In April 2012 the application window for new gTLD’s closed. This was an opportunity for applicants to try and grab some internet real estate similar to legacy TLD’s (.com / .biz / .info and .co.uk etc). There where over 2000 applications (some were duplicates) and there were over 650 brands that applied for their own name (e.g.: .microsoft, .bbc etc). A new gTLD is the Top Level Domain that you would place in your browser for example: lenden.blog – lenden is the second level and .blog is the top level domain name.

The open new gTLD’s such as .xyz / .global etc (new gTLD’s with no restriction on who can register a second level name) where also applied for and this has given the general public (and domain speculators) the ability to register new domain names that they could not get in the legacy TLD’s because they are taken or the cost to acquire is so high.

So now internet users can register names that are close to them and represent what they are about for example: Lenden Blog or a domain name that represents a hobby or lifestyle choice Beard Guru. The uptake has been a little slow as most users are familiar with .com or the local country code that they live in for example: .co.uk / .co.za etc. For some stats have a look at nTLD Stats – one of many providers of stats on new gTLD’s.

There have been some great new websites registered by large brands for example: Google Alphabet the parent company of Google. Some of the brands that have acquired their own new gTLD have started to use their name as well for example: Weir and others. This is an exiting time for internet users and those that have a new business idea etc. All you need to do is think of an idea or potential business name (do not forget you cannot copy someone elses name or trademark and try claim it as your own), identify the new gTLD that best describes your business or idea and then go to your registrar and register the domain name.

**** an important message – this is my personnel opinion and any comments I make should not be confused with the company I work for and what they stand for. I do not peddle clients or other peoples businesses****