What it is:

• A generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014.
• Specifically designed for websites and organizations related to education, training, and learning.
• Open to anyone worldwide, with no specific eligibility requirements.

Who it’s for:

• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Online course providers
• Training centers
• Professional development organizations
• Tutoring services
• Academic associations
• Individual educators and learners

Benefits of using a .academy domain:

• Credibility and trust: Instantly signals your website’s educational focus and expertise.
• Brand recognition: Distinctive and memorable extension that sets you apart from generic .com or .org domains.
• Targeted audience: Clearly communicates your niche to potential students, learners, and collaborators.
• SEO potential: Search engines may give some preference to relevant TLDs like .academy for education-related searches.
• Community association: Join a global community of educators and learners using the .academy domain.

Considerations:

• Cost: Registration and renewal fees may be slightly higher than for generic TLDs.
• Availability: Some desirable names might already be taken.
• Global appeal: While it’s open to anyone, the .academy domain might be less familiar to audiences outside of English-speaking countries.

Should you use it?:

• If education is at the core of what you do, a .academy domain can be a powerful way to establish your brand, reach your target audience, and build trust.
• It’s particularly well-suited for institutions and organizations with a global reach or those targeting a primarily English-speaking audience.
• However, if you’re primarily targeting a local audience or have a very specific niche, a country-specific TLD (like .edu for the United States) or a more focused niche TLD might be a better fit.