Yes, I could definitely help with that. A Top-Level Domain (TLD) is essentially the last part of a web address, appearing after the final dot. Examples include .com, which is often used for commercial businesses, or .org, which is typically used for non-profit organizations.
In the specific case of .house, it represents a Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) verified by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). Introduced by ICANN in 2013, new gTLDs like .house offer more options for people and businesses looking to tailor their online presence more specifically.
According to TLD List, an easy-to-use tool that provides data about domain names, being a gTLD, .house does not require any restrictions to register. It can be used by anyone—no prescription or validation required. Some of the benefits to brands and businesses using .house domain names can include improved visibility and a clearer brand identity, particularly if they operate within the real estate, building, or home services industries.
For example, a real estate business named “Dream Home” might have a lot of competition for domain names in the more populated .com or .co domain space. Instead, they could opt for a domain name like dream.home.house which may be more readily available, and can serve as a clear identifier of the service provided.
In terms of popularity, as per NameStat, there were around 19,164 active .house domains by March 2nd, 2022. There are examples of successful websites using this TLD like “www.tiny.house” who offer service in building tiny houses and “www.sunshine.house” a Portuguese holiday rental place.
However, there can also be potential drawbacks of using .house – or any gTLD – relative to more established TLDs. According to Search Engine Journal, gTLDs may not be recognized as credible by users who are accustomed to seeing .com or .org. This can affect click-through rates and user trust. Moreover, Google has clarified that using a new TLD will not provide any ranking benefit over a .com domain.
Therefore, while .house and other gTLDs offer new options for customization and potential branding benefits, they should be selected with a strategy in mind, taking the potential effects on user perception and SEO into consideration.
Sources:
1. ICANN’s gTLD Program (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en)
2. TLD list (https://tld-list.com/tld/house)
3. NameStat (https://namestat.org/)
4. Search Engine Journal: Will Using Alternate TLDs Affect Your SEO Negatively?” (https://www.searchenginejournal.com/will-using-alternate-tlds-affect-seo-negatively/104747/)
5. Google Webmaster Central Blog: Google’s handling of new top-level domains (https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2015/07/googles-handling-of-new-top-level)
