Understand What ccTLDs Are and Their Impact on SEO!

ccTLD is a group of domains that many websites have used. You have likely visited websites with domains such as .us, .uk, .au, and many more, right? Well, these domains are included in the country code top-level domain (ccTLD). It’s said that websites using ccTLD domains have a higher potential for SEO success. So, is this claim true?

To find out more facts, let’s take a look at the following discussion!

What is a ccTLD?

ccTLD is a name for a domain that has an extension in the form of a country code in the world.

Yes, every country will have a domain extension based on the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code.

The main characteristic of a ccTLD domain is that it only has two characters. For example, .us for the United States, .ca for Canada, and so on.

However, some domains ending with two characters, such as .co and .me, which were previously ccTLDs, have changed status to gTLDs.

In general, the functions of ccTLDs and gTLDs (generic top-level domains) are the same. You can use them as website addresses or business email addresses.

Here are some types of ccTLDs used in the United States:

• .us
• .gov
• .mil
• .edu
• .state.us
• .dni.us
• .k12.us

Example ccTLDs

Meanwhile, for other examples of ccTLD domains:

• .au for Australia
• .ca for Canada
• .in for India
• .uk for the United Kingdom
• .vn for Vietnam
• And many more.

See the complete list of ccTLD domains.

Advantages of ccTLDs

There are at least three advantages that ccTLDs have:

1. Great for Targeting Country-Specific Audiences

This advantage may not be widely known by users.

So, ccTLD domains are viewed somewhat differently by search engines like Google. A Google Search Central statement states:

By default, Google uses most ccTLDs (with exceptions) to geotarget websites; ccTLDs tell us that the website may be more relevant in the appropriate country. Again, visit our help center for more information about multi-region and multi-language sites.

So, if you use a domain name ending in .us, for example, Google will consider your website more relevant to audiences from the United States.

This way, the visibility of websites that use domains ending in .us will be greater when accessed by visitors from the U.S., as well as domains from other countries.

However, you cannot only rely on ccTLDs to achieve top SERP positions.

There are still many important factors to consider, such as content quality.

In conclusion, ccTLDs can impact SEO in terms of targeting audiences from a country, as long as they can provide relevant and quality content.

2. Improve Website Branding

Using a ccTLD can also enhance a website’s branding. Simply by knowing the address, visitors can already tell that your website originates from a specific country or region.

3. How to Register is Easy

If you want convenience when registering a domain, consider choosing a ccTLD. Registration is relatively easy and quick, and you don’t need any special requirements.

For example, you can register a .us domain name without having to use conditions such as a passport or anything else.

Plus, because ccTLDs only have two characters at the end, your website address can be shorter and easier to remember.

Also Read: Difference Between Domain and Subdomain | Domain vs Subdomain

Disadvantages of ccTLDs

Before deciding to register a domain name using a ccTLD, take a look at some of the following disadvantages!

1. The Price is Relatively More Expensive Than gTLDs

One consideration that often influences users’ decisions when purchasing a domain is price.

Talking about price, ccTLD domains have relatively higher prices compared to most gTLD domains.

For example, a .us domain might cost around $35 per year, while a .com domain can be registered for as low as $10–$15 per year, depending on the provider.

2. Difficult to Compete Globally

The side effect of having a ccTLD domain that is relevant to a region or location is that it is difficult to compete globally (to target audiences from multiple countries at once).

What does that mean? For example, you have a website with a U.S. ccTLD. Then, you want to target a European audience by producing English-language articles.

Even if this is done, you will still find it difficult to compete because websites with U.S. ccTLDs only “focus” on U.S. audiences.

If you want to target a global audience, you are better off using a domain in the gTLD group.

Aslo Read: What is a subdomain and How to create a Subdomain?

Interested in owning a ccTLD Domain?

A ccTLD is a group of domains that identify a website from a specific country. By using a ccTLD, you can achieve a higher chance of local SEO success. However, for a global audience, ccTLDs are not “strong enough” to compete with gTLDs, such as .com, .net, or other gTLD domains.

So, after reading the discussion about ccTLDs, including their advantages and disadvantages, are you interested in using them?

Let us know in the comments below!