Choosing a Domain Name? Don’t even bother with a “.net” domain.

A”.com” domain name is usually worth 10 to 20 times as much as the same name ending with “.net“, according to Ron Jackson, editor and publisher of the online magazine Domain Name Journal - The Domain Industry News Magazine.

Cobb.com domain name worth at least $45K, experts say
Jacksonville Business Journal - May 11, 2007

Jackson attributes the difference in value to the fact that people are conditioned to type “.com” rather than “.net” in an address. But it also seems fairly clear that a “.com” address carries more weight and respectability. I would be willing to bet there are no Fortune 1000 companies with a “.net” domain for their website — except for communications companies like Verizon, Comcast, Adelphia and Cox.

This is because the “.net” top level domain was intended for use by Internet service providers (ISPs) and other companies involved in Internet infrastructure, just as “.org” is for non-profits and “.gov” is for US government agencies.

When it comes to marketing on the Web, what’s good for Fortune 1000 companies may not always be good for smaller businesses and organizations, but in this case it is, because it’s a matter of branding your business: conveying an image of professionalism and permanence.

Do you think that the market value of a domain name — .com vs. .net — is an accurate indicator of its worth to a company’s brand? I do. Let me know if you disagree!

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