Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the last part of the domain name. They follow the final dot of the URL. For example, in www.google.com, “google” is the domain name and “com” is the TLD. Similarly, in www.wikipedia.org, “wikipedia” is the domain, and “org” is the TLD. Specific rules and regulations control domain names and TLDs, with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) providing governance and oversight.
The “.bargains” is a gTLD (generic top-level domain) and it was first proposed to ICANN’s new TLD program around 2012 in the application round. According to ICANN, it is now delegated, and Donuts Inc. runs it. Donuts Inc. is a domain name registrar known for applying and operating multiple gTLDs. They are currently managing a total of 241 TLDs including “.bargains” (ICANN.org).
The “.bargains” gTLD is a targeted and specialized domain. It’s applicable to businesses and individuals who offer products, services, or information about sales, deals, or discount purchasing. Websites that use this TLD might be online retail outlets, coupon sites, or personal finance and budget blogs. As it is pretty self-explanatory, it gives a website a clear indication of its content, therefore, potentially attracting more customers seeking bargains or discount deals.
For instance, a business that specializes in offering discounted products could opt for “www.furniture.bargains” instead of a “.com” or “.co.uk” domain. The use of this TLD clearly signifies to potential customers that the business focuses on offering bargain priced items, which directly engages those looking for cheaper, discount deals, thereby enhancing the firm’s marketing capabilities.
However, there are some considerations about using such specialized TLDs. Search engine ranking might be affected because traditional TLDs (like .com or .org) could still be given prominence by search algorithm. Some users may also be unfamiliar with these new GTLDs and this may result in lower trust or miscommunication.
Overall, a “.bargains” TLD can be a strategic choice for those businesses or individuals operating in the discount and bargains space. Use of such a TLDs can help a business towards building a niche brand name online but careful consideration of overall impact on online search ability and trust building should be made.
Please note that the information on TLDs and gTLDs came from the ICANN.org website while the examples and the potential applications and considerations related to the use of “.bargains” TLD are based on general online marketing and SEO principles.