Category: Tips & tricks

Safe and Unique Top Level Domains Other Than .com

Posted on by adlavajustin
Blue and green colored tags with text of different top level domains such as .com, .gov, .biz, .edu, and .info

When choosing a domain name, most people still default to registering a domain name that ends in .com as they believe it is the only viable Top Level Domain (TLD), the safest, and the best for optimizing their search engine optimization (SEO).  In the past that might have been the case.  However, today there are a variety of different top level domains to choose from, ones that are just as viable, safe, and SEO friendly.  Ones that can even make your website stand out more than when using a .com.

So, does having a unique top level domain other than .com put your website a risk? The majority of people still might be wary of visiting websites that don’t end in the traditional .com, .edu, or .gov extension. However, in this guide, we will showcase how different top level domains are safe and can even boost your branding.

The Different Types of Top Level Domains

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers also known as ICANN is responsible for overseeing internet domains, they are the ones who overall control policies when it comes to domains and top level domains. ICANN officially recognizes three different types of top level domains. 

Generic TLDs (gTLDS) 

Generic TLDs are the main and most common top level domains that people come across. These TLDs are available to anyone and the most common types are .com, .org, and .net. However, in 2012 ICANN opened the internet addressing system for individuals or organizations to apply for new gTLDS thus allowing for hundreds of new Top Level Domains such as .Vegas. Vegas is 1 of only 4 United States cities that have their own TLD and there is no restriction on our TLD in any way, there is no requirement to live or operate in Las Vegas to own a .Vegas domain.

Sponsored TLDs (sTLD)

Another type of top level domain you might encounter is a sponsored TLD (sTLD), these are a lot less common than gTLDs. This term not only applies to the TLD but also the application process ICANN uses for creating these TLDs. Sponsored TLDs are only available to specific organizations, for example, .gov is the most common sTLD since that top level domain is exclusive to government organizations. Other common types of sponsored top level domains are .edu and .post. Unlike generic top level domains, not everyone can use these domains. For example, in order to use .edu you would need permission proof that you are using it for a university domain. 

Country Code TLDs (ccTLD)

The final type of top level domain is a country code (ccTLD) which is meant to represent a specific country, sovereign state, or a dependent territory.  These top level domains are easy to spot since they only consist of two letters. Additionally, using these TLDs is not necessarily limited to living in that specific country, if you live in the United States and want to use .uk you are not restricted from using it.

In fact, some ccTLDs have “re-branded” to identify with a more generic audience.  Example: .io this is often seen with tech-based websites to come across as more sophisticated. In reality .io is the ccTLD for the British Indian Ocean Territory. 

All of these TLDs fall under the oversight of The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers also known as ICANN or IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority).  These are the two organizations that are the governing bodies for the domain name industry.

What is a Domain Registrar?

Domain registrars are also referred to as “DNS registrar” which stands for domain name server registrar. A domain registrar is a company that handles the registration of a domain name and the subsequent management of that domain name for a registrant (end-user).  ICANN oversees both registries, the organization that operates a specific Top Level Domain (TLD) and a registrar, the organization that sells / “registers” a domain name for the end user (“registrant”).  An analogy of the difference between a registrar and a registry is to think of a registry as a manufacturer and the registrar as a retail store. A registry offers its product, in this case, a specific TLD like .Vegas to a retail store like GoDaddy to put it on their shelves allowing the public to register a domain name in that specific TLD.

A part of the role of the domain registrar is to keep track of what names are available within the registry’s database and offer alternatives if a specific domain name is unavailable. Another thing to keep in mind is you will never directly own a domain name, you “rent” a domain name for anywhere between 1-10 years at a time. If you are unable to or don’t want to, renew your domain name, then that name is put back in the database and becomes available again.

The .Vegas brand is available to anyone who wants to be a part of the expressive branding of Vegas through registrars from around the world, such as GoDaddy, United Domains, Rebel, Eurodns, and many others.

Is Using a Generic Top Level Domain Safe?

Image of web search page that reads ‘safety’ and has an admin login pop-up

Due to the regulation of the domain name industry by ICANN and IANA, gTLDs are safe, since they have the same requirements as .com. Any top level domain is safe, just because it is not the common .com does not affect the operation of your website at all. While a majority of people trust .com more because it is the most familiar top level domain, having a gTLD like .Vegas will not make your website vulnerable. In fact, since Vegas is such a staple brand and image, having .Vegas makes users more familiar with the branding. 

How Using Other Generic Top Level Domains Can Improve Your Branding

Close-up of male hands typing on a laptop

When people hear the term “generic” they have negative connotations, but in actuality having a gTLD is a very sought-after and respected top level domain. So how can having a gTLD other than .com improve your branding? Well, while users are more biased towards .com since it is the most recognizable gTLD, that does not mean using creative gTLDs such as .Vegas will hurt your SEO score in any way. In fact, Google has stated that they do not treat new TLDs any differently than .com.

The perks to having a gTLD like .Vegas is it makes your domain more personalized. While even if your business is not locally in Las Vegas if you want your branding to be synonymous with Vegas, then certainly having a domain name with the gTLD improves your overall branding image. Vegas itself is a universal and recognizable brand. In fact, Vegas spends over $100,000,000 every year to promote its city, so take into consideration how this can assist with promoting your own brand if you have a .Vegas domain

Why .Vegas?

You can use a .Vegas domain if you want to promote your brand in an exciting and vibrant manner. This will enhance the strength of your brand in this area even more than a gTLD that is commonly used. With the vote from the City of Las Vegas, as well as the Nevada Development Authority, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Convention and Vistors Authority Dot Vegas Inc was given their endorsement to apply for the .Vegas top level domain.

We acknowledge our responsibility to manage and market the .Vegas TLD and we wish to use our expertise to help your company gain access to the most exciting branding available. If you are interested in owning a piece of your own Vegas branding, then why not choose .Vegas for your domain? Connect with us today and turn on the excitement of being a part of the Vegas branding. Have questions or need assistance? Contact us at support@the.vegas and we will gladly assist you with any questions, comments, or concerns.

4 Reasons to Use a New Top Level Domain for Your Business

Posted on by adlavagarrett

These days, choosing your business domain name offers a lot more flexibility than it once did. Thanks to a wider variety of top level domains (TLDs), you are no longer limited to the traditional (and also typical) .com. Let’s back up for a moment, though. First of all, what is a top level domain, exactly? Secondly, why should you considering straying from the .com path in favor of something newer and more inventive?

What is a Top Level Domain?

To begin, it helps to know what the three parts of a domain name are. You have the:

  1. Subdomain.
  2. Second level domain.
  3. Top level domain.

These three segments are separated by periods. So, the subdomain is what comes before the first period: www. The second level domain is the piece in the middle. If your business domain is www.johnsplumbing.com, the second level domain is “johnsplumbing.” The top level domain is the third segment — in this case, “.com.”

You likely know .com to be the most popular, while .net is another somewhat common alternative. Did you know, though, that you can now find far more unique TLDs? For example, if you have a business in Las Vegas, .vegas is a TLD available to you.

Here’s why you should consider something outside of the .com box.

1. More Unique TLDs Are Likelier to be Available

How many times have you checked your desired domain name only to find .com was already taken? It’s in the highest demand, which means the odds of your first choice being available aren’t always in your favor.

Something more specific, on the other hand — like .vegas — is far likelier to be open for use.

2. Help Establish Your Brand

With the release of the new top level domains, The ICANN (the International Corporate for Assigned Names and Numbers) has transformed the internet from that of the whitepages, to the yellow pages. Now your top level domain can be a part of your brand. No longer do you have to settle for a .COMmon; now you can get a domain extension that enhances your brand. And lets you stand out.

3. They Make for More Personalized Domain Names

If you live and work in Las Vegas, how touching would it be to have a TLD that reflects the city (and the people) you love so much? .Vegas offers a much more personalized experience, both for you and your online visitors. It can also help give people a better idea of the website they’re clicking on.

4. Using (or Switching to) a New TLD Won’t Hurt Your Rankings

One of the most common arguments against new TLDs has been Google favors .com and won’t rank other TLDs nearly as well. Furthermore, it’s often believed businesses who switch from a .com to a .vegas web address are guaranteed to tank in rankings.

However, this is simply not the case.

In a blog post, Google said they mostly treat old and new TLDs the same. In other words, a .com website won’t inherently rank any higher than a .vegas website.

Now, when it comes from moving from an old TLD to something newer, there is more work involved — something Google offers help with. The only thing to be aware of is it might take some time for Google search results to process your new domain. However, it’s doable.

Ready to try a new top level domain? Head to BeBold.Vegas to learn all about it, or visit your favorite registar, like GoDaddy.

Tips on How to Start a Business in Las Vegas

Posted on by adlavagarrett

If you’ve never started a business t

If you’ve never started a business the idea can seem like a Herculean task. The good news is millions have done it, and done it successfully. You’re not blazing a new trail, and if you follow the trails already available your chances of success increase exponentially. If you’re thinking about starting your new business in Las Vegas we have a few tips to get you off to a successful start.

Making a Plan for Starting a Business in Las Vegas

This one seems obvious, but for people whose personalities lead them to the entrepreneurial life they’re typically more “idea” people than plan people. Once the idea comes, it’s time to start with a detailed plan. It is good to establish what type of business you are pursuing to properly research any competitors or marketing strategies. This plan will guide your business through the start-up phase, the establishment phase, and eventually the growth phase. It might seem overwhelming at first, but starting simple with a one-page business plan will get you off on the right foot.

Finances, Structure, & Registration

After your plan is complete you’ll need to jump into the numbers. This is the part “idea” people dread. Don’t worry, once you start, you’ll discover it’s not as daunting as you think. Finances means understanding how much you’re going to need to cover your costs and determining how much you’ll need to borrow if need be. Different types of business may require different strategy for building structure, such as having an eCommerce store versus a brick and mortar there will be different cost margins.

Structure means deciding what kind of business structure will be best for your company. Examples include sole proprietorship, partnerships, and limited liability corporations. Registration means registering your business name with local and federal governments.

Business within Nevada businesses are required to register with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office to obtain a business license. The type of license and registration process may vary depending on the nature of the business and its location. For example, businesses operating in certain industries such as healthcare or construction may require additional permits or licenses from the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners or the Nevada State Contractors Board. Additionally, businesses that sell products or services subject to sales tax are required to register with the Nevada Department of Taxation to obtain a sales tax permit. Failure to register or obtain the necessary licenses can result in fines and penalties, so it’s important for businesses in Nevada to ensure they are properly registered and licensed.

Branding & Advertising

This is where most businesses fail. Getting started with a great product or service is common. Marketing your great product or service well is uncommon. The most critical step in your branding and advertising process will be your website. Your website must clearly capture your product with compelling and engaging images and sales driven content.

Having the right domain name is the first step to brand recognition. If you’re starting your business in Las Vegas, then using a “. vegas” Top Level Domain name instantly sets you apart from the competition and builds trust. “YourBusinessName.vegas” allows you to own a piece of Vegas and be instantly affiliated with one of the world’s most exciting and recognized brands.

Get Your “. Vegas” Domain Name Now

Don’t wait until they’re gone. New “. vegas” domain names are being registered every day. If you’re starting your new business in Las Vegas there is no better way than to jump ahead of the line with your branding and marketing efforts. Infinite opportunity surrounds us all the time – the key is taking advantage of it when you see it. Check BeBold.Vegas to see if your domain is available or visit your favorite registar, like GoDaddy.

he idea can seem like a Herculean task. The good news is millions have done it, and done it successfully. You’re not blazing a new trail, and if you follow the trails already available your chances of success increase exponentially. If you’re thinking about starting your new business in Las Vegas we have a few tips to get you off to a successful start.

Make a Plan

This one seems obvious, but for people whose personalities lead them to the entrepreneurial life they’re typically more “idea” people than plan people. Once the idea comes, it’s time to start with a detailed plan. This plan will guide your business through the start-up phase, the establishment phase, and eventually the growth phase. It might seem overwhelming at first, but starting simple with a one-page business plan will get you off on the right foot.

Finances, Structure, & Registration

After your plan is complete you’ll need to jump into the numbers. This is the part “idea” people dread. Don’t worry, once you start, you’ll discover it’s not as daunting as you think. Finances means understanding how much you’re going to need to cover your costs and determining how much you’ll need to borrow if need be. Structure means deciding what kind of business structure will be best for your company. Examples include sole proprietorship, partnerships, and limited liability corporations. Registration means registering your business name with local and federal governments.

Branding & Advertising

This is where most businesses fail. Getting started with a great product or service is common. Marketing your great product or service well is uncommon. The most critical step in your branding and advertising process will be your website. Your website must clearly capture your product with compelling and engaging images and sales driven content.

Having the right domain name is the first step to brand recognition. If you’re starting your business in Las Vegas, then using a “. vegas” Top Level Domain name instantly sets you apart from the competition and builds trust. “YourBussinessName.vegas” allows you to own a piece of Vegas and be instantly affiliated with one of the world’s most exciting and recognized brands.

Get Your “. vegas” Domain Name Now

Don’t wait until they’re gone. New “. vegas” domain names are being registered every day. If you’re starting your new business in Las Vegas there is no better way than to jump ahead of the line with your branding and marketing efforts. Infinite opportunity surrounds us all the time – the key is taking advantage of it when you see it. Check BeBold.Vegas to see if your domain is available or visit your favorite registar, like GoDaddy.

Tools For Naming a Business in Las Vegas

Posted on by adlavagarrett

Choosing a name for your company is usually a mixture of fun, excitement, and stress. You’re passionate about your new business, you’re looking forward to sharing it with the world, but you also want to make sure your marketing is smart. You need a name that is simple, clearly captures your company’s identity, and is usable. Once you have the perfect name matching it with the right website domain is equally important.

Simple and Catchy

Your business’ name should be simple, sticky, and connect to your brand in a meaningful way. Don’t overthink it. Countless businesses lose potential customers because they go to a website and have no idea what the product or service is. When people go to your website they should see your company name and main header at the top fold, and know what you’re offering, how it will make their life better, and how to buy within 5 seconds.

Is it Usable?

You’ve come up with the perfect name, but can you use it? Start with a web search. Is another company already using the name? If so, depending on their location, and exposure, you’ll likely want to come up with a variation, or go in a new direction.

The second part of usability is your website’s domain name. If your company is named “Cat Boots” you might want www.catboots.com. On the other hand, if you’re offering your product in an iconic region or city, an even better option would be a “. city” domain. When you use a
“. city” domain it adds credibility and instant branding to your company. People automatically associate your company with the city name attached.

Top Level Domain Names

A top-level domain, or ‘TLD’, is the part of the web address that comes after the right of the dot. “. com,” “.net,” “. org,” etc. Using a targeted TLD like “. vegas” for a business that operates in Las Vegas instantly associates your business with the iconic brand that is Las Vegas. It also frees you up to use a “.com” name that may already be taken. Ultimately, the greatest value it adds is giving your company a recognizable dimension to your branding. Recognition builds trust, and trust is everything in marketing.

Get Your “. vegas” Domain Name Today

Align your company with one of the most iconic cities in the country. Build instant brand recognition and trust. Head to BeBold.Vegas to learn all about it, or visit your favorite registar, like GoDaddy.

Viva Las Vegas: Tips For Planning the Ultimate Las Vegas Wedding

Posted on by adlavagarrett

Viva Las Vegas! Many tourists come to Vegas for one of two reasons: to gamble or to get married. If you’re the latter of the two, here are a few helpful tips for planning the ultimate Las Vegas wedding.

6 Tips for Planning Your Las Vegas Wedding

1. Book Off-Season to Save Money

If you’re on a tight budget and want to make this as affordable as possible, consider booking off-season. Because there will be less competition, rates across town will likely be lower. Check with local vendors, casinos, hotels, and restaurants to see which time of year they can offer you the best deal.

2. Compare Rates for Packages

Some venues will take care of all the planning for you, including flowers, photography, and videography. This oftentimes gets you the best deal, but you’ll still want to compare the rates to those offered by services you pay for individually.

3. Remember the Climate

Some tourists forget Vegas is the desert. In other words, it’s hot. Really hot. Even in the dead of winter, it’s hot. Plan accordingly! If you’re looking to have an outdoor wedding, you might want to stay away from the summer months, when the air is so hot you can’t even breathe.

Also, remember the climate is very arid. If you’re used to humidity, be prepared, because the dryness can really catch people off guard.

This is primarily about your own comfort and safety, but it can also affect your floral arrangements, food, and your makeup and clothing. Who wants to be a sweaty mess on their wedding day? Not you.

4. Complete All the Necessary Paperwork

Yes, it’s easy to have a spur-of-the-moment wedding in Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to fill out the same paperwork all other newlyweds must. This includes completing a marriage application and obtaining a license.

5. Consider Your Home Country

Are you visiting from an international destination? If so, you’ll want to check up on their laws to confirm if you’ll need to complete any additional paperwork in preparation for your return home.

6. Create a Website for Your Wedding Announcement

Paper wedding announcements sent through the mail are so yesterday. Instead, create a website specifically for you and your significant other, so everyone else can join in the celebration online.

Thanks to BeBold.Vegas, this is easy to do! We’ll provide you with a complimentary .vegas domain name for your wedding announcement where you can include links to your registry, a place for guests to RSVP, and so much more. Head to BeBold.Vegas to learn all about it!

Worst Domain Names… Ever!

Posted on by adlavacontent

Business owners will spend days agonizing over which domain name (website name) to pick for their business. Should it match the business name exactly? Should it be shorter or longer? Do website visitors want to see something clever or serious? Should you go with a .com, .net, or .somethingelseentirely? What about dashes? What about numbers? What if the domain name is already taken? It’s enough to make any person’s brain implode.

Worst Domain Names… Ever

That must’ve been what happened with these five companies, because something about their domains just doesn’t sound… right. And if you are in the market for creating a new website name for your company, please avoid the mistakes these businesses made:

Speedofart.com

Please tell us this website doesn’t have anything to do with swimmers’ flatulence. Please.

Of course not! It’s the Speed of Art (not the Speedo Fart), and it has nothing to do with, well, you know. It goes without saying this is one URL people won’t race to click on. Friends, in this case, remember: dashes are your friend. Say it with us: speed-of-art.com!

Americanscrapmetal.com

Americans! We crap metal! Not really. Like Speedo Fart — *ahem* Speed of Art — this URL is seriously lacking much-needed dashes. Or just picking a whole different name all together.

Childrenswear.co.uk

What is this?! Where are their parents? Oh… sorry. Children’s Wear. That’s a relief. We were about to start washing people’s mouths out with soap.

Enjoypot.co.kr

This isn’t what it sounds like. We promise. They mean pottery. Enjoy pottery. Don’t we all? Maybe next time, though, spell out the whole word, guys.

How to Create a Good Domain Name

When coming up with your domain name, there are a few details you should keep in mind.

Include a Keyword, If Possible

Google sees everything. Whenever you have an important keyword naturally included in your text, Google gives you a virtual pat on the back and awards you +10 SEO points. In other words, it’s good for your rankings.

However, the important word here is: naturally.

Don’t squeeze a keyword into your domain just for the sake of having it there. But if you can do so naturally, please do.

Keep It Brief

How annoying is it to type in a URL like www.thebestfitnessgearandequipmentforgyms.com? We’re not even sure what we just said.

Remember: your domain will be part of the user experience. Make it easy for people who want to visit your website. Keep it simple…. and short!

Explore Beyond .Com

There’s no worse feeling than that of picking out the perfect domain name and subsequently seeing it’s already in use… except maybe getting water in your shoes. That might feel worse.

But! When it comes to your top level domain (everything after the dot in your URL), you have options. Lots of them. Your domain doesn’t need to be a generic .com. Think outside the box.

Are you having trouble coming up with your domain name for a Las Vegas business? Try .Vegas.

Las Vegas is one of the most visited cities in the world. Everyone wants a piece of it. Now, you can have it. Visit BeBold.Vegas to learn more.

The Power of a Good Name

Posted on by dustylv

Did we get your attention?

That’s what the domain name, www.LazyHusband.Vegas was supposed to do.

It drew you in.  It captured your imagination.

Relax! We are not selling an actual Lazy Husband.

What is being sold is a great, .Vegas domain name starting at $19.95

 

But that’s not the whole story!

Cynics, didn’t want Las Vegas to have its own Internet address.

They said. We weren’t smart enough, big enough, sophisticated enough.

They said the same thing about bringing a professional sports team to Las Vegas. The success of the Golden Knights, Raiders and Aces proves them wrong on every count.

When, Las Vegas was awarded the, .Vegas Internet address, the cynics were mad as hell.

How could Las Vegas be so arrogant? Why couldn’t the people in Las Vegas be satisfied with a dot common Internet address like everyone else?

Here’s why! The people in Las Vegas don’t like to be bullied. They don’t need some Las Vegas pretender telling them that a dot common Internet address is the same as a, .Vegas Internet address. They know horsepucky when they see it. The truth is, if it doesn’t say Vegas after the dot, it’s not Las Vegas.

You’ve read this far! I’m thrilled! Now, do me a favor. If you are in the market for a new domain name, type it in the search bar above. If it’s available, prove the cynics wrong.