It’s been announced that the .london domain name will be launching next summer, which opens up exciting new opportunities for businesses in the capital.
Already tens of thousands of businesses have show
n an interest in having a London domain name, including prestige companies such as Selfridges. One domain name registrar has already had 17,000 expressions of interest in just 24 hours.
Michael Pead, Creative Director of Primary Image, says:
“The .com and .co.uk market has become increasingly saturated and it’s becoming harder for businesses to find a suitable domain name. This new .london suffix will give businesses a new opportunity to choose a memorable domain name.”
“It will also ensure your business is instantly recognisable as serving the London area, which could well give you a competitive edge when people are searching for your products or services.”
When will I be able to register my .london domain name?
Initially, registration will open for London-based businesses, organisations and individuals in Spring 2014. This may involve verifying your postal address to confirm you are based in the capital city. Trademark owners will also be invited to register their names to protect their intellectual property rights. From Summer 2014, the initial launch restrictions will be lifted and the new domain names will become operational.
Will I have to have a London address to register for a .london domain name?
We understand that unlike some other recent new top-level domain names, such as the .pro suffix (where registrants are required to self-certify their professional status), there will not be any restrictions on who can register a .london domain name after the initial launch phase. Therefore, you shouldn’t need a London-based postal address to take advantage of a .london domain. However, the organisation managing the .london domain names is still developing their policies so this may change as more information becomes available.
How much will a .london domain name cost?
We don’t know yet how much a .london domain will cost. Once we have more information, we’ll let you know!
Do you need a domain name for your business? Contact us and we’ll be able to advise you on the options.
London skyline photo Copyright © Primary Image Ltd.
Mike founded Primary Image in 2010. He specialises in the WordPress website platform and speaks regularly at national web design conferences. Mike became a member (MCIPR) of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in 2015.
Comments
… and there’s .uk domains coming soon now too, i.e. yourname.uk rather than yourname.co.uk! See our article: http://www.primaryimage.com/2013/11/dot-uk-domain-names-summer-2014/
An update from the .london registry in Dec 2013: “While it is still too early at this stage to give concrete dates, Dot London is expected to go live between Spring and Summer 2014. As part of the launch we will operate an exclusive registration for London-based businesses, organisations and individuals during which they can register their .london domain names. In addition we will also operate a Trademark Sunrise where trademark owners can register their trademark.”
UPDATE: From Tuesday 29th April for three months, Londoners and London businesses will be given priority in applying for their chosen domain names.