An Introduction to the .app Domain Extension (And When to Use It)

People use apps every day for almost every aspect of their lives. Apps are even part of the Domain Name System (DNS), as anyone can register an .app domain for their website. If you’re an app developer, work with an agency, or run a tech business, an .app domain could help you stand out.

The .app domain extension instantly tells visitors your website has to do with tech. It can allude to an app, the name of your business, or even your domain of expertise. It’s also memorable and that’s a big plus for any website.

In this article, we’ll talk about the history of the .app domain and discuss its benefits. We’ll then go over the multiple types of websites that can benefit from using .app domains and show you how to register yours. Let’s get to it!

An Introduction to the .app Domain

The origins of the .app domain extension go back to 2012. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) introduced this Top Level Domain (TLD) as part of its gTLD program, which was meant to expand the domain options available to registrants.

In 2015, Google took control of the .app TLD and finally opened it to public registration in 2018. Since then, .app domains have become popular within the tech industry.

If you’re thinking about registering a new domain for your business, here’s why the .app extension can be a smart option:

• It’s associated with the tech industry. Users associate .app domains with web applications and software.
• .app domains are required to use HTTPS. Google requires .app domains to set up a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate and load over HTTPS. This requirement enforces a degree of safety for .app websites.
• It’s great for branding. You can use this type of domain as part of fun name combinations, which makes it great for branding.
• They’re relatively affordable. Compared to other tech-friendly TLDs like .io, .app domains remain relatively affordable.

Registering an .app domain is a relatively simple process. With that in mind, let’s go over some specific examples of businesses that can benefit from using this extension.

3 Types of Websites That Can Benefit from an .app Domain

In this section, we’ll show you examples of tech companies that use .app domain names. We’ll also talk about why these types of businesses can benefit from a domain with the .app extension.

1. App Developers and Agencies

If you run a business that develops web or mobile apps, you should definitely consider using an .app domain. Thisextension immediately gives visitors an idea of the kind of services and products you provide.

It’s also great from a branding perspective, particularly if you incorporate it into the name of the business:

Sincethe .app domain is still a novelty, it can make your business more appealing to tech-savvy customers. It can also be quite memorable, especially if you use a short and snappy domain name.

2. Application Websites or Landing Pages

If you want to promote an app that’s already available, or one that’s in development, using an .app domain makes a lot of sense. For instance, you might create a landing page for your upcoming app:

In this case, using an .app domain can be great from a branding perspective and it can help you promote your app. It also gives users information about what kind of website they’re visiting.

.app domains are also reasonably cheaper than other tech-related TLDs. For example, .ai domains can cost hundreds of dollars per year in registration costs.

You’ll also want to consider availability. It can be much easier to find an available .app domain name than if you’re using a more popular extension such as .com.

This can be great if you’re working on an app with a somewhat common name since it might be difficult to register a .com domain for it.

3. Tech Businesses

.app domains are logical choices for app-centric businesses. However, it’s not uncommon to see other types of tech businesses also leverage this domain extension.

For example, a SaaS company may use an .app domain to highlight the fact that it sells tech products:

The same benefits of using an .app domain apply in this case. Typically, .app domains are more memorable than options such as .com and .org(which are also great choices).

Since .app domains are less common, it’s much easier for them to stand out. This can be particularly useful for tech startups, as branding and marketing will play a significant role in the company’s growth.

Using a unique domain name can make it easier to build an audience since it’ll be easier to remember the address, even if the company is new. The .app extension provides a lot of value in this regard, while also being relatively affordable compared to other niche-specific TLDs.

Register Your .app Domain With a Credible Registrar

When it comes to registering your .app domain, you’ll want to evaluate your options carefully. Not all domain registrars offer the same management features, TLD availability, and prices.

If you compare prices for the same domain using multiple registrars, you’ll likely find that some services offer more competitive options.

At NameHero, we focus on providing the best prices in the market for .app domains and other TLDs:

We provide powerful domain management tools so you can use your properties however you see fit. Moreover, you can transfer existing domains to NameHero easily.

To get started, you can use the NameHero instant domain search tool and compare different .app options until you find one that’s perfect for your website. When you’re ready, you can proceed to checkout and select add-ons such as domain privacy to protect your personal information.

Note that when you register an .app domain, you agree that it won’t work unless your website has an SSL certificate and it loads over HTTPS.

If you’re not sure about how to set up an SSL certificate, you may want to check out our hosting plans:

All of NameHero’s plans offer free and automatic SSL certificates. This way, you wouldn’t need to worry about implementing HTTPS for your site or remembering to renew your SSL certificate.

And if you already have a website, we can help you migrate it to our servers for free! Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any queries or issues you may have.

Conclusion

When you use an .app domain, you’re showing site visitors that you’re a tech business, or that you develop applications. Typically, .app domains are more affordable than other other niche-specific extensions. Plus, they’re good options for branding, as they can make your domain name more memorable.

Here are some examples of businesses that could use the .app domain:

1. App developers and agencies
2. Application websites and landing pages
3. Tech businesses built around apps

NameHero makes it super easy to register an .app domain, thanks to the instant domain search tool. You can also get hosting for your website and manage everything from the same platform. Get started today!