A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, like .com, .org, or .net. It's what comes after the dot in a web address (for example, b12.io — here, .io is the TLD). While they may seem like a small detail, TLDs are a foundational piece of every website, and they can actually influence your brand credibility, audience trust, and even your SEO visibility.

Whether you're launching a new blog, starting an online store, or using a website builder, understanding how TLDs work helps you pick the right domain and present your business in the best light.

Why top-level domains matter in web addresses

Top-level domains are more than just a string of letters. They help organize the internet into recognizable sections, making it easier for users to navigate and understand what a site is all about. A .gov domain, for example, typically means the site is related to government, while .edu is reserved for educational institutions.

TLDs also help establish credibility. A .com is the most common and often seen as the most trustworthy, while others like .info or .biz might not inspire the same level of confidence. For personal brands or creative projects, newer TLDs like .studio or .design can be more expressive. So while they may seem small, your TLD can shape first impressions in a big way.

Common types of top-level domains

TLDs come in a few different categories, each serving different purposes. Here are the main ones:

• Generic top-level domains (gTLDs): These include .com, .org, .net, .info, and more. They’re open for public registration and are the most commonly used TLDs worldwide.
• Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs): These are managed by specific organizations and come with eligibility requirements, like .edu for educational institutions or .gov for U.S. government sites.
• Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs): These are two-letter TLDs tied to specific countries, like .us, .uk, or .ca. While they originally were meant for use within those countries, many are now used creatively (like .io by tech startups).
• New gTLDs: These are more recent additions like .tech, .online, .shop, and .ai, offering more brand-specific or creative options for modern businesses.

Each type has its own rules and reputation, so choosing the right one depends on what kind of site you're building and who you’re trying to reach.

How to choose the best TLD for your website

When choosing a TLD, the biggest factor is who your audience is and what kind of impression you want to make. A .com is usually a safe bet — it's familiar, easy to remember, and broadly accepted. But if the .com you want is taken, you might consider alternatives like .co, .io, or a more industry-specific one like .design.

If you're building a professional or ecommerce website, choose a TLD that adds credibility and aligns with your industry. Creative professionals might lean into new gTLDs like .studio, while nonprofits still do well with .org. Just make sure it’s easy to spell, pronounce, and remember — that goes for the entire domain, not just the TLD.

Also, keep SEO in mind. While the TLD itself doesn’t carry major weight in search rankings, a clear, trustworthy domain overall can help with SEO performance. And if you're using a website builder, many of them let you browse and register TLDs right during setup.

How TLDs connect with domains and subdomains

TLDs are just one part of a full domain name. When you type something like www.example.com, you’re looking at three parts:

1. Subdomain – "www" is the subdomain (which can be customized or removed).
2. Second-level domain (SLD) – "example" is the SLD and is often your brand or business name.
3. Top-level domain (TLD) – ".com" is the TLD.

Together, they form the full domain. Think of it like this: if your domain were a street address, the subdomain is the apartment number, the SLD is the street name, and the TLD is the zip code. They all work together to guide visitors to the right spot on the internet.

FAQs about top-level domains

What is a top-level domain used for?

A TLD identifies the type of entity a website represents. It’s a part of the domain name system that helps categorize and structure the internet. TLDs also play a role in branding and user trust.

Can I change my website’s top-level domain later?

Yes, but it can be a bit of a process. You’ll need to register a new domain with the desired TLD and then redirect your old domain to the new one. This can affect SEO and brand consistency, so it’s best to choose carefully from the start.

Is .com always the best choice?

Not always, but it is the most widely recognized and trusted. If it's available, .com is usually a great option. However, other TLDs like .io, .co, or industry-specific ones can work well if they better represent your business.

Do TLDs affect SEO?

Not directly — Google doesn’t rank TLDs differently based on quality. But user trust and click-through rates can be influenced by your TLD, which can affect your SEO performance over time. A more reputable or familiar TLD may earn more clicks.

Are some TLDs restricted or unavailable?

Yes. Some TLDs like .gov, .edu, or .mil are restricted to specific organizations and require verification. Others, like .com or .net, are open to anyone to register.

Ready to pick the right domain for your site?

Choosing a top-level domain is one of those small decisions that can make a big difference in how your brand is perceived online. It’s not just about availability — it’s about trust, clarity, and standing out in your industry.

If you're looking for an easy way to build your website and secure the right domain in one go, B12’s AI website builder makes it simple. Get started today and bring your site to life with the perfect domain and design.