Key highlights
- Businesses and individuals are increasingly turning to .com alternatives for unique branding and better availability.
- Alternative domain extensions like .tech, .store, .blog and .online offer strong branding opportunities and can enhance SEO.
- Choosing a .com alternative provides benefits like affordability, wider availability and industry-specific relevance.
- Bluehost’s domain search tool makes it easy to find and register the perfect domain for your needs.
- Industry-specific domain extensions enhance recognition and credibility by aligning a business’s online presence with its niche.
- Bluehost makes domain registration easy with step-by-step guidance to help you secure your ideal web address.
Introduction
You finally have the perfect business name. And then rush to register a domain, but the .com is already taken. You try a few variations, but they’re either unavailable or cost thousands of dollars. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Getting a .com domain is tough, but does it really matter? Not as much as you might think.
.com alternatives are rising in popularity. Businesses, bloggers and startups are embracing alternative domain extensions that fit their industry and brand better. If you’re struggling to get a .com domain, it’s time to explore smarter, more creative options.
Why consider .com alternatives?
Over 36.2% of all domain registrations use .com domain name, making it the most widely used domain extension. There were over 156.3 million .com domains registered by the end of 2024. With so much competition, getting a short and memorable .com domain name is nearly impossible. Many successful brands use alternative domain extensions and still thrive.
Here’s why switching to a non-traditional TLD can work in your favor:
Better availability and lower cost
Like we talked about earlier, there’s a .com shortage and some web-savvy individuals have made a business of buying up .coms and then selling them to business owners at highly inflated prices. No one should have to pay thousands of dollars for a domain name. Selecting a non-traditional TLD makes getting your website up and running much less expensive.
Stronger branding
Imagine a freelance writer with a domain that ends in .write. That domain becomes a powerful statement of what the freelancer can do and reads equally well on resumes and business cards.
SEO Potential
This makes it easier for web crawlers to know which content will be most relevant to searchers. For instance, if a website ends in .ru, Google knows the site originates in Russia and will probably be in Russian. If a domain name ends in .pizza, Google expects the site to serve up pepperoni-related content.
Better user trust and engagement
A domain that matches your business niche builds credibility. Users are more likely to click on .lawyer for legal services or .design for creative portfolios. This alignment boosts user trust and engagement.
Future-proofing your online identity
The internet is evolving and so is domain naming. With the growing popularity of .com alternatives, securing a unique and modern domain ensures your brand stays ahead of the curve.
This means that choosing the right .com extension alternative can improve your site’s visibility by aligning it with relevant searches. A well-matched .com extension helps search engines understand your content, enabling their server’s efficiency in making it easier for your audience to find you.
Popular alternative domain extensions
Businesses, creators and startups now have access to a variety of .com alternatives that not only offer availability but also serve as a stepping stone to enhance branding.
Many forward-thinking tech companies have already embraced alternative domain extensions. Tech startups prefer .io, eCommerce brands go for .store and bloggers love .blog. These TLDs do more than just 2—they tell your audience about many online services and what you do before they even visit your site.
Therefore, here are some of the best .com alternatives to consider:
| Category | TLDs | Best fit for |
| Industry-specific TLDs | .tech | tech startups and IT companies |
| .store | eCommerce businesses | |
| .design | creatives | |
| Location-based TLDs | .nyc, .london, .berlin | city-focused brands |
| .us, .ca, .uk | businesses targeting a specific country | |
| Niche and brand-focused TLDs | .blog | bloggers and content creators |
| .online | digital-first businesses | |
| .site | modern alternative to .com | |
| Fun and unique TLDs | .xyz | tech and crypto world |
| .guru | personal brands, consultants or industry experts | |
| .buzz | media, viral content or marketing campaigns | |
| Retail and eCommerce | .store | eCommerce brands |
| .shop | online retail businesses | |
| .boutique | fashion and niche retail | |
| Healthcare and wellness | .health | medical institutions and wellness brands |
| .clinic | private medical practices and specialized clinics | |
| .fit | fitness trainers, gyms and wellness influencers | |
| Professional services | .lawyer | law firms and independent attorneys |
| .consulting | business advisors and strategy experts | |
| .finance | financial advisors, investment firms and fintech startups | |
| Food and beverage industry | .restaurant | dining establishments and franchises |
| .cafe | coffee shops, bistros and small eateries | |
| .wine | wineries and wine sellers | |
| Real estate | .realestate | agencies and property listings |
| .homes | real estate agents and home services | |
| .rent | rental property platforms and landlords | |
| Entertainment and media | .media | for digital publications and content platforms |
| .film | filmmakers and production companies | |
| .tv | video streaming, online shows and entertainment channels | |
| Education and training | .edu | accredited institutions and universities |
| .academy | online courses, coaching and skill-based training | |
| .school | K-12 schools, tutoring services and e-learning platforms | |
| Travel and tourism | .travel | travel agencies, tour guides and adventure companies |
| .vacations | holiday planners, resorts and vacation rentals | |
| .hotel | hotels, hostels and accommodation services | |
| Art and design | .design | graphic designers, architects and creative studios |
| .art | artists, galleries and digital creators | |
| .photography | photographers, visual artists and media professionals |
This is the list of some of the best .com alternatives available today. Bluehost offers most of these .com alternatives, making domain registration simple and hassle-free. With our user-friendly domain search tool, you can easily find the perfect name to make your brand stand out. Whether you’re starting a business, blog or online store, Bluehost provides the right extension to match your niche.
How to choose the right .com alternative
Choosing the perfect domain extension for your brand name depends on your industry, brand identity and target audience. Here’s how to make the right choice:
- Match your industry – Pick a domain that aligns with your business. For example- .tech suits tech startups, .store is great for eCommerce and .lawyer works for legal professionals.
- Keep it short and memorable – A domain should be easy to spell, pronounce and remember.
- Check for availability – Before settling on a name, ensure it’s available. Bluehost’s domain search tool makes it easy to find the best .com alternatives for your brand.
- Prioritize security – Bluehost offers domain privacy protection, shielding your personal details from public WHOIS databases. This helps prevent spam and fraud.
- Think long-term – Choose a domain that will grow with your brand. Avoid trends that might fade over time.
Where to register your alternative domain
A reliable registrar ensures seamless domain management and security. Bluehost is a trusted option, offering:
- Affordable pricing – Competitive rates for domain registration
- Free domain for the first year – Included with web hosting plans
- SSL certificate – Secures your site and boosts SEO
- Business email – A professional email address to match your domain
Also read: The Best Domain Registrars: Choose the Right Domain Registrar
With these benefits, Bluehost makes it easy to secure your alternative domain extension and build a strong online presence.
Step-by-Step guide to registering your alternative domain on Bluehost
Follow these simple steps to secure your .com alternative with Bluehost:
1. Visit Bluehost’s domain search tool
Go to the Bluehost website and navigate to the domain search tool. Or, click here:
2. Enter your desired domain name
Type in the name you want and select an alternative domain extension such as .tech, .store, .online, .blog or .site.
3. Check availability
Bluehost will display available options. If your first choice is taken, it will suggest similar alternatives.
4. Add domain privacy protection (highly recommended)
This feature keeps your personal details private and protects against spam and identity theft.
5. Choose a hosting plan (optional but recommended)
If you plan to launch a website, Bluehost offers hosting plans that include:
- A free domain for the first year
- SSL certificate for website security
- Professional business email
6. Complete registration and payment
Once you’ve selected your domain and any additional services, proceed to checkout. Bluehost offers competitive pricing and easy payment options.
7. Set up your website or redirect your domain
You can now build your website using Bluehost’s hosting, WordPress or another platform. If you’re not ready to launch, you can park your domain or redirect it to another site.
With Bluehost, securing a .com alternative is simple, secure and cost-effective.
Also read: How Much Does a Domain Name Cost? Understanding Prices of Domains and TLDs
Final thoughts
The internet is evolving and so are domain names, including new domain name options. Sticking to .com is no longer your only option. Whether you’re launching a tech startup, eCommerce store, blog or professional service, choosing the right perfect domain name alternative can help you stand out.
If you’re ready to find the perfect domain, Bluehost makes it easy. With our domain search tool, privacy protection and free domain for one year (with hosting), you get everything you need to establish a strong online presence.
Start your search today with Bluehost and claim your ideal domain before it’s gone!
FAQs
Many .com domains are already taken or expensive. Alternative domain extensions like .tech, .store, .blog and .online offer more availability, better branding and industry-specific relevance.
No, search engines treat all domain extensions equally. However, choosing a relevant TLD (like .lawyer for legal services) can improve credibility, help internet users and search engines understand your site’s content.
Yes, as long as you register with a trusted provider like Bluehost. Bluehost offers domain privacy protection, SSL certificates and security features to keep your site safe.
You can’t transfer a domain name to a different extension, but you can register a new one and redirect traffic from your old domain. Bluehost makes this process simple.
Bluehost is a top choice for domain registration. It offers affordable pricing, a free domain for the first year (with hosting), SSL certificates and business email to help you get started.
