[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
What is a top-level domain?<\/h2>\n
Top-level domains (TLDs) or domain extensions are the highest level of domain names in the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. They are the last segment of a domain name, appearing after the last dot. TLDs are divided into two main categories:<\/p>\n
Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)<\/h4>\n
These are the most common TLDs that are not tied to a specific country such as .com, .org, .net, .info, .biz, .edu, .gov, etc.<\/p>\n
Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs)<\/h4>\n
These are TLDs that are associated with specific countries. Examples include .za (South Africa) and .uk (United Kingdom). Some countries have specific subdomains under their ccTLDs, such as .co.za for commercial entities in South Africa or .co.uk for commercial entities in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ ul_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The ZA Central Registry (ZACR)<\/h2>\n
The ZA Central Registry (ZACR)<\/a><\/strong> is a non-profit organization (NPO) founded in 1988. It manages several second-level domains (SLDs) in South Africa, including co.za, net.za, org.za, and web.za. To register a new domain name within these domains under ZACR’s management, individuals or organisations must use an Accredited Registrar such as 1-grid<\/a><\/strong>. ZACR maintains a comprehensive list of Accredited Registrars on their website for reference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With 1,340,820 active registered .co.za domains as of April 2024 according to the <\/span>ZACR<\/span>, .co.za remains the number one choice for websites in South Africa. This is an increase of over 2.6% since June 2021.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/1grid.co.za\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Screenshot-2024-04-04-113035.png” alt=”zacr domain stats” title_text=”Screenshot 2024-04-04 113035″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The .co.za domain is the top choice in South Africa because it indicates a website’s focus on the local audience. By using .co.za, sites signal to users and search engines that their content is specifically aimed at people in South Africa. This makes it a preferred option for businesses and individuals wanting to reach and engage with South African users online.<\/p>\n Not sure which domain is suitable for your website? Read our .com vs .co.za blog<\/a><\/strong> to find out everything you should know before registering a domain<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#dae1ec” custom_margin=”10%||||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|40px|40px|40px|false|true” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Domain registration<\/b><\/span><\/a> Check domain availability<\/strong><\/span><\/a> Buy a web hosting plan<\/b><\/a> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With the number of available domain names growing, website owners now have a range of options to choose from.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":29909,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Digital transformation, in all ways, shapes and forms has experienced significant acceleration in South Africa over the last year and a half. While many SMEs have hit hard times, the power of digital has given so many people the ability to continue operations from the safety of home.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBut not only have SMEs continued their operations with more of an online focus, newcomers to the e-commerce and online space have cropped up in high numbers since March 2020. With the amount of domain registrations growing exponentially over the last year, we take a look at South Africa\u2019s most popular top level domain choices.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTop level domains explained<\/strong>\r\n\r\nBut, before we get into the list, what exactly are top level domains? To many, the whole website name is the domain, but the ending of a URL (for example .com or .co.za) in fact serves its own purpose. This end section is formally known as a top level domain or TLD, and is one of the most important elements of building your domain name and online presence.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA TLD also goes by the name of a domain suffix or domain extension, and they help search engines and online browsers understand the nature of your website and business, as well as the country\/ies you operate in.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n Source: ZACR Central Registry<\/p>\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhich are the most popular local domains in South Africa?<\/h2>\n
The .co.za domain leads the way<\/b><\/h4>\n
Reasons behind the popularity of .co.za<\/h4>\n
Other resources<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Start building your online presence with domain name registration in a few simple steps.
<\/strong><\/p>\n
Search for your domain name to ensure it is available via the WHOIS database<\/p>\n
Select a web hosting plan to receive a free .co.za, .online, .shop or .store domain.<\/p>\nSouth Africa\u2019s most popular top level domains<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
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![\"ZACR](\"https:\/\/1-grid.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Screenshot-62.png\")
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\r\n.co.za domain registration<\/b><\/h3>\r\nIf you're getting your business online in South Africa, a .co.za domain is one of the best domain extensions to <\/span>build your local online presence<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s a quick guide on how to get a .co.za domain extension:<\/strong>\r\n
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