Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.

My planned company name ends with "ch", - let's say it's "Velocity Reasearch". velocityreseach.com and velocityresear.ch are both available. Is using a TLD like .ch in this way considered a gimmick or entirely appropriate to a serious B2B software company?

EDIT: To frame the question better: assume I own both the .com and .ch. Which should I promote as primary URL and use in email addresses, etc? The .ch is three letters less typing.

share|improve this question
Whatever people say, I do not get it serious. – Ross Nov 26 '11 at 13:37
1  
IMO, people only buy the .ch because they can't get the .com or the .com is expensive. They'd buy the .ch in hopes of someday having enough revenue to afford the .com. If you can go straight for the .com then just get the .com. – MikeNereson Nov 26 '11 at 19:07

3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Repeat visits will often be either bookmarks or just simple searches in Google for "Velocity Research".

No one will bother remembering your exact domain, but you.

Not buying the .com but just going for the .ch is definitely a very big mistake. Buying both and promoting the .com makes the .ch useless (which it is).

PS. '.ch' is often not faster to type - enter domain + Alt+Enter adds the '.com'. Also a lot of mobile devices with virtual keyboards have a '.com' button.

share|improve this answer

Personally, I would register both. Most internet users default to a .com when attempting to reach a website. However, using a .ch can be a nice gimmick that will help you stand out. I'd register both and have the .com redirect to the .ch. Just my opinion though.

share|improve this answer

I would use the .com. For SEO and credibility, it's much better. Vanity URLs are appropriate for very short URLs only or stuff like go.to/google

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.