Why a .com domain is the best choice for startups

There are several components to launching a business, such as an in-demand product or service, memorable branding, and a social media presence.

But what about your domain name? Founders often overlook this, but choosing the right one is crucial, as it’s usually the very first touchpoint between your brand and your audience.

We now have plenty of choices in domain names. There’s .co, .net, .info, and even .xyz. While it might be tempting to choose a unique option, .com remains the most credible domain.

Are you curious to know how your domain can impact your business? The UK’s top-rated company formation agent, 1st Formations, explores why a .com domain matters, especially when building a brand from scratch.

Why a .com domain matters

According to Statista research, 44% of global websites use a .com domain. The next most common option is .org, which scored just 4%.

It comes down to credibility and universality. Our collective digital habits have evolved in such a way that we instinctively assume websites end in .com. So, if your business has one, that’s a compelling branding advantage.

Regardless of the region, everyone recognises and trusts websites that end in .com. It helps businesses appear established and genuine, even if they’ve just launched.

There’s also a search engine optimisation (SEO) advantage to using a .com domain, as search engines tend to favour well-known, trusted domains.

Benefits of having a .com domain

It may seem like your domain is just your website address, but it’s a critical part of your brand identity. Choosing the right extension directly impacts how people perceive and experience your business.

Here’s why it’s better to have a .com domain:

Credible – It feels legitimate, safe, and trustworthy to visitors
Memorable – People easily remember .com websites, increasing direct traffic from memory alone
Boosts investor confidence – Startups with a clean .com domain are more likely to appeal to potential investors
Boost conversion – People feel more comfortable buying from a .com website than unfamiliar extensions
Timeless – A .com domain will remain appropriate and trusted over time, making it a safe as well as powerful choice

We shouldn’t underestimate the psychological impact of a .com domain, especially in competitive industries. If a customer forgets your full URL, they’ll likely try the .com version of your brand. If it’s not yours, you risk sending them to a competitor.

Do you need a domain to start a business?

Legally speaking, you don’t need a domain to start a business. However, in practical terms, you absolutely need one. A domain makes establishing digital ownership and building an online presence easier.

While platforms like Instagram or Etsy may let you earn revenue without your own site, you don’t fully control that platform’s algorithm, fees, or audience data. Owning a domain puts you in charge.

What happens if you don’t have a domain?

Startups with tight budgets may not find immediate value in securing a .com domain. Aside from the expense, their ideal web address could be unavailable, so they delay the task altogether. But this can create multiple risks, such as:

Brand confusion – If someone else owns the .com version of your brand, they may receive your traffic – or worse, damage your reputation.
Missed SEO opportunities – Websites ending in .com tend to rank better in search due to authority and backlinks.
Lack of email trust – hello@yourstartup.com looks more professional than hello@yourstartup.biz. Customers may be reluctant to trust your contact details without a .com domain.
Questionable legitimacy – Key stakeholders like potential customers, investors, and partners may not take you seriously without a clean and memorable web address.

Alternative options if your ideal domain is taken

If your first choice .com domain is unavailable, don’t panic. There are still ways to work around the issue. Here are your immediate options:

Add a modifier, such as use, get, try, before your name (e.g. trypowercoffee.com instead of powercoffee.com)
Add a location (e.g. londonpowercoffee.com if powercoffee.com is taken)
Add a keyword segment (e.g. gingerbankingapp.com instead of ginger.com)
Check domain marketplaces like Sedo or GoDaddy Auctions to buy your ideal domain
Explore temporary – but viable – alternatives like .co or .uk, and plan to upgrade to .com later

Above all, remember to protect your domain name legally. Secure trademarks where possible, and don’t rely on confusing alternatives that may hurt your brand later down the line.

If it’s available, it’s also worth securing your ideal .com domain as well as the next most popular domains. For instance, powercoffee.com, powercoffee.co.uk, powercoffee.net, and powercoffee.uk. This way, you’ll protect your brand identity from all angles.

Set your business up for success with a .com domain

The .com domain remains the top choice for startups. It’s professional, recognisable, and reliable. Owning a .com domain is a crucial, strategic move for new companies looking to establish authority and trust.

That doesn’t mean you won’t succeed without one, but the journey is smoother when you set the right foundations from the start.

Whether you’re launching or rebranding, be the first to secure your ideal .com domain. The easiest way to do this is to register your business through the UK’s best company formation agent, 1st Formations. All customers receive a free .com or .co.uk domain name with their partner, IONOS.