Home > Empowering Tips > Choosing between .com, .com.my or .my for your website

When creating an online presence for your business, one of the essential steps is to select a domain name and an appropriate domain extension. While the domain name can be derived from your brand or company name, the choice of the domain extension depends on the nature of your website, your business objectives, and the audience you wish to target. In this article, we will provide an overview of the factors you should consider when choosing between .com, .com.my and, .my.

An Overview of .com, .com.my and, .my

.com

This is one of the most popular and widely used generic top-level domains (gTLDs). It stands for “commercial” and was originally intended for commercial organizations. However, over time, it has become a versatile domain extension used for various types of websites, including businesses, personal blogs, informational sites, and more. The .com domain extension is recognized and used globally, making it a popular choice for websites targeting a broad audience.

.com.my

This is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) specific to Malaysia. The “.my” part of the domain represents the country code for Malaysia, and the “.com” part indicates that it is used for commercial purposes within Malaysia. The .com.my domain extension is primarily intended for businesses and organizations operating within Malaysia or targeting a Malaysian audience. It is widely used by Malaysian businesses and can help build trust and credibility among local users.

.my

This is also a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Malaysia. Unlike .com.my, the .my domain is more generic and can be used for various purposes, including personal websites, blogs, local businesses, educational institutions, and organizations. It represents a broader range of websites associated with Malaysia, making it a versatile option for individuals and businesses with local connections.

Which domain extension should you choose

Here are questions that can help you decide whether to opt for .com, .com.my, or .my for your domain:

1. Who is your target audience?

If your website targets an international audience and you want a domain that has global recognition and appeal, .com would be the most suitable option. If you are targeting a Malaysian audience, then .com.my or .my are good options.

2. Is your business mainly focused on Malaysia or has a strong presence there?

If your business operates primarily within Malaysia and your target audience is predominantly Malaysian, using a .com.my or .my domain can be more relevant and localized. A local domain can build trust with your Malaysian customers and convey that your business is based within the country.

3. How important is global/international recognition?

If you want your website to be easily found by people around the world, then .com is the best option as it has the highest level of worldwide recognition and familiarity. On the other hand, .com.my and .my domain extensions are more specific to Malaysia and may not have the same level of global recognition as .com, but they are still good options for targeting a Malaysian audience.

4. Do you plan to expand your business internationally in the future?

Consider your future business expansion plans. If you currently operate mainly in Malaysia but have intentions to expand internationally in the future, using a .com domain could be a more versatile choice. It will allow you to reach a broader audience beyond Malaysia without being tied to a specific country domain.

5. What is the purpose of your website?

Consider the purpose of your website. If it’s for personal use, .my might be more suitable. If it’s for a local business, .com.my or .my could be a better fit. If it’s for a global business or organization, .com would be the most appropriate choice.

6. How important is the availability of the domain name?

Check the availability of your desired domain name under each extension. .com domains are the most competitive, so it may be difficult to find a .com domain name that is available and relevant to your business. .com.my and .my domains are less competitive, so it is easier to find an available domain name.

7. Is it important to have an SEO advantage in local Malaysian search results?

Using a local domain extension like .com.my or .my might provide a slight SEO advantage when it comes to local search engine rankings within Malaysia. Search engines may consider local domains as more relevant for users in that specific country.

8. What is your budget?

In general, .com domains tend to be the most affordable option, especially if your desired domain name is not already registered by someone else. .com.my and .my domains are country-specific and might be subject to higher registration fees compared to .com domains.

Ultimately, the choice between .com, .com.my, and .my should align with your website’s purpose, target audience, and branding strategy. Each domain extension offers unique benefits, and selecting the most appropriate one will help you establish a strong online presence that resonates with your intended audience.