The top-level domain (TLD) ‘.site’ is a fairly recent addition to the internet’s domain name system. TLDs are the last part of a web address, coming after the final dot, such as .com, .org, or .edu. They help categorize and simplify the structure of internet addresses. For instance, the TLD “.gov” reveals that a website is of a governmental nature.
The .site TLD is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was delegates by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which is the organization responsible for managing internet protocol numbers and DNS root. The TLD .site was officially delegated to Radix on 18th of March, 2015 as mentioned by ICANN on its official announcement page. ICANN’s new gTLD program has led to the introduction of many new TLD options like .site.
The new .site domain has gained popularity since its launch due to it being both generic and unique. It gives businesses and individuals an alternative to other overused TLDs like .com or .net. Being a generic term, .site can fit any individual, brand or business irrespective of their industry, geographical location or size. Some examples of websites using the .site domain include www.zero.site (an organization) or www.armani.site (posit of fashion brand Armani).
The pricing of a .site domain varies among various registrars. The most known registrars that officially sell the .site domain include GoDaddy, NameCheap, and Google Domains.
In the context of SEO, Google has affirmed that new gTLDs like .site are treated equally to older TLDs like .com or .net. Google’s John Mueller clarified in a Google Webmaster Central hangout in 2015, stating “they are all treated the same. It’s not the case that any new top-level domains are treated differently … or that any kind-of older top-level domains or any country code top-level domains are treated differently.”
In conclusion, .site, as a top-level domain, provides a broad, generic platform for businesses, individuals, and organizations to establish a unique online presence. It’s affordable, widely available, and, according to Google, equivalent in value to more traditional TLDs for SEO purposes.
Sources used:
ICANN official website (https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2015-03-18-en)
Zero (https://www.zero.site/)
Armani (https://www.armani.site/)
Google Webmaster Central hangout (https://www.seroundtable.com/google-says-no-seo-benefit-to-new-tlds-21153.html).
