The top-level domain (TLD) “.vodka” was introduced into the internet’s Domain Name System (DNS) in order for entities connected with the vodka industry to have greater online visibility and distinction.
According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the entity that oversees the global internet’s DNS, the “.vodka” TLD was delegated on 15th January 2014 to Top Level Domain Holdings Limited.
The “.vodka” TLD falls under the category of Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD). These types of domains are differentiated from Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD) which are two letters long and represent specific countries, like “.us” for United States or “.uk” for the United Kingdom.
TLDs like “.vodka” were created as part of ICANN’s new gTLD expansion program to offer more TLD choices to internet users and provide new opportunities for online branding. A TLD like “.vodka” is designed to offer an online identity that’s specific and relevant for companies, individuals, and organizations associated with vodka. Such entities can include manufacturers, distributors, retailers, enthusiasts, or consumer-review websites — virtually anyone keen to associate their online presence with vodka.
For instance, one example of the utilization of “.vodka” TLD is www.premium.vodka. This website represents the Premium Vodka brand and uses the “.vodka” TLD to convey its relevance and credibility within the vodka industry.
However, it’s essential to note that owning a “.vodka” domain name doesn’t automatically contribute to search engine visibility or ranking. As Google’s guidance on gTLDs shows, they treat new gTLDs like “.vodka” as gTLDs and categorize them as generic TLDs. This means these new gTLDs don’t receive priority or special treatment in search.
In conclusion, anyone within the vodka industry wanting a domain name that more immediately communicates their association with vodka, the “.vodka” TLD offers a unique and sector-specific opportunity to do so.
Sources:
1. Delegation Record for .VODKA (ICANN) – https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/vodka.html
2. gTLDs (Generic Top-Level Domains) – ICANN – https://learn.icann.org/gtlds
3. What Are gTLDs? Registry & Domains – Webopedia – https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/gtld/
4. Premium.Vodka – http://premium.vodka/
5. Google’s handling of new top level domains – Google Search Central – https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2015/07/googles-handling-of-new-top-level.
