
The .info domain is a popular choice for many websites, but is it the right fit for you? In this blog, we’ll show you what it is and give you the benefits and potential drawbacks of using the .info extension as part of your domain name to help you decide if it’s your best option.
We’ll also go into how it can affect your branding and credibility when you register a domain name for your business and how it compares to other extensions regarding availability, cost, and perception along with the specific industries and types of sites that can benefit most from using it.
Table of Contents
Understanding TLDs & Domain Names
Before getting into the specifics of the.info Top Level Domain (TLD), here is an overview of what a domain name is and how TLDs work in their structure.
A domain name is the unique address that identifies a website on the net. It’s the human-readable part of a web address that users type into their browser to find and access a site. It is an alternative to the numerical IP addresses computers use to identify websites. For example, “yourwebsite.com”.
TLDs are the suffixes at the very end of a domain name, following the last dot; they are the highest level in the net’s hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS). In our example “www. yourwebsite.com”, “.com” is the TLD, with “yourwebsite” being the Second Level Domain (SLD).
The different types of TLDs help categorize websites. The main categories to look at when choosing a domain for your site are:
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
These TLDs are considered ‘general’. While some originally had specific intended uses, like .com for commercial sites and businesses or .net for network and tech-related sites, these restrictions have loosened over time. Now most gTLDs can be registered by anyone.
In recent years, new gTLDs have been added, further expanding the number of available options while giving more descriptive web addresses. These include industry-specific TLDs like .ai for AI-related sites and services, or .io, which has become increasingly popular in technology.
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)
These TLDs are associated with specific countries or territories. Each country or territory is assigned a unique two-letter code that forms the ccTLD. Examples include .us for the United States and .ca for Canada.
Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs)
A specific organization sponsors these TLDs. The sponsor sets the registration policies and eligibility requirements for the sTLD. Some examples of sTLDs include .edu, reserved for accredited educational institutions, and .gov for government departments.

What is The .info Domain?
The .info domain is a gTLD introduced to the internet in 2001 as part of an initiative to expand domain name options beyond the traditional .com, .net, and .org extensions.
The .info TLD was one of seven TLDs approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in November 2000. It was the first unrestricted TLD created since .com, meaning anyone could register a .info domain without meeting specific criteria.
The introduction of .info was part of a broader effort to reduce the use of the .com TLD and provide more options for website owners. It quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most successful new gTLDs at its launch.
As its name suggests, the .info domain was originally intended for informational websites. The idea was to create a dedicated space for sites primarily focused on providing information, distinguishing them from commercial (.com) or organizational (.org) websites.
However, like many other TLDs, the actual usage of .info domains has expanded beyond its initial purpose.
While .info is not as common as .com domains, it has carved out a niche for those who want a domain that delivers information and a solid alternative for those who find their desired name unavailable with other TLDs.
Advantages of Using the .info Domain
Several benefits make .info domain names an attractive option for many website owners. Here are some of its advantages when choosing a domain for your business:
Availability
Compared to more popular TLDs like .com and .net, .info domains often have a higher availability of desired domain names. This is especially beneficial for businesses or individuals looking for a specific name that aligns with their brand or purpose but is already taken in other TLDs.
Affordability
Generally, more cost-effective than other TLDs, .info domains can be a cost-effective option for startups, small businesses, and people on a budget. This allows companies to experiment with different domain names or hosting multiple websites without a large financial investment.
Recognition
While not as widely recognized as .com, the .info TLD has an established presence. It is widely accepted and familiar to internet users worldwide, ensuring your website’s reach and credibility aren’t held back by an unfamiliar domain extension.
Versatility
Despite its original intention, .info domains have evolved to accommodate numerous websites, including personal blogs, business and news sites, educational resources, and portfolios. This adaptability makes it a flexible choice for multiple types of sites.
Additionally, “info” is universally associated with and understood as information. This is a benefit if you want to position your website and business as an authoritative source in your industry or field.
Drawbacks of a .info Domain
While using a .info domain has advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before deciding on it. These include:
Perception
Compared to TLDs like .com and .org, .info is less well-known and comparatively new; some may perceive this as less professional. Similarly, their relative affordability might be considered a sign of lower quality or service. For example, a .com domain is more recognizable and the TLD has established authority.
Lastly, regarding perception, the “info” in the extension might unintentionally lead users to believe your website is purely informational, even if you offer products or services.
Association with Spam
In the past, spam, unsafe, and low-quality websites have used the .info TLD – and this negative association may still be present among some users. This is partly because of its lower cost, which made the domain attractive to spammers, plus less stringent registration requirements in the early days.
Additionally, although the processes for registering domains have been tightened, some spam filters and users may still view them as suspicious and try to stop their access.
Remember that the impact of these drawbacks can vary depending on your target audience, industry, and brand identity, so it’s important to consider these points when you consider this domain.
However, a well-designed, responsive website with valuable, relevant content can help overcome perception issues and increase traffic and conversions.

Comparing .info to Other TLDs
Understanding how .info compares to other TLDs can help you see whether it will fit your website and business needs.
.info vs .com
- Popularity: .com is the most popular TLD worldwide, with the highest recognition and trust.
- Cost: Domains using .info are generally more affordable than ones with .com extensions.
- Availability: Due to the popularity of .com, many domain names are already registered, so .info might offer more options depending on what you want.
- Perception: .com is mostly seen as more professional and established.
.info vs .net
- Purpose: While both TLDs were initially intended for specific purposes, .info has become a generic TLD, and .net still has some network-related connotations.
- Popularity: The .net TLD is less popular than .com, but can still be considered more established than .info.
- Cost: .info domains are typically cheaper than .net domains.
.info vs .org
- Purpose: Like .info, .org was originally intended for a specific type of site but is now used widely for various kinds.
- Trust: .org often signifies a higher trust level due to its historical association with non-profits.
- Cost: .info domains are usually less expensive than .org domains.
.info vs New TLDs
- Popularity: As we mentioned, newer TLDs are gaining popularity, but they still lack the recognition of more established TLDs including .info
- Cost: Prices vary widely among newer TLDs, but many are comparable or more expensive than .info.
- Perception: Some newer TLDs, like .io and .ai, have gained traction in specific spaces and industries, but their perception is still developing.
Should You Use the .info Domain?
Using the .info domain depends on your website goals, target audience, and industry. Here are a few points to help you decide whether to use it.
Among the most obvious reasons, if the focus of your website is to provide information, such as a blog, news, or resources, a .info domain can be an excellent choice.
Next, regarding budget, .info domains can be cheaper to register than other TLDs, making them an affordable option for small businesses.
If your desired domain name is unavailable with popular TLDs like .com, a .info domain can be a great alternative, as it can be used for a wide range of websites, including informational ones.
Effect on SEO
It is worth mentioning that while domain extensions are not direct ranking factors, they can indirectly influence your SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Sometimes, a .info domain might be perceived as less authoritative or trustworthy than a .com or .org. This can indirectly affect your SEO by influencing user behavior. If users view your site as untrustworthy, they might be less likely to link to or share it; this can impact your domain authority and lower your visibility in search results.
However, valuable, high-quality content, relevant keywords, and a strong backlink profile are still the main ranking factors in search engine algorithms, along with site performance and user experience.
Registering a Domain with Hosted.com
Hosted.com makes registering your domain quick, easy, and affordable.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect domain name, use our Domain Search tool to check its availability with the .info extension.
This tool will also give you alternative TLD options like .com or .net for comparison. If it is available, click “Add to Cart”. Next, choose your registration period from 1 to 10 years. Select the one that best suits your needs.
Now, if you are an existing Hosted customer, log in. New customers can create an account by filling out the form provided. Enter your domain registrant information including your name, email, and phone number accurately.
Follow the prompts to finalize payment through the Hosted.com secure payment gateway. After you’ve completed the payment, watch your inbox for an email from us containing verification instructions and follow the steps to complete your domain registration.
That’s it. Once the registration is finalized, you can manage your domain and other Hosted.com services through our secure Customer Portal.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Domain names are human-readable web addresses, with TLDs forming part of their structure to help categorize website types.
- The .info domain is a versatile TLD suitable for several websites, not just informational ones.
- Registering a .info domain offers several benefits, including more availability and lower costs than other TLDs.
- While .info may not be as universally recognized as .com, it can be a strong alternative depending on your specific needs and goals.
- While .info has some disadvantages, most can be overcome with proper website management and high-quality content.
- Certain websites may benefit more from a .info domain due to its inherent association with information.
- Registering a .info domain with Hosted.com is a straightforward process that can be completed quickly and easily.
FAQs
What does .info stand for?
.info stands for “information,” as the TLD was originally intended for informational websites.
What are the benefits of a .info TLD?
Benefits include affordability, high availability of desired domain names compared to other TLDs, versatility, and recognition.
Can anyone register a .info domain?
Yes. The .info domain is not restricted; anyone can register it.
Can I use a .info domain for a business website?
Yes. The .info domain can be used for any website, including business sites. Ensure it suits your niche and brand identity.
How does .info compare to newer TLDs?
The .info TLD is more established and widely recognized than many newer gTLDs, but it may be less specific regarding branding and industry association.
Is a .info domain as good as a .com domain?
Web addresses with .com domains may have higher recognition and perceived credibility, but .info domains can be effective if used correctly.
Other Blogs of Interest:
– Is .net Reliable? Pros and Cons of the .net Domain
– Choosing The Perfect Company Domain: Tips and Tricks
– Are .io Domains Safe? Security Considerations for Your Website
– What Is .io – And Why You May Want to Use It
- About the Author
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Rhett isn’t just a writer at Hosted.com – he’s our resident WordPress content guru. With over 6 years of experience as a content writer, with a background in copywriting, journalism, research, and SEO, and a passion for websites.
Rhett authors informative blogs, articles, and Knowledgebase guides that simplify the complexities of WordPress, website builders, domains, and cPanel hosting. Rhett’s clear explanations and practical tips provide valuable resources for anyone wanting to own and build a website. Just don’t ask him about coding before he’s had coffee.