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Can't decide between .org and .net - which would you pick?

by KatyaSenina
27 replies
I've spent a long time coming up with a suitable domain name and I really like it, but the .com extension is taken and it seems the website is non-existant. The owner doesn't seem to be doing anything with the domain name as well.

Luckily the .org/.net extension is still available but I can't decide between those two.

For ranking benefits does it really matter which one I pick? I've seen .org dominate the search engines before, but I don't see so many .net domains reach page 1 on google. But I could be wrong.

Does it really matter? Also am I allowed to promote affiliate offers on .org domains? :confused:
#decide #net #org #pick
  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    I like .net, myself. No real reason. I think the domain extension split at the top of rankings is more about how popular they are than it is about how important they are.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sheryl Polomka
    It doesn't matter for SEO. Personally I prefer .net, I always relate .org to charity organizations so I just don't like using them - but that's just me, either is fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author dadamson
    It has been tested and said among a few SEO gurus that .net is the next best thing after .com and that's what I would pick (in fact I already have! - see sig)

    Either way, the benefits really aren't too much. I mean if you built a few more links a .gov could easily outrank a .net and vice versa.

    I'd basically just pick one that suits the name of your website better or is more catchy. The SEO benefits are really quite small.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rachel Incoll
    Personally I go for .net first, then .org, but in the long run they both perform pretty well.

    Rach
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    • Profile picture of the author TribalRod
      Personally, I would say it depends on your business model - if you are targeting groups, you are an association, organisation etc then .org would be a perfect fit ...

      If you are in a niche business then .net could be a better fit - if in doubt though & you can buy both - test it for yourself & see what the data tells YOU

      Take care & all the best

      Tribal Rod
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  • Profile picture of the author Daryl Lim
    .net, .org are meant for non-profit organisations.
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    • Profile picture of the author techbx
      Originally Posted by Daryl Lim View Post

      .net, .org are meant for non-profit organisations.
      .net is actually meant for networking sites like facebook, linked in, etc. Hence, the name.

      Of course, no one really follows these conventions.

      Listen Katya, it doesn't matter what you use for your extension. You can use a .info if you want. What google cares about more is your backlinks and on site seo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Always-A-Warrior
    why don't you try to contact the owner of the .com first but first see when it expires so you can backorder it. If it expires in 2 weeks then backorder and waite to catch it. If not then .net or .org is good either one or both don't matter. You might want to grab .co too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    I'd also go for the .net, since .org is usually for organizations.

    You could always try contacting the owner of the .com and see if he/she would be interested in selling it.
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    • Profile picture of the author eminenzmedia
      Banned
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      • Profile picture of the author scott g
        I have both .net's and a .org that rank very well. I do, however, depending on the niche, like .org's. It's just my opinion, but I think .org's are looked at with more authority - maybe not necessarily by search engines, but by searchers.

        CHEERS! EITHER ONE WILL WORK UP TO YOU!
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        scott g
        "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."
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      • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
        This is just me and I could be wrong, because I haven't done any testing or research or anything, but I would flip a coin and not spend any more valuable time on this, because I don't think it makes enough difference to worry about.
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  • Profile picture of the author dadamson
    @Katya, also, I don't see any reason why you can't promote affiliate products on .org domains.

    I have just searched Google and can find loads of affiliate programs on .org domains and nothing stating you can't do this.

    Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author toytruck
    If your website is related to health, medical, education, legal and charity, then go for .org extension. If not, then choose .net. It's generally the alternative if .com isn't available.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Douglas
    I would go with .Net unless you're trying to come across as an organization of some sort.

    I have a .Net that I launched back in 2003 that (according to Compete.com) now gets more traffic than the .Com (owned by Lipton) and the WarriorForum for that matter:

    Site Comparison of recipesecrets.net (rank #6,543), recipesecrets.com (#63,024), warriorforum.com (#31,508) | Compete
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  • Profile picture of the author DNChamp
    First email the .com owner and ask how much. Always go for the .com....otherwise depending on the keyword my choice is .org
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  • Profile picture of the author Lemy Yusento
    I would go with .net

    to me, It seems more commercial than .org..

    We use it as commercial purpose, am i right?

    -Lemy
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  • Profile picture of the author Lady Carole
    My .orgs have all done better than my .nets. It could be the particular niches, however. Yes, .orgs can be affiliate sites or product sites. It's good that the .com is not doing anything. That's better for you with that keyword.
    Best wishes, Carole
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  • Profile picture of the author neojr
    I prefer .org. However, the most important is the keyword in the domain name, not the tla.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisbiz
    Well, someone told me about some unwritten rules regarding TLD's and their usage that may be very helpful to everyone ...

    .com ... means "Commercial" i.e. a business site
    .net ... means "Network" typically for hosting companies but most "technology sites" would be ok
    .org ... non-profit i.e. charities, churches, and avocate groups

    ... is the foundation domain names were intended to be used as.

    And advised me to still go by those guidelines whenever possible.

    Again, this is a personal preference, I just thought it would be helpful if I also share it with you guys. Something that can serve as a reminder about something that is intended to be used as, and see how it changed how we are using it today.

    Chris
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    • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
      Haha, this is a very old thread, yet thanks for replying. I eventually picked .NET as .COM wasn't available anymore.

      Originally Posted by chrisbiz View Post

      Well, someone told me about some unwritten rules regarding TLD's and their usage that may be very helpful to everyone ...

      .com ... means "Commercial" i.e. a business site
      .net ... means "Network" typically for hosting companies but most "technology sites" would be ok
      .org ... non-profit i.e. charities, churches, and avocate groups

      ... is the foundation domain names were intended to be used as.

      And advised me to still go by those guidelines whenever possible.

      Again, this is a personal preference, I just thought it would be helpful if I also share it with you guys. Something that can serve as a reminder about something that is intended to be used as, and see how it changed how we are using it today.

      Chris
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      • Profile picture of the author chrisbiz
        Originally Posted by KatyaSenina View Post

        Haha, this is a very old thread, yet thanks for replying. I eventually picked .NET as .COM wasn't available anymore.
        Well, that's what I thought!!!

        I just feel like sharing something today!!!

        Good to hear you already made your decision, way to go!!!

        Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
    Originally Posted by andyt2011 View Post

    Yeah my bad, didn't realize it was so old!
    Haha never mind, it's okay.
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  • Profile picture of the author JCamp
    Personally if both .net and .org are availiable i like to buy both domains and test each domain. Use the .net for the product you want to promote and have the .org set up to funnel traffic to the .net.... or monetize using another affiliate method. Just a thought, good luck! i know this thread is old but keep in mind for later
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