Anyone in the world can register a .co domain name. You do not need to be a resident of Colombia.

You can register a .co domain name for an initial period of 1-5 years. After this period has passed, you will have to renew the domain.

Simply use the domain search bar at the top of this page and enter the name of your choice. A new window will open, and you will immediately see if the name you want is still free. If the name of your choice is not available, our system will automatically show you some options that are still free instead.

Yes, this is possible for this extension. You can enable this option when you purchase a domain through the Openprovider control panel.

You can easily renew your domain through the Openprovider control panel. You will receive multiple reminders by email when your domain is due to be renewed. Another option is to turn on the auto-renew feature in the control panel, which ensures that your domain is automatically renewed as long as you have sufficient balance on your account.

.co domain names should be between 2-63 characters in length. They may contain letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens. Internationalized domain names are supported for Chinese, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Icelandic, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish scripts.

Your .co domain will be renewed automatically if you have the auto-renew feature turned on and if you have enough balance in your account. If your domain is expired, you have 33 days to restore your domain for free. After these days have passed, you will have 28 more days to restore your domain at an additional fee before it is deleted.

A .co domain is a top-level domain (TLD) that has gained popularity as a credible alternative to the traditional .com extension. Originally assigned to Colombia, .co has been rebranded and opened up for global use. The .co domain is often associated with "company," "corporation," or "commerce," making it an appealing choice for businesses. Its brevity and simplicity contribute to a more streamlined and professional online identity. Additionally, .co domains are easier to remember and type, which can enhance user experience and improve search engine rankings. For startups seeking to establish a unique and memorable web presence, a .co domain offers a modern and versatile solution.

The .co domain initially served as the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Colombia when it was introduced in 1991. For many years, it was primarily used within Colombia, but in 2010, the Colombian government and .CO Internet S.A.S. collaborated to rebrand and market it for global use. This strategic move aimed to capitalise on the domain's inherent appeal to businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. The rebranding effort was highly successful, and the .co domain quickly gained traction as a viable alternative to the saturated .com space. Major companies and startups alike began adopting .co domains, recognising their potential to convey innovation and a forward-thinking mindset. Today, .co enjoys a reputation as a versatile and professional domain option, suitable for a wide range of industries and purposes.
Popularity and Growth
Since its rebranding in 2010, the .co domain has experienced remarkable growth and popularity. Within the first year, over one million .co domains were registered, signalling widespread acceptance and enthusiasm. This rapid adoption can be attributed to its appeal to tech-savvy entrepreneurs and startups looking for a concise and memorable web address. High-profile companies such as Twitter (with t.co) and Google (with g.co) have also embraced the .co domain, further boosting its credibility and visibility. Additionally, the .co domain is often favoured in the startup community, symbolising innovation and modernity. The domain's growth has been sustained by continuous marketing efforts and strategic partnerships, making it one of the fastest-growing TLDs globally. Its success demonstrates its effectiveness in meeting the needs of businesses seeking a distinctive and professional online presence.

Short and memorable

One of the standout benefits of a .co domain is its brevity and memorability. In an age where attention spans are short, having a concise and easy-to-remember domain name can significantly impact your online presence. A shorter domain name reduces the risk of typographical errors and makes it easier for users to recall your website. This simplicity is especially valuable for startups trying to build brand recognition and customer loyalty. Unlike longer, more complex domains, a .co domain offers a sleek and modern alternative that resonates with today's digital audience. Furthermore, in a crowded market where many desirable .com domains are already taken, a .co domain provides a fresh and available option that doesn't compromise on professionalism or appeal. By choosing a .co domain, your startup can stand out with a name that's both impactful and easy to remember.

Professional appeal

A .co domain exudes a sense of professionalism and modernity that can be highly beneficial for your startup. Unlike some other alternative domain extensions, .co is perceived as credible and trustworthy, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. This professional appeal is bolstered by the fact that many reputable companies and innovative startups have adopted .co domains, lending it an air of legitimacy. Additionally, the term "co" is widely recognised as an abbreviation for "company" or "corporation," which naturally aligns with business-oriented websites. This alignment helps convey a serious and established image to your audience, which can be a critical factor in building trust and attracting customers. By opting for a .co domain, your startup can enjoy the benefits of a domain extension that not only looks professional but also resonates with a broad, global audience.

SEO advantages

Choosing a .co domain can offer several SEO advantages for your startup. Search engines treat .co domains similarly to traditional .com domains, meaning you won't be at a disadvantage in search rankings simply because of your domain extension. The .co domain's short and memorable nature can also indirectly benefit your SEO efforts. A concise and easy-to-remember domain name is more likely to be typed correctly and shared by users, leading to increased direct traffic and potentially higher engagement metrics. These factors can positively influence your search engine rankings over time. Additionally, a unique and relevant .co domain can help you stand out in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find your business. By leveraging a .co domain, your startup can enjoy the dual benefits of a modern domain extension and strong search engine optimisation potential.

Comparing .co with other domains

When comparing .co with other domain extensions, there are several factors to consider, including cost, availability, and perceived value. Generally, .co domains are slightly more expensive than traditional .com domains due to their growing popularity and demand. However, this cost difference is often justified by the availability of more desirable names and the modern appeal of the .co extension. Unlike .com domains, which are often already taken or require purchasing from a third party at a premium price, .co domains offer a fresh alternative with a higher likelihood of finding a meaningful and relevant name for your startup. Additionally, .co domains are competitive with other alternative extensions like .net or .biz but carry a more professional and business-oriented connotation. While the initial registration cost for a .co domain might be higher, the potential branding and SEO benefits can make it a worthwhile investment for your growing startup.

Steps to register a .co domain

Registering a .co domain is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. First, choose a reputable domain registrar that offers .co domains. Popular options include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. Once you've selected a registrar, use their search tool to check the availability of your desired domain name. If the name is available, proceed to add it to your cart. During the checkout process, you will need to provide your contact information, which will be used for the domain registration records. Next, choose the registration period, typically ranging from one to ten years, and decide if you want any additional services, such as domain privacy protection or email hosting. Finally, complete the payment to finalise the registration. After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email, and your .co domain will be ready for use, enabling you to start building your online presence immediately.

Renewal and maintenance

Renewing and maintaining a .co domain is essential for ensuring your startup's continuous online presence. Typically, domain registrars will send renewal reminders via email well before the expiration date. It is crucial to keep your contact information up to date with your registrar to receive these notifications. Renewal periods can vary, but most registrars offer options to renew annually or for multiple years at a time. Automatic renewal is a convenient feature provided by many registrars; enabling this option can help you avoid accidentally letting your domain expire. Maintenance involves occasionally reviewing your domain settings, such as DNS records and contact information, to ensure everything is up-to-date and secure. Additionally, consider enabling domain privacy protection if you haven’t already, to safeguard your personal information from public WHOIS records. Consistent renewal and diligent maintenance of your .co domain will help maintain your startup's credibility and prevent any disruption to your online business operations.

Startups using .co domains

Many successful startups have chosen .co domains, demonstrating the extension's effectiveness in building a strong online presence. For example, AngelList, a popular platform for startups and investors, uses Angel.co, highlighting its focus on company formation and investment. Similarly, 500 Startups, a renowned global venture capital firm, operates under 500.co, reinforcing its branding with a modern and memorable domain. Another notable example is the URL shortening service, T.co, used by Twitter to create short, easy-to-share links. These startups leverage the .co domain to convey innovation, professionalism, and a forward-thinking attitude. Their success stories show that a .co domain can help new businesses stand out in a crowded market and build a credible digital identity. By opting for a .co domain, your startup can join the ranks of these successful companies, benefiting from a domain extension that is both versatile and globally recognised.

Lessons from established brands

Established brands using .co domains offer valuable lessons for startups. Take Google, for instance, which uses G.co for its shortcut URLs. This choice underscores the importance of simplicity and brevity in enhancing user experience. Another example is the popular file-sharing service Bitly, which uses Bitly.co. By selecting a .co domain, Bitly emphasises its modern and tech-savvy nature, aligning its brand with innovation. These brands demonstrate that a .co domain can be more than just a web address; it can be a strategic tool for branding and user engagement. Additionally, their success highlights the importance of securing a domain that is easy to remember and type, reducing the chances of user error. Startups can learn from these companies by prioritising a domain that is not only professional but also user-friendly. By doing so, they can enhance their online presence and build a strong, recognisable brand.

Real-world examples

Real-world examples of companies using .co domains illustrate the extension's versatility and appeal. One notable example is Vine.co, the domain used by the now-iconic short-form video platform Vine. This concise and memorable domain contributed to the brand's rapid recognition and viral success. Another example is Ta.co, used by Taco Bell for its marketing campaigns, demonstrating how a .co domain can be creatively utilised to enhance branding efforts. Additionally, Innovate.co is used by Innovate UK, an organisation that supports business innovation, showcasing the domain's suitability for professional and governmental entities. These examples highlight how .co domains can be effectively employed across various industries and purposes, from entertainment and marketing to tech and innovation. Startups can take inspiration from these real-world cases, recognising that a .co domain offers not just a web address, but a powerful branding tool that can drive engagement and visibility.

.co vs .com

One common misconception is that .co domains are inferior to .com domains. While .com is the most widely recognised domain extension, it is often difficult to find available and relevant names due to its long-standing popularity. In contrast, .co domains offer a fresh alternative with a higher likelihood of securing a meaningful and memorable name. Another misconception is that .co domains lack credibility. However, many reputable businesses and startups use .co domains, demonstrating their professionalism and trustworthiness. Additionally, search engines treat .co domains similarly to .com domains, so there is no inherent disadvantage in terms of SEO. The perceived modernity and innovation associated with .co domains can even offer a branding advantage. By understanding these misconceptions, startups can make an informed decision and recognise that a .co domain can be just as effective, if not more so, than a traditional .com domain for their online presence.

Security concerns

Another misconception about .co domains is that they are less secure than other domain extensions. However, the security of a domain largely depends on the measures taken by the domain owner and registrar, rather than the extension itself. Reputable registrars offer robust security features for .co domains, including SSL certificates, domain privacy protection, and DNSSEC to protect against domain spoofing and hacking. It is essential for startups to implement these security features to safeguard their websites, regardless of the domain extension. Additionally, the .co domain registry adheres to stringent security protocols to ensure the integrity and safety of the extension. By choosing a trusted registrar and enabling available security measures, businesses can effectively mitigate risks and protect their online assets. Understanding that the security of your domain is in your hands can help dispel any unfounded concerns about the safety of using a .co domain for your startup.

Myths and facts

Several myths surround .co domains, which can deter startups from considering this valuable extension. One prevalent myth is that .co domains are only suitable for Colombian businesses. In reality, .co domains are globally recognised and embraced by businesses worldwide, transcending geographic boundaries. Another myth is that .co domains are prone to being mistaken for typos of .com domains. While this is a potential concern, the distinct branding and marketing strategies can effectively mitigate confusion. A fact to consider is that .co domains offer greater availability of desirable names compared to .com, allowing startups to secure a relevant and memorable domain more easily. Additionally, .co domains are often perceived as modern and innovative, aligning well with the dynamic nature of startups. By distinguishing between myths and facts, businesses can make informed decisions and leverage the benefits that .co domains offer for establishing a strong and credible online presence.