Looks like you’re looking to launch a brand new website for your new venture in Qatar, or a personal blog or a website for your pet or expand your existing business to Qatar. No matter what your goal is, chances are you’re faced with an interesting choice – choosing a .qa domain, the official domain of Qatar or go with the popular .com domain.
Selecting the ideal domain name is a critical step when launching a website. The decision between the globally recognized .com and the region-specific .qa domain name can significantly impact your online presence.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of these two domain extensions to help you make an informed choice.
What Audiences do .com and .qa Reach?
- .com: Renowned as the global domain of choice, .com appeals to a vast international audience. It’s the go-to option for businesses and websites targeting a worldwide market. With its universal recognition, a .com domain instantly conveys a global perspective and something users are very familiar with.
- .qa: On the other hand, .qa is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specifically designed for Qatar. If your website’s primary audience is within the state of Qatar or the broader Middle East region, .qa is the most geographically relevant choice. It fosters trust among local visitors by emphasizing your connection to the region.
Is Domain Availability Going to be a Problem for .com or .qa?
- .com: Due to its extensive history and widespread popularity, securing a unique .com domain name can be challenging as over 15 million .com domains have been registered. Many valuable .com domains have already been taken, which means you may need to get creative or use a domain broker to acquire your desired name. The demand for .com domains is high, and the best ones are often snapped up quickly.
- .qa: In contrast, .qa domain names offer greater availability. While it may still require some effort to find the perfect .qa domain, the competition is less intense compared to .com. This makes it relatively easier to obtain a memorable and relevant domain name that suits your purpose.
.com vs .qa SEO
- .com: Thanks to its extensive use and recognition, a .com domain can provide an advantage in global search engine rankings. Search engines like Google appreciate the widespread popularity of .com domains, which can contribute positively to your website’s visibility in search results. If your target audience is diverse and spans the globe, a .com domain can give you a head start in SEO.
- .qa: A .qa domain excels in local SEO, especially if your primary audience is located in Qatar. Search engines recognize country-specific domains like .qa as indicators of locality. This can enhance your website’s visibility among users searching for content and services specific to Qatar. If your business is focused on serving the local market, a Qatari domain name – .qa can be a valuable choice.
What About Price Differences Between .com and .qa?
- .com: The cost of .com domains can vary widely depending on the registrar and the specific domain name you desire. Generally, .com domains are known for being relatively affordable, making them accessible to a broad range of users. Prices can range from QR36 to QR180 per year, depending on the registrar of your choice. Here at OnlyDomains, you can register a .com domain at QR39.99
- .qa: .qa domains may be priced higher than .com domains due to their regional specificity. At OnlyDomains, for example, you register a .qa domain at QR202 per year for a .qa domain. The pricing may vary slightly based on the registrar and any additional services you choose.
Do .com or .co.nz Have Any Special Requirements?
- .com: Registering a .com domain involves no special requirements. It’s an open domain extension that can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their location or affiliation.
- .qa: The good news is that acquiring a .qa domain comes with no specific requirements either. Both .com and .qa domains are on equal footing in this area. While a .qa domain is no extra work .qa domains showcase a website’s focus on the local community and businesses with genuine ties to the region.
.com vs .qa: The Final Showdown
In the end, the choice between .com and .qa hinges on your website’s objectives and target audience.
| .com | .qa | |
| Target Audience | Global audience | Qatari market |
| Eligibility | Anyone can register | Well-known across the globe |
| Credibility | Well known across the globe | Popular in Qatar |
| Availability | Lower probability your exact match domain is available | Higher probability your exact match domain is available |
| Registration Price at OnlyDomains (excl taxes) |
QR39.99/yr | QR202/yr |
- If your goal is to reach a diverse, global audience and you’re prepared to tackle competition for domain names, .com is the preferred option.
- On the other hand, if your website primarily caters to Qatari audiences or the Middle East, and you want to strengthen your local online presence, .qa is the domain extension that aligns best with your regional focus.
Remember, your domain name serves as the digital face of your website, so choose wisely based on your goals and audience. Whether it’s .com or .qa, make sure it reflects your brand effectively and helps you achieve your online objectives.
