What Is .io – And Why You May Want to Use It

While the classic “.com” extension has long been among the go-to choices for websites both large and small, there’s a new contender that is rapidly gaining popularity: “.io.” In this “what is .io” article, we’ll explain about an .io domain is, why it is so in demand recently, who is currently using it, we’ll look at its pros and cons, and why you might want to use this extension for your website. We will also give you a step-by-step guide to getting your new .io domain registered with Hosted.com.

Understanding Top Level Domains (TLDs)

Before we dive into the details of .io, let’s talk about Top Level Domains (TLDs). A TLD is the last section of a domain name (or URL) made up of 2 – 3 letters that appear after the dot, for example in “www.website.com”, the “.com” is the TLD. These website address suffixes are managed by a domain Registry and play a crucial role in the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS translates domain names into the IP addresses browsers and servers use to communicate with each other to display the website you want to access. You’re already familiar with .com, .net, and .org, but there’s a whole universe of TLDs out there. Here are the three main types:

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

These are the most common and widely used types of TLDs and include the extensions most people are familiar with like .com, .org, and .net. gTLDs are intended for general use, although some have specific purposes, for example, .org being used for organizations.

Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)

ccTLDs are TLDs assigned to countries, such as .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, and .jp for Japan. ccTLDs are most often used by sites that want to focus on audiences within those specific countries.

Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs:

sTLDs are sponsored by specific organizations and serve communities related to those organizations. Examples include .edu for educational institutions and .gov for government entities in the United States.

In recent years, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has introduced new TLDs to provide even more options and flexibility when registering a new domain. These include .app, .blog, .tech, and many others geared toward specific interests and industries.

The general idea is that having all these different categories and types of TLDs can help users communicate information about their website through their domain names to both visitors and search engines.

Registering a domain involves choosing an available domain name and accompanying TLD and completing the domain registration through a provider. It’s important to also be aware of the renewal schedule and fees once you have registered a domain. This is because all domain names have an expiration date and need to be renewed, usually annually, to maintain ownership. If you do not renew yours by a specific date, it will expire and will become available for purchase by someone else.

Additionally, you should be aware of any regulations specific to the TLD you choose. For example, some ccTLDs have residency requirements, while certain sTLDs may require proof of eligibility to use this specific extension.

Importance of Choosing the Right TLD

What’s in a domain name? Your domain name is more than just your website’s address; it’s the first thing potential visitors and search engine crawlers will see and affects how users will engage with your site. Your TLD also plays a significant role in its function.

Having the right domain name can help your business by forming part of your website’s branding. For example, a .tech extension might be a better fit for a technology company, while a .biz domain could be perfect for an online business.

Similarly, certain TLDs can be particularly effective for targeting audiences in specific countries or industries, as they often signal that the site content is tailored to that place or niche.

While TLDs are not a primary ranking factor for search engines, the right TLD can help communicate the relevance and context of your website to both users and search engine crawlers, potentially giving you a much-needed visibility boost.

Lastly, with the number of domains being registered using gTLDs like .com, new and specific TLDs offer more opportunities to register short, memorable domain names without having to use special characters or alternative spellings.

What is .io – An .io Extension?

Surprisingly, the .io extension is actually a ccTLD associated with the British Indian Ocean Territory, However, as you’ve probably guessed, most .io websites are not from there. The .io TLD has been adopted by the technology industry and its popularity can be attributed to its catchiness and strong association with a particular abbreviation. The term “io” is a nod to “input/output,” often abbreviated as “i/o,” which is a fundamental concept in programming and computing. It refers to the communication between a computer system and a user or another system, involving data being received (input) and sent (output).

This clever little play on words has made the .io domain particularly appealing to tech companies, as it evokes the core activities of coding and software development, particularly in the AI community. It symbolizes the exchange of information and data that is central to technological processes and innovation. Additionally, its short, memorable nature makes it an attractive option for on-target branding, further enhancing its appeal.

In short, the .io TLD has moved past its original geographic designation to become associated with modern, cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Who Uses The .io TLD?

The .io extension isn’t typically the first top-level domain that people think of using when they set up their website. However, the sites that use them tend to find they can work well in terms of availability and brand identity.

As we’ve already discussed, the .io TLD is quickly becoming a staple within the global tech and digital markets. This widespread use is primarily driven by tech professionals, startups, and digital companies who favor the .io domain for its sleek, tech-savvy connotation and its clever nod to the input/output (i/o) concept. Many of these companies are focused on developing online services that take input from users and then provide them with output such as search results, products, or information.

The .io domain’s appeal also extends to its brevity and memorability, making it ideal for creating sleek, catchy, and easy-to-recall web addresses. This aligns perfectly with the innovative nature of the technology industry. Some of the more well-known io domain names are GitBook.io and CodeSandbox.io

While it’s still relatively new, here are a few types of businesses that are making solid use of it:

• The .io domain has become a hallmark for tech startups worldwide. Its association with technology and innovation makes it a popular choice for new companies looking to create a modern-looking brand identity in the tech industry.
• Software developers and companies often choose .io website domains. Once again, the reference to input/output references the interactive nature of software and applications, appealing to people in the developer community.
• Beyond startups and developers, a wide range of websites, including online tech product stores, cryptocurrency platforms, and digital creative agencies, are opting to use the .io TLD. This is due to its modern vibe and potential for creating catchy, brandable URLs.

Pros and Cons of .io Domains

Now that you know more about what .io is, Let’s go through some pros and cons to help you decide if it is the right choice for your website.

Pros

• Unique URLs: Choosing .io can help you obtain a unique, memorable domain name that stands out in a sea of .com addresses. The .io domains registered are often short, making them easy to remember and type. This can be particularly beneficial for branding and marketing purposes.
• Greater Availability: Compared to other domains, like .com and .net, the .io address only accounts for 0.6% of all domains worldwide. As a result, you’re more likely to get your desired domain name without resorting to abbreviations or alternative spellings compared to a .com domain.
• SEO Neutral: Like other TLDs, .io domains are SEO (Search Engine Optimization) neutral. This means that all other factors being equal, a .io domain has the same potential to rank well in search engines as a .com domain.

Cons

• Higher Cost: .io domains can be more expensive than many other TLDs, including .com because of increasing demand. This higher registration and renewal cost can be a drawback for startups and individuals on a tight budget.
• Perception: While .io domains are popular in the technology space, they might not have the same level of trust and authority as more established TLDs like .com or .net to other audiences, this is probably one of top cons of io domains..
• Potential Technical Issues: .io domains have faced routing issues due to their unique status as a ccTLD, not a gTLD. While not common, this can affect your site’s accessibility.

Remember, the decision to register a .io domain name should be made based on your business’s individual needs and goals.

Registering a .io Domain with Hosted.com

Register a io domain and setting up your website involves a few key steps, including signing up for web hosting. Here’s a step-by-step guide that includes signing up for web hosting for your .io’s website:

1. Search for Your Domain Name: Use our Domain Name Finder tool to find an available .io domain that perfectly fits your website and brand. Given the rising popularity of .io domains, you may need to experiment with different variations to find your perfect domain name.

• Select Your Domain: Once you’ve chosen your domain, add it to your cart. You’ll also see a list of similar domains with different TLD extensions. Consider purchasing them to protect your brand.
• Create an Account: If you’re a new user, you will need to create an account by providing your contact details and set up a payment method.
• Fill Out Contact Info: Fill out a short contact form to provide the required registrant information. You’ll need to agree to the registrar’s and the registry’s terms for .io domains.
• Complete Purchase: Review your selections, including any additional services like web hosting. This can simplify the process of creating and managing your website by keeping your domain registration and hosting under one account. 
• Registration: Your domain registration is completed within minutes, provided you’ve paid the registration fee and filled out your details accurately.
• Renewal: Domains need to be renewed yearly. However, you can choose a period anywhere from 2 to 10 years on purchase and only renew at the end of the selected period.

Note: It can take up to 24 hours for your domain to become active once payment has been received.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. A Top Level Domain (TDL) is the last part of a website’s URL that appears after the final dot. They are divided into categories including generic, country-code, and sponsored. TLDs are managed by Domain Registries.
2. Choosing the right TLD should reflect your website’s content and branding.
3. The .io TLD was originally a ccTLD that has been adopted by the technology industry, due to its similarity to the input/output concept in coding and development.
4. Tech startups, software developers, and many other similar businesses in the technical industry have started using the .io TLD.
5. The pros of the .io extension include wider domain name availability, creating unique URLs, and potentially helping with SEO. The cons include a potentially higher purchase cost, unfamiliarity among users, and potential routing issues.
6. Finding and registering a .io domain with Hosted.com is simple. Find your domain, set up your account, fill in your registrant information, and complete your purchase.

FAQs

Other Blogs of Interest:

– Private vs Public Domain Registration: What’s the Difference?

– .com vs .co: A Complete Guide to Two Popular Domain Extensions

– Are Hyphens in Domain Names OK for Google?

– Private vs Public Domain Registration: What’s the Difference?

– What Next After a Domain Name Purchase? Follow these 6 Easy Steps