The .money domain could be considered a modern digital real estate for entities operating within the financial sector. Established under ICANN's New gTLD Program, .money provides a clear and direct online identity for businesses, organizations, or individuals dealing in financial services or information. Donuts (Outer McCook, LLC) is the registry operator for .money, having successfully navigated the application and delegation process to bring this domain to life on 26 November 2014.

Successful Applicant

Donuts, a prolific applicant in the new gTLD space, emerged as the successful applicant for the .money domain. With an expansive portfolio of TLD applications, Donuts aimed to enrich the internet namespace, offering more descriptive and sector-specific domain options. Their application for .money included a Public Interest Commitment, underscoring a responsible approach towards the domain's operation.

Famous Four Media was another contender for the .money domain. Like Donuts, they too submitted a Public Interest Commitment as part of their application, showcasing a level of responsibility towards public interest. However, they eventually withdrew their application.

Private Auction

The contention for the .money domain was resolved through a private auction held in September 2014. Donuts emerged victorious, with the other applicant withdrawing from the race. The specific winning bid amount remains undisclosed, keeping the financial details of the auction under wraps.

A significant milestone was achieved on 16 November 2014, when Donuts (Outer McCook, LLC) received a Registry Agreement signed by ICANN for the .money domain. This followed a successful passing of the Initial Evaluation, paving the way for the delegation phase.

The .money domain was officially delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on 26 November 2014, marking the operational commencement of this domain. This delegation concluded the successful application process for the .money string, setting the stage for its general availability on 11 March 2015.

Competitive Analysis: .money TLD Versus Other Similar TLDs

.money vs .finance

• Broad Appeal vs Industry Specific:
  • .money has a casual and broad appeal, making it suitable for a variety of financial topics and services. In contrast, .finance is more formal and industry-specific, ideal for professional financial institutions.
• Versatility:
  • .money is versatile and can cater to personal finance, investment tips, and general money-related content. .finance is better suited for established financial entities offering a range of financial services.

.money vs .bank

• General vs Niche Focus:
  • .money caters to a broader audience and is less restrictive, while .bank is highly regulated and targeted towards banking institutions.
• Accessibility:
  • .money is accessible for registration by a wide range of entities, whereas .bank has stricter registration requirements ensuring a high level of trust and security.

.money vs .loan

• Range of Services vs Specific Service:
  • .money can encompass a variety of financial services and topics, whereas .loan is specifically tailored towards lending institutions and services.
• Target Audience:
  • .money appeals to a broader audience including individuals looking for financial advice, while .loan is targeted towards individuals or entities seeking lending services.

.money vs .investments

• Casual vs Professional Tone:
  • .money carries a more casual or general tone, while .investments has a professional tone catering to investment firms and individuals interested in investment opportunities.
• Domain Length:
  • .money is shorter and potentially easier to remember than .investments, making it a more user-friendly option.

.money vs .capital

• General Financial vs Capital Markets:
  • .money is suited for a range of financial topics, whereas .capital is more associated with capital markets, venture capital, and equity firms.
• Recognition:
  • .capital has a distinct association with capital-related ventures, potentially providing better industry recognition in that niche, while .money is more general but easily understood.

5 Industries that would benefit from using .money domain

1. Personal Finance Advisory: The .money domain is a natural fit for personal finance advisory services. It signals a clear focus on financial matters, aiding in brand clarity and instilling a sense of trust in potential clients seeking guidance on managing their finances.
2. Fintech Startups: Emerging fintech startups aiming to innovate in the money management, transfer, or digital wallet sectors can benefit from the .money domain. It’s modern, catchy, and directly relates to monetary transactions, making it a relevant choice for fintech brands.
3. Investment Firms: Investment firms, especially those focusing on money markets, can leverage the .money domain to emphasize their core business area. It can help in distinguishing their services in a competitive online space.
4. Budgeting and Money Management Apps: Budgeting and money management apps can use the .money domain to highlight the value they provide in helping users manage their money effectively. The domain can also aid in SEO efforts, making it easier for potential users to find their services.
5. Online Financial Education Platforms: Platforms offering courses, resources, or tools related to financial education can stand out with a .money domain. It’s an intuitive choice that aligns well with the objective of empowering individuals to make informed money-related decisions.

3 Benefits of .money Domains

1. Intuitive and Memorable: The .money domain extension is intuitive and easily understandable by a wide audience, indicating a clear focus on financial matters. Its straightforward nature makes it memorable, allowing users to easily recall and return to the site. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses and platforms dealing with financial services, money management advice, or financial education, as it immediately communicates the core theme of the content or services offered.
2. Versatility: Unlike some financial domain extensions that are highly specific or regulated, .money offers a broad appeal. It can be utilized by a wide array of entities within the financial sector, including personal finance blogs, budgeting app companies, investment advisory services, and fintech startups. This versatility allows for a wide range of applications, making it a flexible choice for many within the financial sphere.
3. Brand Enhancement: Utilizing the .money domain can aid in establishing a brand's focus and identity in the financial industry. It provides an opportunity to create a catchy and self-explanatory domain name that resonates with the target audience. This, in turn, can aid in marketing efforts, helping to attract and retain a relevant audience, and potentially improving search engine rankings when users are looking for money-related services or information.

Market Trends

The .money domain caters to a broad spectrum within the financial sector, offering a clear and professional online identity for entities ranging from banks, investment firms, and financial advisors, to personal finance bloggers, fintech startups, and financial news outlets. Its descriptive nature can enhance the digital visibility and credibility of a financial entity, making it a valuable digital asset in a competitive market.

FAQ

Is .money Good for SEO?

The .money domain, like other generic top-level domains (gTLDs), is treated equally by search engines such as Google in terms of SEO.

How Much Does a .money Domain Cost?

The cost of registering a .money on 3DNS costs $8.99 to register and renew

Who Can Register a .money domain?

The .money domain is open for registration by anyone without restrictive eligibility criteria, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Will People Know and Trust the .money Domain Extension?

The .money extension, being descriptive and industry-specific, holds the potential to build trust and recognition among users seeking financial services or information. It provides a clear indication of the nature of services offered, enhancing the domain's credibility.

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.money Registry Agreement

The governance of .money domains is encapsulated in the official registry agreement between ICANN and Donuts (Outer McCook, LLC). This agreement outlines the operational, technical, and policy frameworks guiding the .money TLD. For a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape encompassing .money domains, readers are encouraged to peruse the .money Registry Agreement on the ICANN website.

Conclusion

The .money TLD provides a dedicated digital space for the financial sector, promoting a clear and professional online identity for entities within this sphere. Through its descriptive nature, the .money domain contributes to enhancing the digital visibility and credibility of financial services in a competitive marketplace. Its journey from proposal to operational status reflects the broader narrative of internet namespace expansion, promoting domain specificity and fostering a professional online identity for businesses within the financial sector.