If you’ve ever considered trying a website domain name that is not .com, you may have wondered if you would be taken seriously. After all, everyone knows .com and even using something like .co or .net was previously seen as confusing. Now, however, the options have exploded -- and some of them are quite relevant and specific.
The .design domain is proving to be an obvious choice for many graphic and web designers because it serves the dual purpose of communicating what you do and helping you stand out. In the same vein of the profession, designers are using the .design domain in creative ways.
Here are five interesting ways people are using the .design domain.
1-Branding
Many designers already had a .com domain name, but many had the word “design” somewhere near the end. What many of these folks have done is use the .design to shorten the overall URL and emphasize what they do. Not only does it make the URL shorter, it makes it more legible. The international industrial design firm SmartShape was able to move from smartshapedesign.com to smartshape.design.
2-Differentiation
Since .com has over 250 million registrations, people with good, creative domain extensions are able to stand out. It may seem a little odd at first to have a non .com extension, but the trend is spreading considerably fast since a lot of the .coms are already taken. Having a .design domain name helps newcomers and young aspiring designers differentiate themselves from the crowd. It’s intriguing and it helps them compete with already established companies. Just note that Tony Osborne Architect and Design was able to get TOAD.design, not too dissimilar from the world famous Frog Design (still clinging to their longer frogdesign.com).
3-Recruiting
Large companies like facebook.design and uber.design and a dozen others began using the .design domain this year to attract young talent. These websites are filled with case studies of projects related to their design departments, showcasing the team that worked on those projects, and what it’s like to work there.
Many aspiring designers who see this kind of platform are inspired or curious to learn more. You would never go to facebook.com to learn about working for their design team, so the .design is a natural place to showcase how design is a core competency for them. The .design site may not necessarily be responsible for selling the company’s main product or services, but it is becoming a go-to destination for aspiring designers and applicants.
4-Content Marketing
Even companies that aren’t necessarily focused on providing design services themselves are using .design as a platform to post interesting content. Airbnb, for example, launched airbnb.design to share interesting stories from inside and outside their design department.
Other companies like dropbox.design and npr.design have followed suit. They still use their .com site for their core business operations, but have branched out and created a .design site to show their creative side. Because let’s face it: most of the big name companies have amazing apps, sites and services that deserve to be discussed by the people who created them.
The .design extension has given them a channel to post ideas, images, articles, and videos that promote the brand, as well as celebrate the discipline of design.
5-Community Building
Another interesting way companies are using .design is by including people in the conversation of new ideas and product development. The kohler.design forum, for example, allows people to read and consume content while also giving them the ability to comment and add ideas to the discussion.
In effect, Kohler.design has built an entire online community. The amazing site womenwho.design has shined a light on female design leaders and the need to continue to create a balance of voices throughout community discussions.
As we can see, there are numerous ways that people are using the .design domain extension. What are you using .design for?
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If you haven’t tried .design yet, you can grab a free .design domain here. Just type in the website name you want and check for its availability. It comes with free email hosting, WHOIS Privacy, SSL Certs, and a free site builder.
Take me to my free .design domain name!
There is more good news…. You can now make real money by getting your fellow designers a free .design domain as well.
Earn $20 every time you refer someone to get a free .design domain name.
Now you can spread the word about .design domain names. The Porkbun Ambassador program is a great way to promote the domain solution you love and make a little extra cash for yourself.
