Buying a domain name is like setting up a shopfront on the high street — it makes an impression before customers have even stepped inside.

For UK businesses, one of the big decisions boils down to .com versus .co.uk. They’re both well-established, and which one you go for might shape how people see your brand and who finds you online. It’s about who you want to attract and how professional your brand feels. You’ll want to strike a balance between reaching the right crowd and building trust from the start.

So, which should you buy: a .com or a .co.uk? And can’t I have both, we hear you ask? Let’s break it down to help you decide on the right fit for your British business.  

What is a domain name, anyway? 

Getting the basics out the way first, a domain name is the unique address typed into a web browser to visit a website. Domains are typically  made up of three main parts: the Subdomain, the Second-Level Domain, and the Top-Level Domain (TLD). 

Taking www.123-Reg.co.uk as an example, “www” is the subdomain, “123-Reg” is the second-level domain, and “.co.uk” is the domain extension or TLD. That is to say: the “www” part (in most cases), the middle bit, and the little suffix at the end.  

The second-level domain is the key part of your web address. It’s the memorable core, often tied to your brand name, and the bit people recognise most. You’ll want to get it right, as the name you choose here can have a big impact on how your business is remembered and found 

The Top-Level Domain (TLD), like “.com” or “.co.uk,” sits at the end of a web address. This extension not only completes the address but also gives a clue about the website, where it’s located, or the type of business it represents.

Why does your domain matter for your business?

The choice of domain matters because it’s your brand’s online home. A memorable, straightforward domain helps your business stand out and makes it easy for customers to find and share your site. It’s your first impression online, so it’s worth getting it right.

Well-known TLDs like .com or .co.uk add a sense of reliability. They help build trust, showing customers you’re a credible business. Think of it as an investment — choosing wisely now can save you time and money later.

If you’re running a UK business, the decision between .com and .co.uk can shape how people see your site. Both have their strengths, and understanding what suits your goals can make all the difference.

For more, see also: A Beginner’s Guide to Domains and How They Work 

What’s the difference between .com and .co.uk?

.com and .co.uk are two of the most established and recognisable domain names out there.

Both of these TLDs made their debut in 1985 — the same year Tears for Fears released Everybody Wants to Rule the World. Now pushing 40, they’ve been ruling the online world since the start.

The .com domain was originally created for commercial businesses (hence the dot “com” for “commercial”). As the internet grew, especially in the early days when the US was leading the charge, it was the go-to domain for a lot of American businesses. It’s in no way tied to the US, though — .com is a truly global TLD and available to anyone, anywhere.

As you might expect, the .co.uk domain was primarily introduced as a domain for British companies. It’s associated with trusted, local businesses and caters more towards domestic UK customers. That said, you don’t need a UK presence to register a .co.uk domain.

There are about 11 million .co.uk domains according to Nominet, the UK-based organisation that oversees registrations. .com is managed by Verisign, a US company responsible for the global administration of the .com domain. As of 2023 there are about 160 million .com domain names registered, making it the most popular TLD by a large margin.

Key takeaways:

✓ .com domain: A global TLD with massive recognition, boasting over 160 million registrations worldwide. Anyone can buy a .com domain, but it suits businesses with international ambitions, offering credibility and broad appeal. It’s a universal choice for anyone looking to build a website.

✓ .co.uk domain: A trusted choice for UK-based businesses, suggestive of local roots and with a dose of Great British branding. It’s a strong pick for companies focused on the UK market.

123 Reg offers a huge range of .com and .co.uk domain names. Whether you’re targeting a global audience or keeping it local, we’ve got you covered. Explore your options and find the perfect fit.

How do I choose the right domain name for my business?

There are a few basics to keep in mind when choosing a domain name. First and foremost, it should of course be closely tied to your brand, website, or business name.

It should also be easy to type — keeping it short and avoiding overly long names is key. After all, you want visitors to be able to type it into their browser, so aim for something catchy and memorable.

After the basics, the decision depends on your audience, your goals, and how you want to position your business. Let’s break it down to help you make the right choice:

Audience focus

Start off by thinking about your audience. A .co.uk domain shows UK customers you’re local and ready to serve them, while a .com domain often feels more international. If you’re targeting global customers, .com might feel like the natural choice. But if you’re focused on the UK, .co.uk helps build trust with UK consumers.

Protecting your brand

Check if your chosen name is available in both .com and .co.uk, and compare the costs. It’s often a smart idea to register both extensions — protecting your brand while keeping things consistent for your customers.

Industry insight

Take a look at what others in your industry are doing. If most go for .com, choosing .co.uk might help you stand out—or the other way around. Looking at competitors can help you make a choice that fits your branding while keeping you competitive.

Future ambitions

Think about where your business is headed. If you’re staying local, a .co.uk domain keeps that British connection strong. But if there’s a chance of international expansion, .com’s universal appeal might make more sense. That said, .co.uk isn’t just for domestic businesses — it’s well-respected globally and works just as well for UK brands that ship overseas or serve a wider audience.

See also: Names That Click – How to Choose the Right Domain Name 

Choosing a .com domain

Pros

Global Appeal: If you plan to grow your business internationally, .com is the most recognised extension worldwide.

Easy to Remember: Its widespread recognition makes it simple for customers to recall, boosting brand visibility and repeat visits.

Professional Credibility: Often seen as the “default” domain extension, lending authority and trust to your brand. It’s also a really versatile domain — working well across industries and suitable for any type of business.

Cons

Availability: .com domains are highly popular worldwide, which often makes it challenging to find your preferred name available.

Pricing: Due to their demand, .com domains can be pricier compared to alternatives like .co.uk, which can be more budget-friendly for UK-focused businesses. But are .com domains always more expensive? Certainly not! You’ll always find exceptions.

Less local focus: .com’s can lack the local charm that a .co.uk domain offers for UK-based businesses targeting domestic customers.

Choosing a .co.uk domain

Pros

Trusted by UK customers: A .uk domain signals a strong British identity, which can build trust with local customers by showing you’re right here in the UK. It’s ideal for businesses focused on a UK audience, helping you connect with local clients who prefer supporting home-grown brands.

Availability: With fewer businesses competing for .co.uk domains compared to .com, there’s a better chance of finding the exact name you want. This makes it a great choice when it comes to buying a web address for your online brand.

Affordability: .co.uk domains are generally more budget-friendly than .com, making them an attractive option for startups, small businesses, or anyone looking to save on their online setup. True, a lot of alternative TLDs (as we’ll get into later) are even cheaper. But it’s tough to beat .co.uk for its impact, bang per buck.

Cons

Limited global appeal: While a .co.uk (or .uk) domain can work well to show customers that your business is local, that could limit your reach if you’re planning to expand globally.

Availability: Yes, we’ve put this in the pros and cons. Though it’s true that .co.uk domains are often much more easily and cheaply available than .com domains, buyers can still face challenges in finding the exact name they want.

UK-Centric: A potential downside of a .co.uk domain is the perception that it’s tailored exclusively for UK audiences. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, but it could make your business appear less global. You can counter this, though, by highlighting your international focus and making it clear you’re open for business overseas.

Do you need to be based in the UK to buy a .co.uk domain?

The .co.uk domain is what’s technically known as a ccTLD or “Country Code Top-Level Domain.” These are domains created for specific countries or regions, such as .de for Germany or .fr for France.

ccTLDs are often tied to specific countries and require you to prove your connection to that country before you can buy. The .us domain, for example, requires that registrants have a bona fide presence in the USA.

The good news is there are no such requirements when it comes to buying a .co.uk domain. So, even if you’re not based in the British Isles, you can buy a great .co.uk domain.

Can I buy both a .com and .co.uk domain?

Absolutely! And it’s a smart move and for several reasons.

Having both a .com and .co.uk helps protect your brand by stopping others from using a similar name. It also keeps your branding consistent, making it easier for customers to find you, no matter which domain they type.

If both are available, it’s worth snapping them up. You can set one to redirect to the other, so visitors land on the same site whether they use .com or .co.uk.

The catch? Availability. These domains are in high demand and have been for decades. Simple, high-value names like cars.com can cost a small fortune, but more specific ones (like yourbusinessname.co.uk) are often affordable.

What if the .com or .co.uk domain name I want is taken?

So, your perfect .com or .co.uk has already been snapped up? No need to throw in the towel! There’s a whole world of domains out there waiting to give your brand a unique twist.

The .uk domain name

Introduced in 2014, the .uk domain is a shorter, snappier alternative to .co.uk. Its shorter format makes it easier to type and remember — perfect for businesses looking to kickstart their online business with a great domain.

Because .uk launched more recently, there’s much greater availability, making it easier to secure the perfect name for your business. It’s open to everyone, with no restrictions on who can buy one. Every bit as strong as .co.uk, it offers a sleek, modern edge to your website address.

gTLD (“Generic”) domain names

gTLDS are simply those domains that are open for anyone, with no registration restrictions.

Newer, more niche extensions give businesses the chance to get more creative with their brand identity online. From .abc to .xyz, these alternative suffixes offer something fresh and unique, helping brands stand out in a crowded online space.

Strictly speaking, the .com domain is a gTLD — given there are no limits on who can register it. However, the term tends to get used more for “alternative” suffixes. gTLDs provide a way to come up with a more personalised and memorable web address, which can be especially useful when .com or .co.uk domains are already taken.

These web addresses have a particular feel — making it possible to pick a web address combo that’s special and relevant to your niche. Think .studio for your fitness club or .tech for your tech startup. There’s .coffee for cafés, .shop for retail, or .design for creative agencies.

If you’re still keen to keep the flavour local, options to consider might include: .london, .scot, .wales, and .cymru.

123 Reg offers thousands of .co.uk and .uk domain names to give your UK business the best start. With over 400 extensions to choose from, your bound to find the right choice for you. If you already have a website, you can transfer your domain for free.

Can my choice of domain name affect search engine rank?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is all about getting your website to appear higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Your domain name does play a role in SEO, but it’s just one factor. Choosing a name that’s relevant and easy to remember comes first.  

As for SEO performance, the choice of TLD can have some affect — a .co.uk domain might give you a slight edge for searches within the UK, since it suggests a connection to the country. Google doesn’t favour .com over other domains, but its familiarity can encourage clicks and build trust.

So, what’s better for SEO: .com or .co.uk? The truth is that the quality of your content and user experience will have a much bigger impact on how well you rank over time. 

See also: Local SEO in 10: How Do I Get My Business Found Online? 

Wrap Up

The choice between a .com and .co.uk domain comes down to your business goals and audience. If you’re aiming for a global reach, .com might be your best bet. But if you’re focused on a UK market, .co.uk can help you build trust and stand out locally. Consider where your customers are, where you want to grow, and what feels right for your brand. No matter which you choose, just make sure it fits your business’s unique needs and goals.

Ready to choose your domain? Whether you go for a .com to reach a global audience or a .co.uk to connect with UK customers, 123 Reg offers thousands to choose from. Get online today and start building your online business with the perfect domain!