New Domains: .capetown, .joburg and .durban

As of today, a number of new domain extensions (TLDs) have gone live, including: .capetown, .joburg and .durban. Thanks to the ZA Central Registry (ZACR), these extensions are now available for purchase. Amazingly, there have already been several hundred applications for the new extensions, these applications include 3 of South Africa’s 4 major banks as well as a large number of our favourite technology companies.

We performed a few searches on high traffic keywords including accommodation, insurance and the likes – all of which have already been reserved. There are domainers out there who are moving incredibly quickly! In fact, one person alone has submitted a request for 32 different domains.
What most people don’t know is that ICANN has received more than 1,900 applications for TLDs and of those about 30% are already listed. Here are some examples: .app, .attorney, .blog, .flowers, .wedding, .store and so the list goes on. Did you know that Google bought .google, .docs and .youtube? Did you know that the cost was $185,000?
As a search engine optimisation (SEO) company it’s our job to keep you informed on all matters relating to SEO. When it comes to new TLDs, Matt Cutts of Google has stated that domain extensions will not get an advantage. So if you have attorney.capetown or capetownattorney.co.za, each one has the same chance of ranking better than the other – strictly based on how well the SEO (and other matters) are on the domain. In his message though, Matt didn’t comment on whether keywords in the new domain extensions would be offer up a ranking signal, so that’s something to keep your eyes on. We would also caution people against exact match domains (EMDs) as this is one of Google’s penalties.
So if you’re thinking of snapping up hundreds of domains for ranking purposes, we don’t suggest this. However, there is always room for flipping domains and those people who do snap up keyword rich domains might find themselves in a position to make a good amount of money. Just remember, we’re talking keyword rich domains, not brand-jacking.
Have you reserved your brand’s area address?