Should You Buy a .com, .vn, or .net Domain? Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type with MIMADIGI
When starting to build a website, one of the most important decisions is choosing the appropriate domain extension. The three most popular extensions today are .com, .vn, and .net. Each type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different business goals. So, which is the best choice for your business? Let's explore.
.com Domains
Advantages
Globally Popular
The .com domain is short for “commercial.” It is the most popular domain extension in the world, trusted and easy to remember by users. As a result, a website using a .com domain often creates a more professional feel in the eyes of visitors.
Friendly to Global SEO
With its widespread use, search engines like Google tend to highly value websites using .com domains, especially when targeting international markets.
Reasonable Cost
.com domains typically have reasonable registration and maintenance costs, ranging from approximately 200,000 to 300,000 VND/year – suitable for everyone, from individuals to businesses.
Disadvantages
Difficult to Find a Good Available Name
Because it has been widely used for a long time, most of the beautiful and concise domain names with the .com extension have already been registered.
Does Not Show Locality
The .com domain is not linked to a specific country and may not be suitable if the business wants to emphasize a geographical location like Vietnam.
.vn Domains
Advantages
Represents a Domestic Brand
The .vn domain is the highest-level national domain (ccTLD) specifically for Vietnam. By using the .vn extension, the business clearly expresses its market positioning and commitment to serving Vietnamese customers.
Prioritized in Domestic Search Results
Google and other search engines tend to display websites using the .vn domain higher when users search from Vietnam.
Increases Trust
Domestic customers feel more secure when visiting websites with the .vn domain, especially in e-commerce, education, and finance transactions.
Disadvantages
Higher Cost
The .vn domain typically has higher registration and maintenance costs compared to .com, ranging from approximately 500,000 to 800,000 VND/year, depending on the provider.
More Complex Registration Procedures
Some .vn domains, especially domains related to industries, require providing a business license or documents proving legal operation, which lengthens the registration time.
.net Domains
Advantages
Related to Technology, Networks
The .net domain is short for “network,” originally intended for technology, network, and telecommunications organizations. Today, .net is used flexibly for many purposes but still carries a high degree of professionalism.
Easy to Register a Good Domain Name
Because it is not as popular as .com, many short, beautiful domain names with the .net extension are still available. This is an ideal choice when you can't find a satisfactory .com name.
Reasonable Cost
Equivalent to or slightly higher than .com, but still at a reasonable level (300,000 – 400,000 VND/year), easily accessible to everyone.
Disadvantages
Not as Popular as .com
General users are less familiar with the .net extension, sometimes causing confusion if you own both (e.g., example.com and example.net).
Does Not Show Locality
Like .com, the .net domain does not clearly show a connection with the Vietnamese market or a specific region.
Quick Comparison of .com, .vn, and .net
Criteria | .com | .vn | .net |
Popularity | Very High | High in Vietnam | Average |
Suitable Market | Global | Vietnam |
Global, Technology |
SEO Priority | Global | Domestic Search | Global |
User Trust | High | Very High in Vietnam | Average |
Registration Cost | Cheap (~200-300k/year) | Higher (~500-800k/year) |
Average (~300-400k/year) |
Available Domain Names | Few | Many if Creative | Quite a Few |
Registration Procedures | Simple | May Require Legal Documents | Simple |
Which Domain Type Should You Choose?
When should you choose .com?
You want to expand operations internationally.
The brand has the potential to develop globally.
You want to own a domain that is easy to remember and popular with users in all countries.
When should you choose .vn?
The business only operates in Vietnam.
You want to increase credibility with domestic customers.
You need a domain extension that clearly shows the geographical location.
When should you choose .net?
The business operates in the field of technology, networks, and digital services.
You want a domain that is easy to register, professional, and reasonably priced.
Your favorite .com domain has already been registered.
Advice for Businesses
Own Multiple Domain Extensions at the Same Time
If you already have a domain yourcompany.com, consider buying yourcompany.vn and yourcompany.net to protect the brand and avoid counterfeiting or confusion.
Focus on Developing One Main Domain
Even if you own multiple domains, you should focus on developing one main domain (e.g., .vn if operating in Vietnam), with the remaining domains redirecting to this address.
The Shorter the Domain, the Better
Prioritize short, easy-to-type, easy-to-remember domains, avoiding hyphens or difficult characters.
Check the Status Before Buying
Visit tools such as Whois, domain registrars (PA Vietnam, iNET, Mat Bao, Nhan Hoa,...) to see if the domain is still available or has been registered.
Register Early – Avoid Missing Opportunities
A domain is a valuable digital asset. Once a good domain is purchased by someone else, you may lose the opportunity forever or have to buy it back at a much higher price.
Contact Information
MIMA DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES CO., LTD.
Address: Hóc Môn District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tax Code: 0318672839
Hotline/Zalo: +84 909 035 333
Email: info@mimadigi.com
Website: https://mimadigi.com
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