You’re naming your nonprofit’s website and can’t decide between .org and .com. Here’s how I’d think about it.
The quick answer
Many people associate .org with churches, nonprofits, and community groups. That makes it a natural main address for those. But lots of people type .com out of habit.
Pick in five steps
- Search for your exact name as a .org and as a .com.
- If the .org is open, make it your main address.
- If the .com is also open, register it too.
- Point the .com to your main site so visitors end up in the same place. Ask your domain provider how to set up forwarding.
- Keep the name short, easy to spell over the phone, and free of hyphens.
If someone else owns the .com
Don’t worry. A clear .org that you control is far better than a confusing variation. You can look up who owns a name with a free WHOIS search at whois.cybergrapes.com.
Make sure the organization owns it
Register the domain in the organization’s name, with a shared email address that more than one person can check. Don’t put it under one volunteer’s personal account.
Stuck? Call 763-CGRAPES (763-247-2737) any hour. Real people, 24/7 sales and support.
Chris, Cyber Grapes