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References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require a password.
ICANN and Top-Level Domains
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers)
The IANA functions include . . . the administration of certain responsibilities associated with Internet DNS root zone management such as generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domains.
Root Zone Database (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)
“The Root Zone Database represents the delegation details of top-level domains, including gTLDs such as .com, and country-code TLDs such as .uk.”
What Is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?
What Is a Top-Level Domain? TLDs Explained with Examples (Semrush, Feb. 3, 2023)
TLDs help identify, organize, and classify websites based on their content, purpose, or location. For example, a .com TLD is typically used for commercial websites.
What Is a TLD? All You Need to Know About Top Level Domains (Hostinger, Apr. 10, 2023)
"A top-level domain (TLD), also known as a domain extension, is the rightmost part of a domain name. In hostinger.com, for example, hostinger is the domain name, while .com is the TLD. Other common TLDs include .org and .net."
51+ Comprehensive TLD Statistics – New Domains & Trends in 2023 (Web Tribunal, Mar. 20, 2023)
“The top 4 gTLDs are .com, .ru, .org, .net.”
Real Town Blogs Series on Top-level Domains (National Association of REALTORS®)
“This blog post series explores the value of new top-level domains for real estate professionals and brokers, with both simple and advanced advice.”
Top-Level Domain Trends
A Snapshot of the Domain Industry in 2023 (CircleID, Mar. 9, 2023)
The TLD .com, which accounts for more than 43% of all registered domains worldwide, saw another significant increase in registrations last year, continuing an impressive growth streak that has not stopped since the early ‘90s
Top-Level .Giving Domain Now Available to Nonprofits (Associations Now, Jan. 31, 2023)
The use of such a domain, Nevett said, can remove a step from visitors to a cause’s website to making a donation. “You can capture the attention of the donor with one click, as opposed to having them navigate through the entire site, try to find the donation page, and then click there and not get distracted.”
How to Choose the Best TLD (Namecheap, Jan. 12, 2023)
Technically, you can go with almost any TLD that takes your fancy, even if the purpose doesn't fit your selection. However, this won't be helpful to your site visitors. We recommend choosing an extension informed by the use of your website. This way your domain will create a cohesive first impression.
The .realtor™ and .realestate Domains
Stand Out Online with .realtor™ and .realestate (RISMedia, May 19, 2022)
“For maximum marketing effectiveness, .realtor™ and .realestate web addresses are recommended for your brokerage and for each of your team members. That way, agents own their personal brand online, and your company can carve out a custom space to highlight your specialties and areas of expertise.”
“With a .realtor™ domain and Free Professional Website you can continue to strategically build your brand and boost business through a powerful site that is yours and yours alone!”
5 Tips for Using NAR’s Online Domain in Your Business (RISMedia, May 28, 2019)
“With a top-level domain, you’re always accessible to consumers. You can provide them with important information 24/7, connecting them to a wide array of services, listings and forms, and all built around your area of expertise in an easy-to-understand way.”
Mapping Your .REALTOR Domain to Placester [Classic] (Placester, May 20, 2019)
“Mapping is the process of replacing your existing Placester domain with a custom one you have purchased from a third party provider. Placester always recommends that you map your domain rather than forward it. “
Make Double the Marketing Impact With .realestate (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 12, 2018)
“The complementary .realestate domain identifies what you do and can be used to promote your specific expertise, like a property type or geographic area.”
Top-Level Domains and Your Business
How to Plan Your Corporate Domain Strategy (Register.com, Mar. 7, 2023)
The first step is to complete a thorough domain asset review and inventory. Before you can do so, you’ll need to determine who is responsible for purchasing new domain names at your organization. One of the biggest issues when it comes to domain name management is the fact that domains affect many different corporate stakeholders.
A Guide to Domain Names for Small Businesses (Web.com, Feb. 17, 2023)
Registrars will have to pay that cost whenever a domain name is registered through them, which is why prices and special offers may differ from one registrar to another. *.com, *.net and the other popular TLDs are usually less than $40 per year, while some newer TLDs like *.ceo cost hundreds and *.rich cost thousands.
What Is a Business Domain Name? A Quick Overview (Fit Small Business, Apr. 27, 2023)
When choosing a domain name for your website, keep in mind that top-level domains are considered the gold standard, especially the universal “.com.” However, with so many domain names registered, it can be challenging to come up with a memorable, effective domain name with an available .com extension. So you may have to get creative or choose the most appropriate second-level extension.
eBooks & Other Resources
101 Ways to Promote Your Real Estate Website (eBook)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Website ( eBook)
I’ve Got a Domain Name—Now What??? (eBook)
Building Websites All-In-One For Dummies (eBook)
101 Ways to Promote Your Website (eBook)
Million Dollar Website (eBook)
The Rough Guide to the Internet (eBook)
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