The new generic top level domains GTLDs and will they bring change in the Internet?
ICANN gets closer and closer to making the next change in
the internet. They announced a few years ago their desire to create more GTLD‘s
and now it seems they got things rolling. Earlier this year they started the application
process and up to mid-June they had almost two thousand applications for new
generic top level domains.
What are the new generic
top level domains or GTLD‘s?
Up until now there were 22 top level domains (TLD) and people could register just
second level domains in the TLD‘s infrastructure (in example.com we could
register only the example which is the second level domain). Now the ICANN has
made it possible for almost everyone (with enough money and knowledge) to
register its own TLD with a string he chooses (I can register .eatmyshorts).
The thing is that whoever registers a new TLD is responsible for maintaining it
up and operational.
What are the benefits of the new generic top level domains GTLD‘s?
The benefits for registering a new top level domain are
many. First of all you instantly become a domain name registrar you can
register as many as you want second level domains within you GTLD‘s
infrastructure this means you can sell them to everyone who is interested at a
price you choose. A quick look at the applications and I found a company that
has applied for .blog TLD which means this company can sell Second level
domains like myblog.blog to all bloggers and if they provide good service at
reasonable price looks like they will have a blast.
The new GTLD‘s are designed to work in many languages which
is also a big advantage for the regional business and brands and for
governments or local administration, to make it easier for local users to
navigate to the web using their native language.
If you are brand or corporation you can use GTLDs to boost customers
confidence in you. A GTLD like .mybrand shows them that you are a serious brand
and there is no chance of mistaking you with your competitors. Also it provides a good mean to organize your
company on the internet you can have second level domains for everything you
need you can organize your products at products.mybrand or services at
services.mybrand you can give even second level domains for your employees if
you want.
The new GTLD‘s can be looked as an investment plan. And I am
sure that many companies who are specialized in domain names registrations are
looking for the next boom. A simple word registered as a GTLD‘s can provide
huge profit if it becomes popular. It is a thing that really deserves a second
look.
What are the disadvantages of registering a new GTLD?
First of all the application process is not easy. The
approval for new GTLD can take up to a year or even more. The registrars must
pass through several checks. They must prove that they are trustworthy as they
will be given a piece of the Internet to maintain.
Second it requires a lot of knowledge and work to maintain
the new GTLD‘s and their infrastructure.
Then comes the price to buy and maintain a new GTLD doesn’t
come cheap. The application process itself costs about 180 000 USD or more
as announced by ICANN. Which
is sound statement if you don‘t know anything for the domain names system don’t
waste your money or our time to apply.
When you are looking to buy new GTLD as an investment you
should take into consideration the facts:
There are few keywords that can provide
solid profit for domain registrars and there are several applicants for each of
them.
The Internet was doing fine with 22 TLDs. Things
might get a little crowded for the small players with almost 1500 new GTLDs. This might drop the value of the domain
names in SEO.
The
bottom line is that no one knows how things will turn up with the
implementation of the new GTLD
for the Internet industry it will be a turning point. But for the brands and other
communities this might be a great solution.
