PALM BEACH, FL – The internet landscape has undergone rapid transformation since the early days of the web (1990s), and one of the most valuable assets to emerge during this time is domain names. As businesses, organizations, and individuals rushed to stake their claims online, certain categories of domain names have become increasingly scarce, with geographic domains—particularly those tied to U.S. cities and states—standing out as prime real estate. Owning a domain like “California.com” or “NewYork.com” is now viewed as a high-value asset, but these names are becoming harder to come by, with many already taken or commanding premium prices.
Why Geographic Domain Names Are Valuable
Geographic domain names are unique in their ability to convey instant trust, recognition, and authority. For example, if someone is searching for information about the state of Ohio, a website like Ohio.com will naturally appear as a go-to resource. Whether the domain is being used for tourism, real estate, local services, or news, the name itself provides immediate credibility.
This value is also amplified for businesses. A company that operates in multiple states or focuses on a specific region can benefit from the prestige and SEO advantages of a state-named domain. These domains tend to rank well in search engine results, and their intuitive nature means users are more likely to remember and return to them.
The Shrinking Pool of Available Names
Unfortunately for those entering the market today, most of the geographic domain names—especially state names—are already claimed. The rush to secure these names began in the 1990s, with savvy domain investors and early internet adopters quickly recognizing their potential. Today, many state domains like Arizona.com (sold 2021) or California.com (sold 2018) are either fully developed or held by domain investors who may sell them at a premium.
As the pool of available names shrinks, the price for purchasing such domains has skyrocketed. In some cases, geographic domain names have sold for six or seven figures, reflecting their perceived long-term value. Indiana.com, for example, will likely demand a substantial price when sold, as it holds inherent value for anyone looking to target businesses, services, or resources tied to Indiana.
The Rise of Alternative Extensions
For those who can’t afford the high price tags or simply find that the .com version of their state or city name is unavailable, there has been a rise in alternative domain extensions. While “.com” remains the gold standard, extensions such as “.net,” “.us,” or even new options like “.city” or “.place” offer alternatives. For instance, Ohio.us or Ohio.city might be easier to obtain, but they still won’t carry the same level of authority as the original .com counterpart.
Securing Geographic Domains: A Strategy for the Future
For businesses and individuals who understand the long-term value of these geographic domains, acquiring them—if available—can be a wise investment. The demand for hyper-local, region-specific online platforms is only increasing as digital marketing grows more sophisticated and targeted. Whether it’s for tourism, local news, real estate, or e-commerce, having a domain name that matches a state or city provides a strong competitive edge.
However, securing these domains will only become more challenging over time, making it crucial for interested buyers to act quickly when opportunities arise. Even if the ideal state-named domain isn’t available, entrepreneurs should consider securing city-specific names or other geographic variations, as these can still offer substantial benefits.
The scarcity of geographic domains is a reflection of the growing competition for digital real estate. With limited supply and increasing demand, these names continue to hold value in a crowded and competitive online marketplace. If you’re in the market for such a domain, it’s best to act sooner rather than later to avoid missing out on these rare and valuable assets.
About The Author: John Colascione is Chief Executive Officer of Internet Marketing Services Inc. He specializes in Website Monetization, is a Google AdWords Certified Professional, authored a ‘how to’ book called ”Mastering Your Website‘, and is a key player in several Internet related businesses through his search engine strategy brand Searchen Networks®
Leave a Reply