 things you need to do before building a website for your new business idea.

1.      Determine what you want to do

Before you set up a website, you should decide on what you want it to do. As in, what will its primary function be?

Sure, you know that you need a website, and you may see the purpose it should serve but do you have an idea of what you want to your customers about you, your team and your business?

This needs to be decided before you begin building your site. Think about your image, brand tone, and how you’d like to be perceived in the eyes of your customers.

It would be best if you thought about who you are, what drives you, and what the core values of your company are. Your website is essentially the platform for your messaging, and your message is the foundation of your website’s strategy.

2.      Determine what your customers want?

Who are your customers, and what do they want? Once you have decided on your website’s messaging, you need to think about your customer journey.

This can be achieved by conducting thorough market research. You’ll need to determine your ideal customers’ demographics and psychographics such as their age, gender, preferences and location.

In short, you need to form an understanding of what your primary visitors are going to engage with, to ensure they stay on your site for longer and purchase your product or hire your services.

When planning your site build, put yourself in the shoes of your customer. What is that they want to see? What are their pain points? Your business is their solution, and your website should portray that.

3.      Create a sitemap

Now that you’re planning your content and your customers’ user experience, you’ll need to start mapping out the pages you’d like to include on your website.

Your sitemap is the blueprint of your site, and it’s imperative for SEO. Think about the main categories your home page’s menu will include such as “about”, “shop”, “services” and “contact”.

You’ll then need to map out what pages these categories should include meticulously. When doing this, always have your customer at the forefront of your mind. It needs to be easily navigable for them.

4.      Focus on SEO & digital marketing

Digital marketing is essential to your site’s success. You will need to incorporate keywords into the content on your website. Finding the terms relevant to your brand can be determined through extensive keyword research.

Unfortunately, ranking for these keywords takes time, and you need to provide valuable content to do this, which is also time-consuming.

Try Paid Search for instant visibility. Depending on how competitive your niche is, it can be costly but is useful for getting results in the short-term while you start to rank organically through the content you publish in the long-term.

5.      Decide on your domain name

This could be the biggest challenge you’ll face when building your website, but it doesn’t have to be. A domain extension for entrepreneurs is as essential as the services or products themselves.

What should you do when your businesses name is already in use? Don’t panic. Instead of now trying to come up with a new name, why not look at an alternative domain extension?

Extensions like .com, .org or .co.uk are overused anyway. There are domain extensions out there that are just as credible and will allow you to use whichever name you choose, and if the name you want isn’t available, then try being more specific.

For instance, if your company is called NextTech, but the domain isn’t available, try something like NextTech Solutions.

If you’re yet to choose a name, then try being as unique and memorable as possible in your approach, and look to see if the names you’re coming up with are available.

The best domain extension for an entrepreneur is the name that best describes who they are. Don’t compromise; choose the name that represents exactly what you are.

As of June 2019, there are over 900 000 registered .icu websites across the globe! To celebrate this support from registrars and end users, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite .icu live sites. Let’s take a look at how these forward-thinkers have used .icu to get their ideal domain name.

1. carolinemalie.icu

Caroline Malie is a fashion and lifestyle blogging site. From beauty and food to interior and travel, Caroline Malie’s inspiration will have you in awe.

This website is a great example of how using a .icu domain extension allows you more freedom to use your name – especially if your ideal domain name has already been taken on a classic domain extension.

2. mydrone.icu

Using a URL that includes keywords can improve your site’s search visibility. As a business, having a domain name that contains your targeted keyword gets results such as increased click-through rates and higher rankings on search engines.

The keyword “drone” is incredibly difficult to rank for, due to the competition around such a current interest.

For Drones News, having that keyword in their URL is a major benefit – another example of the possibilities with .icu websites.

3. devops.icu

Another incredibly difficult keyword to rank for, DevOps is a software development practice that is frequently searched for on Google and Bing.

DevOps ICU offers unique DevOps training solutions such as self-paced videos, live public workshops, and on-site private training.

By matching their domain name with the services they offer, they have created a clear user-journey for prospective clients.

4. paintedpallet.icu

Painted Pallet sells custom painted signs from reclaimed pallet wood. This .icu website is another example of a business using a domain name that accurately describes what they do.

Through this, they are being seen online and offering people around the world access to amazing artwork! This is a great example of how .icu puts the value in your name – to the left of the dot.

5. sedgleydentalcare.icu

Sedgley is an area in the north of the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley. If you lived in Sedgley, and you were looking for dental care, what would you type into the search bar on Google? Exactly.

Not only has.icu allowed this business to have a domain name that describes what they do but one that also specifies their location.

6. educationalcourse.icu

A great site that was built to offer classes to help everyone! Educational Course have classes on everything from HTML to preparing for college.

Again, their domain name includes a crucial keyword, but also one that would not be available on the common classic domain extensions.

7. 996.icu

This .icu website is an incredibly interesting one. 996 is a work schedule in China that consists of 60 working hours per week and has led to many employees being admitted into hospital due to burnout.

A particular user started a webpage called “996.icu” to create awareness around this shocking schedule, aiding the “Developers Lives Matter” movement.

An amazing example of our domain extension being used in an inspiring and clever way, resulting in over 20.5k shares across social media.

8. beautymakeup.icu

Beauty Makeup is another live site that is a great example of how using a .icu domain can help you get the exact name you want to represent your business online.

Selling beauty make up is a competitive business, but by using an ideal name as their URL, it has resulted in their online store ranking higher on search engines and tell customers exactly what they do.

9. travel.icu

This online business helps customers find airports and flights by searching by name, city, country or IATA code.

An extremely helpful site that addresses a very common need, Travel.icu made clever use of the .icu extension because they quite literally give users the opportunity to see exactly where they’re going.

10. rogeratwork.icu

A portfolio website is an essential tool for getting more business and building your professional brand.

The purpose of an online portfolio website is to give a prospective client an idea of who you are, what you’re capable of, and whether you are the professional they should hire.

Roger@Work is a perfect example of how to upgrade your domain name and let employers know you’re serious about job hunting.

So, as you can see, these .icu websites are all examples of how being able to choose your ideal domain name is beneficial for your business or personal brand.

.icu websites are for people wanting to use their ideal name and focus on what is left of the dot.

You’ve probably already registered your company name, right? So, what do you do now? Well, the last thing you want is a domain name that’s different from your company name.

What do you do if the domain name you want is already taken? We’ll take you through it step by step.

How do I know if the domain name I want is taken?

If you want to check if your ideal domain name is taken, start by typing the URL into the search bar of your preferred registrar. For example, visit name.com and search for a name they will tell you if the domain can be registered or not.

What do I do if my domain name is taken?

If your domain name is already taken, you have a few options.

1.    Use your second-favourite option

If you’re starting a new business, then it means you’re starting a new brand. Hopefully, you’ve done the sensible thing and written a list of your favourite names? It’s generally good practice to check domain availability as well when deciding on your new business name. If you do have a list of potential names, move down to your second-favourite option.

Although a little disappointing, at least you’ll be able to avoid naming confusion or trying to buy the registered domain from someone which could prove very expensive.

If your second-choice name is also taken, then perhaps you should consider registering the one you want with a different domain extension.

2.    Use a different extension

As of 2019, there were  142,558,419 registered .com domains. The chances of your second, third, or even fourth favorite option already being in use? Very likely.

You will find this true with a lot of domain extensions.

What are the most common domain extensions?

1. .com — This is usually used for big business and the commercial sector
2. .org — Usually associated with non-profit organizations and forums
3. .net — This is generally used for networks such as internet providers and technology
4. .co — Used for major companies and corporations

Having .com at the end of your domain name isn’t the be all, end all way to brand yourself online. Not only are many of them unavailable, but the .com domain extension is not the only credible extension anymore.

There are new domain extensions available that represent certain professions, movements, and industries. If you are creating a new brand within an existing company or launching a completely new venture, why not try out a more fitting extension that gives you the ability to really tailor your domain name to your business.

.icu is one of the new domain extensions that is associated with innovators, trailblazers, and modern ventures. By using a .icu domain, you are joining an international community of entrepreneurs and creatives who are doing great things in their own authentic way.

.icu is shorthand for “I See You,”.  It is an extension designed to provide an easy, innovative, and universal alternative to traditional domains.

Our extension has over 100 registrars globally signed up to distribute the names to end users. .icu is also one of the top ten largest new domain extensions with more than 900,000 registrations!

3.    Own your domain!

The bottom line is that you need to have your own domain name. You shouldn’t build your online presence on top of another service’s URL by using their platform to showcase your business.

For example, if your company’s name is Becca’s Pizza. You shouldn’t use a subdomain and let another company truly own your online brand name on another URL’s extension, for example, beccaspizza.shopify.com or facebook.com/beccaspizza. The additional services may be necessary for you to conduct business but this shouldn’t be your sole avenue for customers to find you online. Register your domain name and then direct people to online shopping carts, social media pages and more from your domain.

Ok, but why?

• Social networks and e-commerce sites govern how your brand looks and functions. They have templates that you have to use, limiting the uniqueness of your design.
• They can change services or raise rates at any given time – you have no control, if you don’t pay, you lose your site.
• You have limited access to analytics, making it difficult to track insights into your audience, such as location, age, gender and more.
• Your site could be removed without notice, and there’s not much you’ll be able to do about it. This is usually through violating their terms of service. Again, so many rules and regulations.

Having a social media presence is a good thing but having your own unique website to harness your social media following is imperative to the growth and credibly of your business.

Ultimately, your best bet when it comes to registering a domain extension is to use one of the new domain extensions out there. Check if your ideal .icu domain name is available  . here.