Let’s take a look at the top reasons why a .inc might be worth the purchase.
In recent years, the domain name industry has seen an explosion of new Top-Level Domains (TLDs). While many of these have barely made a ripple, a select few have managed to capture significant attention. TLDs like .io and .co have become popular alternatives to the traditional .com, and as artificial intelligence continues to advance, .ai is expected to gain even more traction.
Among the more notable entries is the .inc TLD, which from the outset has been marketed as a premium domain with a hefty annual price tag of $2,500. This is not a one-time fee; .inc domains retain their high cost each year. But what exactly makes this domain worth such a substantial investment? Let’s dive into the details.
What Does .inc Stand For?
The .inc domain represents “incorporated”, meaning it’s intended for businesses that are officially incorporated in the United States. This designation provides a layer of credibility, signaling that the website belongs to a legally established corporation. Unlike .com, which can be registered by any business or individual, the .inc domain cannot be registered by just anyone. The goal is to instill a sense of trust and authority, distinguishing .inc sites as being operated by substantial, established entities.
Who Can Register a .inc Domain?
The eligibility criteria for registering a .inc domain name are centered around the incorporation status of the entity rather than geographical location. Here’s what you need to know:
- Incorporated Entities
To qualify for a .inc domain, a business must be officially incorporated. This means it needs to be a corporation or a similar legal entity that has been registered with the relevant government authorities. This requirement is in place to ensure that .inc domains are used by established, credible businesses. - Global Accessibility
The .inc domain does not impose geographical restrictions on registration. This means that businesses incorporated in countries outside the United States, including India, are eligible to register .inc domains. As long as the business is legally incorporated, it can apply for and secure a .inc domain, regardless of its location.
Why Might a .inc Domain Be Worth the Investment?
Despite the high cost, there are several reasons why a .inc domain could be an attractive option:
Premium Branding
A .inc domain can serve as a high-end complement to an existing .com or other TLD. For example, a company might use its .com for general traffic and reserve its .inc domain for investor relations and other high-stakes business communications. This separation allows the .inc domain to function as a specialized site catering to venture capitalists and other key stakeholders.
Exclusive Initial Benefits
When you register a .inc domain, you gain access to a range of initial perks provided by the .inc registry through promotional partnership agreements. These benefits are typically available only in the first year and can offer a valuable boost to new businesses. Here’s how you can claim them post-registration:
- Up to $1,000 in Transaction Fee Credits from Square: Follow the instructions provided in your confirmation email to redeem your credits. This might involve creating or logging into your Square account and entering a promo code.
- Free Tax ID, Name Checks, and Other Services from LegalZoom: Access the LegalZoom website and use the codes or links provided by the .inc registry to claim these services.
- Marketing Credits from VistaPrint: Visit VistaPrint and apply the credit codes or follow the redemption instructions included in the registry’s communication to obtain discounted or free marketing materials.
- Additional Benefits from Companies like Google Ads and Indeed: Follow specific instructions provided for each benefit to access additional promotional offers or credits.
How Are .inc Domain Prices Set?
The price of .inc domains is determined by the registry managing the TLD. Unlike many newer TLDs that have variable pricing, .inc domains are consistently high-priced due to their premium status. The registry sets a base price, and registrars may add their own fees, but overall, prices remain relatively stable across different platforms.
Renewal Costs and Considerations
One significant drawback of .inc domains is their renewal cost. Unlike some premium domains that have a high initial fee but lower ongoing costs, .inc domains maintain their steep price year after year. Renewal fees typically range from $2000 to $3,500 annually, with an average cost of around $2,500.
Search Interest in .inc Domains
Interestingly, recent data from Google Analytics reveals a growing interest in .inc domains. Over the past three months, several search phrases related to .inc have seen notable search volumes:
- “inc domain” – 462 impressions
- “domain name inc” – 267 impressions
- “.inc domain names” – 183 impressions
- “.inc tld” – 164 impressions
- “.inc domain” – 142 impressions
- “.inc domains” – 137 impressions
- “inc domain name” – 121 impressions
- “inc tld” – 113 impressions
- “.inc domain price” – 105 impressions
These statistics reflect only Google search data, and it’s likely that similar interest is reflected across other search engines as well.
Are .inc Domains Worth the Price?
For individual entrepreneurs and casual bloggers, the cost of a .inc domain might not be justified. The domain is primarily targeted at larger, incorporated businesses looking to create a premium online presence for interacting with investors and other key parties. For such companies, the .inc domain can enhance their professional image and streamline communications with high-value stakeholders.
For most other users, the expense of a .inc domain might outweigh the potential benefits. While it could serve a role similar to that which .biz was intended for, its high cost makes it less accessible for the average user. Because of this high cost, only well-funded entities willing to invest significantly are likely to own a .inc TLD. As a result, there will likely be only a handful of .inc domains available in the world.
In conclusion, while the .inc TLD offers a premium branding opportunity for incorporated businesses, it comes with a significant price tag. Its value is most apparent for established companies seeking a distinct and authoritative online identity. For the majority of users, more cost-effective options may be a better fit.