Generic domain names 'no longer important'

Category: Internet Trends

September 10th 08, 09:03

Businesses setting up a new website may be interested to read that one expert believes generic domain names are no longer as important online as they used to be.

Such domain names utilise general terms in the web address rather than brands or company names and, according to Techworld editor John Dunn, are now less used by consumers as a means of navigating the web.

"There was a time where it was driven by generic terms, but now people use search," he explained.

"For example, if people want to find a car, they will go online and put some brand names in. So car.com wouldn't [necessarily] get you any more hits."

Mr Dunn also said that those involved in website development may want to be more concerned with the profusion of domain names now available, as bigger brands now feel that they have to buy up every address containing their name in order to combat cybersquatters and copyright infringement - a potentially expensive enterprise.

In June, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers board approved plans to allow applicants to create their own top-level domain names rather than choose from the current number available.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.

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