The top-level domain (TLD) you are referring to, .CONTACT, is one of the generic top-level domains (gTLDs) that are used in the Domain Name System of the internet. According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for IP address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions (ICANN, n.d.), .CONTACT is a viable option amongst many others, such as .com, .net, or .org.
Some perceive using unique TLDs, like .CONTACT, as a way to distinguish themselves and their online presence, especially if their preferred .com or .org websites are unavailable or too expensive. For instance, a business that offers customer service could potentially use .CONTACT as their TLD to indicate that they promote good customer relations and are easy to communicate with.
The .CONTACT TLD is managed by Donuts Inc., a domain name registration service provider. As with many TLDs, there are certain rules and registration requirements for this specific one. As per the Donuts Inc. website (Donuts Inc., 2021), the .CONTACT domain names are open to the public, without restriction, which means that anyone can register a .CONTACT domain if they choose.
Before making a decision on using .CONTACT or any other TLD, it’s crucial to think about how this TLD will affect your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) efforts. Google clarified that it treats new gTLDs (like .CONTACT) as gTLDs, and they hold no advantage or disadvantage in search (Google, n.d.).
There is a virtually unending list of possible domain names that can be created with the .CONTACT TLD with examples like “myname.contact”, “myservices.contact”, or “mybusiness.contact”. The possibilities are as limitless as the words and combinations that can be formed to precede .CONTACT.
Overall, the .CONTACT TLD is a potential choice for those creating new websites or looking to rebrand. Whether or not it is the right fit will depend on your unique needs and the specific identity you wish your web presence to project.
Sources:
1. ICANN. (n.d.) About ICANN. Retrieved from https://www.icann.org/about
1. Donuts Inc. (2021) Domain Policies. Retrieved from https://donuts.domains/what-we-do/launching-the-donut/domain-policies
1. Google Developers. (n.d.) Frequently asked questions: New top level domains (TLDs). Retrieved from https://developers.google.com/search/docs/advanced/crawling/faqs-about-new-top-level-domains
