The .io domain name extension was originally the top level domain name ( TLD ) for the Indian Ocean region. But over the past 10 years, these domain name extensions have become attractive to businesses and brands worldwide and not just used for Indian Ocean countries.
One area of business that have taken to using the .io domain name is the tech community. The letters IO appeals to the tech and IT firms as it refers to the acronym of (input/output). Because of this, .io has been adopted by tech firms and used to front their brand online, even more so than the .com domain name extension.
The .io domain name is now seen as the domain name extension for forward thinking, tech-conscicous and innovative companies.
Why use a .io domain name?
If you’re a tech start up, software company or innovative in the world of tech, then a .io domain name will show your audience that you are a player in this sector. Everyone has a .com or .org associated with their brand, so why not stand out in the crowded market and get yourself a .io domain instead. If your business is focused towards software development, tech, AI or IT, then a .io domain name will be perfect for you.
Another reason to buy a .io domain is the huge number of domain hacks that you can achieve with this extension. Any word with the letters “io” at the end, can be made up with this domain extension. Example: portfol.io pistach.io and cheer.io, although these ideas will probably be taken by now. ;)
Where can you buy a .io domain name?
Most domain name registrars will have .io domain names available to buy.
Here are a few that you might want to check out..
Namecheap.com – .io domain name price:
$39.98 per year.
Renews at $44.98 per year
Domain.com – .io domain name price:
$47.99 per year. ( Use Domain.com coupon code “sitehub” to get 25% off your .io domain name )
Hover.com – .io domain name price:
$34.99 for the first year, $49.99 for each year thereafter.
What’s the difference between .io and .com?
The main difference between .io and .com domains is their intended use and target audience. Here are some key differences:
- Intended use: .com is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that can be used for any type of website, while .io is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) that was originally intended for websites related to the British Indian Ocean Territory. However, over time, the .io domain has become popular among technology startups and other companies as an alternative to .com.
- Target audience: The .com domain is used globally and is recognizable to people all around the world. It is often the first choice for businesses that want to establish an online presence. The .io domain, on the other hand, is often associated with technology startups and is considered more niche. It is not as well-known as .com but is gaining popularity in the technology industry.
- Availability: Due to the popularity of .com domains, it can be challenging to find an available domain name that you want. In contrast, .io domains are relatively new and still have many available domain names to choose from.
- Price: In general, .io domains tend to be more expensive than .com domains. This is partly because they are relatively new and have a more specialized target audience.
Read more about io vs com.
Are io domains safe?
In general, .io domains are safe to use, but it depends on your definition of “safe.” While .io is a country-code domain for the British Indian Ocean Territory, it has gained popularity as a global top-level domain, particularly among tech startups.
Unlike free domains like .tk, .io domains are not inexpensive, which can deter cybercriminals from abusing them for malicious purposes. Free domains are often abused because there is little risk to the attacker if the domain is taken down.
However, it’s important to note that any domain, including .io domains, is neutral until it is compromised by bad actors. It’s up to the domain owner to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of their website or online presence. This may include using strong passwords, keeping software up-to-date, and implementing other security measures to prevent hacking or other malicious activity.
In summary, while there is no guarantee of complete safety on the internet, .io domains are generally considered safe to use as long as proper security precautions are taken.
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