Using Us Domains: A Guide For International Students

The .us domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) reserved by the United States as a country. To register a .us domain, one needs to have a connection to the United States. Foreign entities can also register a .us domain if they have a legitimate presence in the US, such as a local office or business activities like sales within the country. This is unlike some other ccTLDs, such as .co.uk or .uk, which can be registered even without a presence in the country. The .us domain is overseen by the US Department of Commerce, which has contracted with Registry Services, LLC, to manage the namespace.

Foreign entities can register a .US domain if they have a legitimate presence in the US

Registering a ".US" domain name is a great way to differentiate yourself as the internet becomes more crowded. It is overseen by the US Department of Commerce, which has chosen Registry Services, LLC, as its administrator for all .US domain name services.

If your goal is to appeal to an international audience, a generic "".com" or "".net" domain may be a better choice, as these are universally recognized and can help build a brand identity that resonates globally. However, if you are targeting a specific country, a local extension like .US is a good idea.

It is important to note that some users might find a ".US" domain confusing or concerning, especially if they are international. This could be a drawback for a business using a .US domain, as it might not carry the same immediate trust or recognition as other more familiar domains.

Before registering a .US domain, it is advisable to check if your desired name is still free. ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, controls how, when, and which new extensions are released.

US is the country code domain for the United States

The .US domain is the country code domain for the United States of America. It is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which has contracted with Registry Services, LLC to manage the namespace.

The .US domain is available to any individual, business, organisation, or government entity that is a citizen of, or licensed in, the USA. This includes federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, foreign entities with a bona fide interest or presence in the United States may also register a .US domain name. This means they must have a real and substantive connection with the U.S., such as regularly conducting business, maintaining an office, or other persistent activities.

The .US domain has several benefits, including a positive impact on SEO, especially for local searches within the United States. Search engines often prioritise local content in their search results, so a .US domain can help websites rank higher in U.S.-based search results. The .US domain also offers a unique web address that helps users stand out in a digital landscape, making it a good choice for those looking to share their story, think globally, and connect locally.

Registering a .US domain name can be done through an accredited registrar, who will offer various TLDs like .US, .com, .net, or .CO. The process typically involves an annual subscription fee, with the option for multi-year subscriptions. It is important to note that proxy or privatised registrations are not permitted under the current policy. Transferring a .US domain name to another registrar is possible after a minimum of 60 days of registration, and the process is similar to transferring any other domain name.

US is overseen by the US Department of Commerce

The .US domain is the country code domain for the United States, just as .UK is the country code domain for the United Kingdom. It was established in February 1985 and is overseen by the US Department of Commerce, which has contracted with Registry Services, LLC, to manage the namespace. Registry Services, LLC, is a world-class provider for many of the most recognisable top-level domains. It supports all marketing efforts and operates the technical infrastructure of the .US domain, providing full technical, operational, policy, and marketing support.

The US Department of Commerce's role in overseeing the .US domain began in 1998 when the National Science Foundation transferred oversight of the domain to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce. Prior to this, the .US domain was held under a subcontract with the United States Department of Defense. The Department of Commerce, through the NTIA, has continued to refine registry policies, ensuring the safety, security, and integrity of the .US namespace.

The .US domain is the official country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United States within the global domain name system (DNS). Registrants of .US domains must be US citizens, residents, or organisations, or foreign entities with a presence in the United States or its territories. While .US has been primarily used by state and local governments, private entities may also register .US domains.

The .US domain is marketed as an online destination for anyone with a dream, idea, cause, or business to promote. It offers a unique web address that helps users stand out in the crowded digital landscape and differentiate themselves. The .US community is intended to be an online place to share stories, think globally, and connect locally.

COM is a universally recognised domain

The .com domain is a universally recognised domain. Created in 1985, it is one of the original top-level domains (TLDs) and the most common domain used today. The name is derived from the word "commercial", indicating its original purpose for commercial organisations. However, it is now used for both business and personal websites.

The .com domain is well-known and easily recognisable, which adds a layer of credibility and professionalism to a website. It is also easy to remember, which is great for worldwide reach. This is why it is often the first choice for new businesses. Its long history means that .com domains are memorable and favoured by search engines, which can boost a website's visibility and traffic.

The .com domain is currently operated by Verisign, which acquired Network Solutions. It remains under the ultimate jurisdiction of US law. The domain was originally administered by the United States Department of Defense, which contracted domain maintenance to SRI International. The .com domain is more commonly used than the more specific .us domain by American businesses.

The .com domain is also known as the "gold standard" and is trusted by consumers worldwide. It signifies stability and a long-standing presence, making it a popular choice for businesses that want to project trust and reliability. The .com domain is also perfect for online stores or e-commerce platforms that need to build trust in competitive markets.

ORG is an open domain, despite its association with non-profits

While the .ORG domain has become associated with non-profits and non-governmental organisations, it is, in fact, open to everyone. Anyone is free to register for a .ORG domain name, and there is a mix of for-profit and non-profit entities using these domains. The domain was one of the first widely available to internet users, and it remains one of the most credible and trusted domain names for NGOs, charities, non-profits, and social enterprises globally.

Over the years, as more and more non-commercial companies and people started building their online presence on .ORG, it began to be seen as a domain for non-profit use only. However, this is not the case, and many for-profit organisations, clubs, businesses, and community groups have chosen .ORG to help them achieve their goals and make an impact on the communities they serve. For example, Google.org serves as Google's corporate social responsibility (CSR) enterprise, while Envirofit is a for-profit social enterprise that creates products and services to address specific environmental challenges.

Registering a domain is a cost-effective and easy way for non-profit organisations to establish their online credibility. Domain names add credibility to a business or brand, make it easy for visitors to find the website, and attract new visitors through campaigns. For non-profit organisations (NPOs), a unique domain name is particularly beneficial for fundraising and donor engagement. Donors often look at an organisation's website to verify that their donations will benefit credible non-profits and causes.

While .ORG is a popular choice for non-profits, other domain extensions are also available, such as .NGO and .ONG. These domains offer validation and verification for non-profits, as only legal non-profit organisations can register under these extensions.

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