How to choose a domain for your business: .tj, .com or another

A domain is the address of your website and company email. It is hard to change later: it is on business cards, ads, links and staff mailboxes. So it pays to choose well from the start.

Which zone to choose

• .tj — shows that the company works in Tajikistan. Good for local customers and search within the country.
• .com — the international zone. Suitable if you have customers abroad or plan to enter other markets.
• Other zones (.shop, .online, .app, etc.) — for separate projects and promotions; for the main site the classics are better.

A common setup: the main domain in .tj or .com, plus a defensive registration of the other one with a redirect.

How to choose a name

• short — fewer letters mean fewer typos;
• no hyphens or digits if you can avoid them;
• easy to say over the phone and understand by ear;
• matches the name of the company or brand;
• check that the name is free on social networks — it is convenient when it is the same everywhere.

Whose name to register it in

The domain must be registered to your company, not to an employee or the studio. Otherwise, if you change contractors or someone leaves, you risk losing the website and email. Ask the provider for access to the registrar account.

Don't forget renewal

A domain is paid for one or more years ahead. If you forget to renew, the site and email stop working and someone else may take the name.

• turn on auto-renewal;
• use an email address that is definitely read;
• put a calendar reminder a month ahead.

SSL and CDN

An SSL certificate enables a secure connection (https) — without it browsers warn visitors of danger. A CDN speeds up the site and protects against some attacks.

After the domain you will need hosting and email: read “How to choose hosting” and “Company email on your own domain”.

Who can help

The “Domains, SSL and CDN” section of GHOST.TJ lists verified providers. They set their own prices and timelines. Describe your task in a request and compare proposals.