.com is parked at an expensive dealer. Is .org a good choice?

Question

Is it okay to run a commercial business entity on a .org domain name. Obviously, .com is the best for SEO. What are the disadvantages of a .org domain. Difficulty in convincing Google that its a commercial product offering?

chiefalchemist · Accepted Answer

In 2023, domain extension has little impact on SEO. It's a low value (read: close to zero) signal for ranking.
Frankly, domain name itself, at this point, is similar.
Three things to remember:
- The algorithm is just trying to be human.
- That asked, have you ever recommend content to another human based on the ext or or domain name?
- Many browers are effective hiding the domain.ext. This wouldn't happen if real human users cared.
All that said, to me .org is typically a not-for-profit entity. Instead go with .co, .io, etc.

nness · Answer

My gut says that the purpose of the .org domain runs counter to a commercial business, and may confuse users..co is a suitable alternative, if that were available?

AlbertoGP · Answer

It will drive the most inattentive prospects away from your website, which depending on your business model might be a good thing.

zamnos · Answer

How expensive? In 2023, paying a couple grand to get the perfect is the unfortunate state of the Internet.

pestatije · Answer

I'd try others before .org, like .io, .tv, ...