What is ccTLD?
A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) enables organisations to ‘label’ website addresses with a country-specific two-character identifier code such as, for example, .ca for Canada or .asia for Asia. This helps search engine rankings within specific locales while promoting a positive brand image to the locale’s citizens.
Defining ccTLD
A ccTLD is a country code top-level domain – the last part of the domain name after the final dot – which acts as country-specific identifier. These internet country codes show the user which country the site is located in – or the locale the website is catering to in terms of language and/or localised content.
The origins of domain country codes can be traced back to 1985 when the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) approved requests by countries for the use of three cc TLD identifiers. These were .us (the U.S.), .uk (the U.K.), and .il (Israel). Sixteen more ccTLDs came online over the next three years including .fr (France), .nz (New Zealand) and .es (Spain).
The identifiers are based on the ISO 3166-1 country codes – though there are exceptions to country domains where ASCII identifiers are deployed instead. This includes .uk for United Kingdom (not .gb) and .eu for the European Union.
Introducing internationalised ccTLDs
More internet country codes would follow over the next 30 years but in 2018, there was a significant change. While previous identifiers used non-internationalized ccTLDs featuring only English characters, the IANA approved the use of internationalized ccTLDs (IDN ccTLDs). These could feature characters from other languages to make online experiences more relevant and inclusive for citizens of non-English speaking nations. Examples include .рф (Russia), .中国 (China), .日本 (Japan), .السعودية (Saudi Arabia) and .இந்தியா (India).
Present day ccTLDs
Top 10 most common ccTLDs examples
.cn – ccTLD for China
.tk – ccTLD for Tokelau
.de - ccTLD for Germany
.uk – ccTLD for United Kingdom
.ru – ccTLD for Russia Federation
.ga – ccTLD for Gabon
.cf – ccTLD for Central African Republic
.ml – ccTLD for Mali
.nl – ccTLD for Netherlands
.br – ccTLD for Brazil
What is the difference between ccLTD vs gTLD vs sTLD?
There are other types of TLD that can be used in different ways when compared to ccTLD – so long as they meet the right criteria. For example:
Generic top-level domain (gTLD)
A gTLD is used to highlight general types of websites, services or products – and, unlike ccTLDs, are not associated with any specific country or locale. Examples of gTLDs include .org (for a non-profit organisation) and .info (for an informational website).
Sponsored top-level domain (sTLD)
Only available to organisations that meet set criteria, an sTLD represents a fixed theme or particular community – such as a government agency. Only once final approval is secured can the organisation be assigned the sTLD. Examples include .gov (for use only by the US government) and .mil (for use only by the US military).
What are the use cases for ccTLDs in business?
At first glance, country domains seem relative simple: You adapt or build a website for a particular country, ergo it will need a cc TLD associated with that country. However, there are several reasons why enterprise may want to consider adopting a ccTLD. These include:
Go local
If an enterprise has an international presence, it will invariably have customers all over the world. What better way to serve a particular country’s citizens than by offering them a localised website featuring a ccTLD from the country domain list? This will introduce a specific country domain and can offer content in the country’s language – as well as pricing in the local currency and discounting and offers only available in that region.
Master SEO
From an SEO perspective, deploying ccTLDs is a smart move. Google rewards companies that offer content for specific locales and will surface it higher up in search engine result pages.
Avoid the crowd
The .com extension is sought after by many businesses and organisations. Because of this popularity, many companies discover their preferred .com url is already taken. While you may still be able to secure the .com you want via the aftermarket (see below), using country domains sidesteps the issue entirely by allowing you to source a relevant domain name that could increase you SEO ranking in the targeted country more than a .com
Show genuine respect
Perhaps most importantly, deploying a localised website using a cc TLD builds credibility with the targeted audience. It shows you wish to engage with the locals in their language and with their currency. Bottom line? Using ccTLDs demonstrates respect for local languages and cultures.
How to get a ccTLD
Source your ccTLD via an accredited ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) registrar. For instance, use the search service offered by OVHcloud; enter the desired name to check on its availability before choosing the domain name/ccTLD closest to what you want.
If the domain name has already been taken, don’t worry as we can approach the current domain owner to see if they are willing sell the domain name/ccTLD. If they are open to a sale, we can manage the entire process so you end up with the domain name you want with minimal effort.
OVHcloud and ccTLD
We offer the most direct way to secure the domain name that’s right for you and your business. Use our simple but powerful tools to find that perfect domain name and check that it’s available to purchase. If not, we have extensive aftermarket experience so could be able to secure the domain name for you.
