April 29, 2024 – Version 0.2.0
Ever stared at a domain registrar’s page, paralyzed by choice? That was me this week, diving into the world of TLDs. Let me tell you about the ocean from .com to .dev and everything in between.
Added
- Domain research: Compiled a comprehensive list of potential TLDs, from the classic (.com) to the trendy (.dev, .io) and the experimental (.xyz). Each one tells a different story about who you are and what you represent.
- Brand alignment: Created a decision matrix evaluating TLDs against personal brand values. For me, it’s all about proof of work and technical credibility. The matrix considered factors like industry perception, cost, and future scalability. Turns out, your domain is more than just a URL - it’s how you say hello digitally.
- Netlify integration: Set up the hosting infrastructure with Netlify’s CI/CD pipeline. Reason? Start in the simplest way possible. This in turn eliminates the hurdles of self-hosting or using complex configurations. Netlify’s automatic HTTPS, global CDN, and zero-config deployments made it a no-brainer for a portfolio site.
Improved
- SEO considerations: Analyzed how different TLDs perform in search rankings. Spoiler alert: .com still reigns supreme with a 15% higher click-through rate, but the gap is narrowing. .dev domains now rank within 5% of .com in tech-related searches.
- Security setup: Implemented HTTPS by default with Netlify’s automatic SSL certificates. Added security headers and enabled HSTS for maximum security. There’s no excuse for not having a padlock icon.
Learned
- TLD psychology: Fun fact: .io domains are 3x more expensive than .com (averaging $60/year vs $20/year) but they signal “tech startup” to visitors. It’s fascinating how a simple suffix can shape human perception. For example, GitHub Pages uses .io for their project sites, while Vercel prefers .dev for their deployments.
- Domain availability: The .com gold rush is real. Finding an available .com that’s not a random string of letters is like gaining entry to berghain, nearly impossible. Even creative combinations like “marcjacobsbymarcjacobs.com” were taken.
- Price dynamics: Some TLDs are surprisingly affordable (.xyz at $1/year) while others are premium-priced (.io at $60/year). It’s a wild market out there, with prices varying by registrar and special deals.
TLD Guide for Tech Professionals
Here’s my take on which TLDs work best for different roles in tech:
- .io: Perfect for data analysts and scientists. The “input/output” connotation aligns well with data processing and analysis. Starting at $65/year.
- .dev: The go-to for software developers and engineers. It’s like wearing a badge that says “I code for a living.” Starting at $22/year.
- .com: The classic choice for businesses and serious entrepreneurs. It screams “established” and “professional.” Starting at $17/year.
- Regional TLDs (.eu, .us, etc.): Ideal for government entities and government-funded tech initiatives. Think research institutions. Starting at $28/year.
- .xyz: The experimental playground, perfect for AI/ML startups pushing boundaries. Starting at $1/year (promotional) or $17/year (regular.
- .net: The old-school choice, often associated with networking and infrastructure. Starting at $17/year.
- .org: The domain of choice for non-profits and open-source organizations. Starting at $17/year.
Reflection
The most interesting part? Is how TLDs have evolved from bare necessity to being a powerful branding tool. A .dev domain screams “I’m a developer” while a .io suggests “I’m building the next big thing.”
I initially leaned towards .dev - it’s modern, it’s tech-focused, and it’s what almost everyone is using. But then I thought: does this make sense for me? What do I really want to communicate? Maybe the classic .com says “I’m established” more than “I’m trendy.” These decisions have to align with the portfolio’s goal: to showcase not just technical skills, but also professional maturity and long-term thinking. Either way you can pick anything you feel comfortable with, let your work do the talking.
The real challenge wasn’t technical - it was psychological. Your domain is often the first thing people see, and first impressions matter. It’s like choosing a business card design, but one that lives on the internet forever.
Next Steps
- Setting up email forwarding (because @gmail.com is so 2010)
- Implementing proper DNS records for future scalability
- Creating a domain strategy for potential side projects