gTLDs: more than just a dot in your domain
What is a gTLD and where did it come from?
gTLDs (generic Top-Level Domains) are the generic endings of a domain name, indicating its type or purpose. In entorno.com, the .com is the gTLD.
They originated in the 1980s when the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) established a limited set of extensions: .com, .org, .net, .edu, .gov, and .mil.
Since 2012, ICANN has opened registration to custom extensions, leading to a boom of new options: .online, .store, .tech, .digital, .barcelona, and many more. Today, over 1,000 gTLDs are active.
gTLDs vs ccTLDs: what’s the difference?
While gTLDs are global, ccTLDs (country code Top-Level Domains) refer to a specific country or region — like .es (Spain), .fr (France), or .uk (United Kingdom).
ccTLDs are ideal for businesses targeting a local market and want to improve their geographic SEO. Google treats these extensions as signals of territorial targeting.
On the other hand, gTLDs offer broader thematic or professional identity: a design studio may use .studio, a tech startup .io or .tech, and an online store .shop or .store.
Tip: combining both can be a smart strategy: a main site on .com with local versions on .es or .fr strengthens global branding and local SEO at once.
Why register multiple gTLDs and how to protect your brand
Registering the most relevant gTLDs helps you protect your brand and strengthen your online presence. Failing to do so may allow third parties to register domain variations with malicious or illegitimate intent.
Advantages of registering multiple gTLDs
- Brand protection: avoid unauthorised registrations and misuse of your brand name.
- Positioning strategy: create thematic domains for different business lines or campaigns.
- Consistency and trust: a well-managed domain ecosystem conveys professionalism and solidity.
Entorno Digital’s brand protection solutions
At Entorno Digital, we offer services designed to protect your brand globally:
- Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH): official database that validates registered trademarks and grants priority access to new domain registrations.
- GlobalBlock: tool that allows you to block your brand across hundreds of gTLDs simultaneously.
- Anti-Piracy Guardian: active monitoring service that detects improper use of your brand online.
Which gTLDs should you register?
It depends on your digital strategy and the markets you operate in. If your audience is global, .com is still a safe bet. But if you want to stand out or highlight innovation, extensions like .digital, .solutions, or .tech can add significant value.
It’s not about collecting domains, but choosing the ones that add real value to your brand and align with your identity.
Example: a creative agency named “Pixelnova” could use:
pixelnova.com→ main websitepixelnova.studio→ portfoliopixelnova.digital→ blog or innovation
Conclusion: beyond the final dot
gTLDs are not mere digital decoration. They’re a strategic tool to define your presence, protect your reputation, and boost your brand online.
If .com was the classic suit of the 90s, modern options like .tech, .online, or .agency are the standout look today. And remember: those who register first, sleep better.
Review your domains, protect your brand, and let Entorno help you keep your digital identity as secure as your password… or even more.