I want to register a domain that is specifically aimed at the UK market. Let's say I was selling car hoods, which the Brits call bonnets. Would I be better off registering: bonnets.net (.com not available) bonnets.co.uk or bonnets.eu? And do I need to have it actually hosted in the UK for maximum impact with the search engines?
Hello, I have observed on Google different results based on which radio button is selected 'Pages from the UK' compared with 'The web', for a .com domain. The .com domain is given a lower relevancy when the UK option is chosen. Neil
I find that .com or .co.uk are fine. The site must be hosted in the UK though. Also try get links from UK sites.
I agree with Mad4. Any general (not other country specific) dmain is fine inclusing .net .com etc. As long as it is hosted in the UK then you'll appear on the local search results. Links are important from other UK sites, though Google take these into account much more than others like MSN.
.co.uk is better, I think, if targetting the UK. I would steer clear of .net and .eu for now. I personally don't think the .eu domains will do so well.
.eu will be my first choice- I would get all 3 for the money they are and redirect two to the main site, otherwise if you did get the .co.uk say, and .eu took off and somebody else had it, you would be kicking yourself. Also, I think if you are one of the earlier companies to get a .eu identity it could work for you in terms of memorability if marketed well. .co.uk is the strongest currently for directly targeting the UK. It is a very well established cctld
This is good advice perhaps, if the domain was going to promote a particular brand, business name or trademark, but if the domain is more generic, like bonnets.co.uk, I'd just go for the .co.uk domain.