.com.my or .com: which domain should your business use?

Your domain is your address online, and you will use it on your shop sign, name card and WhatsApp for years. So it is worth a few minutes of thought.

.com.my: clearly Malaysian

• Tells customers straight away that you are a Malaysian business.
• Needs a business registered with SSM. Your registrar will ask for your registration details.
• Often easier to get the exact name you want, because fewer are taken.

.com: worldwide and familiar

• Anyone can register it, no business registration needed.
• Good if you sell outside Malaysia too.
• Short, popular names are often already taken.

Which one should you pick?

If you only serve Malaysia and are registered with SSM, .com.my is a strong, trustworthy choice. If you are not registered yet, or sell overseas, .com works well. Some businesses buy both and point one to the other.

Rules for a good name

• Short and easy to say over the phone.
• No hyphens or numbers if you can avoid them.
• Close to your business name, so people can guess it.
• Register it in your own name, never in your designer's, so it always stays yours.

Domain prices and registration rules are set by the registry and registrars and can change. Check with your registrar before you buy.