v0.2 - The Great TLD Debate

From .com to .dev: My journey in choosing the perfect domain for a portfolio that balances professionalism with credibility
domain tld branding portfolio netlify

April 29, 2024 – Version 0.2.0

What if every domain we choose was a statement about the kind of internet we want to build?

That’s the question that paralyzed me this week, staring at a domain registrar’s page. In a world where every URL shapes how we think about identity and belonging, the domains we choose matter more than we realize.

Ever stared at a domain registrar’s page, paralyzed by choice? That was me this week, but not just because of the technical options. It was because I realized that every TLD sends a message about what I value as a developer and as a citizen of the internet.

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? How TLDs have evolved from technical necessity to cultural identity. Every domain extension tells a story about who we are and what we value.

I initially leaned towards .dev, it’s modern, it’s tech-focused, and it’s what almost everyone is using. But then I thought: what story do I want to tell? What kind of internet do I want to help build?

The real challenge wasn’t technical, it was ethical. Your domain is often the first thing people see, and it sends a message about what you stand for. It’s like choosing which neighborhood to live in, the address says something about your values.

The question isn’t just which domain looks good, it’s which domain represents the kind of internet we want to create.

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
**Every domain we choose shapes the internet we're building.** What ethical considerations do you think about when choosing a domain? How do you balance personal branding with contributing to a better web? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we can make the internet more inclusive and meaningful, one domain at a time.