Should I buy a .ie or .com domain extension?

First off, let’s explain what is a domain name?

Simply put, a domain name is a name someone types into their browser URL to find your website. For us, our domain name is smarthost.ie.

You can think of a domain having three individual parts. You have the text to the left of the dot, the dot in the middle, and the text to the right of the dot.

The text to the left of the dot is completely up to you. If you are a company you may want it to be the same as your brand, or your own personal name if you are starting a blog.

The text to the right of the dot is the domain name extension or suffix. These can also be called Top-Level Domains (TLDs) or Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs).

Top-Level Domains include: .com, .net, .org, .info, etc.

Country Code Top-Level Domains include: .ie, .co.uk, etc.

Put them together and you have a full domain such as: smarthost.ie

.ie Domain Name Extension

.ie domain name extensions are the most popular domain extensions in Ireland. This is a specific domain for Ireland and requires you to show your connection to Ireland with the .IE Registry in order to purchase one. Due to this high standard, websites with a .ie domain extension instill confidence in their users.

Below is a shortlist of the pros and cons of the .ie domain name extension.

Pros:

Increased buyer confidence by proving you are an Irish business
The benefit of increased SEO within Ireland, allowing more visitors located within Ireland to find your website organically
Geo-Targeting for free. A .ie domain tells Google that you offer products/services to customers within Ireland, increasing your ranking in search browsers even further.
Affordability. Generally speaking, .ie domains are usually cheaper than other domain name extensions. You can view SmartHosts .ie domain pricing HERE

Cons:

Not ideal for targeting international customers.

A laptop on a desk showcases a website about IE domain registration. Nearby, glasses, a smartphone, and a tablet rest on the pristine white surface.

.com Domain Name Extension

The .com domain extension is the most popular domain extension in the world. If you choose a .com domain name extension, you will be joining millions of other website owners all over the world.

Below is a shortlist of the pros and cons of the .ie domain name extension.

Pros:

Trustworthy domain name extension. It is the most popular domain extension, giving your website credibility.
Enhanced global reach. International visitors will view your .com domain extension as a mark of international reach.
Easy to remember. The .com domain extension is what everybody thinks of when they think of a website name.
Authority. A .com gives your brand a sense of authority in the international market as it is the most established and well known TLD’s available.

Cons:

Higher Cost. The .com suffix is more expensive upfront than a .ie domain name.
Name Availability. As .com domain extensions are the most popular across the world, the chances of securing your brand-name or perfect blog name are unlikely.
Local trade may suffer. If a user in Ireland searches for a product or service you provide, a similar company may rank higher on Search Engines due to the Geo-Targeting benefits of a .ie domain name extension.

Summary

There is no right or wrong answer when selecting what domain name extension you should pick. Everyone will have different wants/needs. Generally speaking, if your business is based in Ireland and plans to serve the Irish Market, you will be better off with a .ie domain name extension.

It’s important to not overlook the power of using both a TLD such as .com and a ccTLD such as .ie to appeal to international and local customers. Not only will you be appealing to local visitors in a specific geographic area but you also have the potential for big returns and bringing in more customers.

You can purchase both .ie and .com domains from SmartHost by visiting our website HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .IE domain?

A .ie domain is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ireland. Here are some key aspects of a .ie domain:

National Domain: It’s the national domain for Ireland, much like .us for the United States or .uk for the United Kingdom.
Managed by IEDR: The .ie domain is managed by the Ireland’s Domain Registry (IEDR), which is responsible for the administration, management, and registration of all .ie domain names.
Intended for Irish Entities: The .ie domain is primarily intended for individuals, businesses, and organizations with a connection to Ireland. This can include residents, companies registered in Ireland, and others who can demonstrate a substantial connection to the country.
Trust and Identity: A .ie domain often signifies a trusted, identifiably Irish presence on the internet. It can be particularly important for businesses operating in or targeting the Irish market, as it can help establish a local identity and trustworthiness.
Eligibility Criteria: To register a .ie domain, applicants typically need to provide proof of their connection to Ireland. This can include evidence of residency, citizenship, business registration, or other forms of ties to Ireland.
Used for Various Purposes: .ie domains are used by individuals for personal websites, by businesses for e-commerce and corporate presence, and by organizations for various activities connected to Ireland.
Domain Registration: To register a .ie domain, one must go through an accredited registrar, such as SmartHost, who will facilitate the registration process, including checking domain availability, collecting required documents, and submitting the registration to IEDR.

Why should I register an .IE domain?

Choosing a .ie domain can offer several advantages, especially if you are targeting an Irish audience or operating in Ireland. Here are some reasons why a .ie domain might be a good choice:

Credibility and Trust: .IE domains instill credibility and trust in your audience, as they are subject to stringent registration requirements that ensure a real connection to Ireland.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Benefits: If your target audience is in Ireland, a .ie domain can help with local SEO. Search engines tend to favor local domains when providing search results to users in that country, potentially increasing your visibility to an Irish audience.
Availability of Names: Since .ie is a specific ccTLD, you might find it easier to get the exact domain name you want, especially if the more common .com or .net versions of your desired name are already taken.
Community and Identity: A .ie domain can also reflect a sense of community and Irish identity, which can be appealing both to businesses and individuals who want to express their connection to Ireland.

Why do I need a domain name?

You need a domain name if you want to have your own website. A domain name makes your website easy to remember and find for visitors. It also helps to establish your brand and credibility.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of your website on the internet. It is what people type into their web browser to visit your website. For example, the domain name for the Smarthost.ie website is “smarthost.ie”.

What types of hosting does Smarthost.ie offer?

Smarthost.ie offers a variety of hosting services, including:

Shared hosting: Shared hosting is a good option for small businesses and websites that are just getting started. It is also a good option for websites that do not have a lot of traffic.
WordPress hosting: WordPress hosting is a specialised type of hosting that is designed for WordPress websites. It offers features such as automatic
WordPress updates, WordPress security, and WordPress-specific support.
Reseller hosting: Reseller hosting is a good option for businesses that want to resell web hosting services to their customers.
Cloud VPS: Cloud VPS is a more powerful type of hosting that is suitable for websites with high traffic or demanding applications.

How do I choose a web hosting provider?

When choosing a web hosting provider, you should consider the following factors:

Price: Web hosting plans can range in price from a few Euro per month to hundreds of Euros per month. Choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
Features: Different web hosting providers offer different features, such as disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, and support for different programming languages. Choose a plan that offers the features that you need.
Reliability: Look for a web hosting provider that has a good reputation for reliability. This means that your website will be up and running most of the time.
Support: Look for a web hosting provider that offers good customer support. This is important in case you have any problems with your website or hosting account.

I'm not an Irish citizen or resident. Can I still register a .ie domain?

Yes, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate a connection to Ireland through trade. You’ll need to provide invoices showing sales to Irish customers or a letter from a professional (solicitor, bank manager) confirming your business activities in Ireland.

Our team can help

Have further questions, or need some advice about hosting solutions for you and your business?

Our team are on hand to assist you and get your business online. Why not give us a call on (01) 901 9700 or send us an email at support@smarthost.ie. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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