April 29, 2024 – Version 0.3.0
Every domain choice is a statement about the internet we want. I stared at a registrar’s page, paralyzed. Not by options, but because I realized: every TLD sends a message about who I am as a developer.
Added
- Domain research: Researched TLDs from classic (.com) to trendy (.dev, .io) to experimental (.xyz). Each tells a story.
- Brand alignment: Built a decision matrix against my values: proof of work and technical credibility. Domain is how you introduce yourself digitally.
- Netlify: Set up with CI/CD for simplicity. No self-hosting headaches. Automatic HTTPS, global CDN, zero-config. Obviously the right choice.
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,
- Implementing proper DNS records for future scalability,
- Creating a domain strategy for potential side projects.