85% of Canadians support local businesses by shopping from .ca domains. In March 2023, a survey revealed that 61% of Canadian online shoppers preferred buying from domestic businesses.
The top-level domain .ca is specific to Canada. It indicates that the business is based in Canada and also registered there. On the other hand, generic top-level domains like .com and .net are not linked to a specific country. They are recognized worldwide, widely used, and suitable for businesses operating internationally.
Choosing Canadian hosting for a local business
A .ca domain and web hosting in Canada can position your business as distinctly Canadian. They can also enhance your local SEO.
Hosting in Canada ensures adherence to Canadian data protection laws, which is essential for responsibly handling Canadian users’ data. It also offers better website speed for Canadian customers.
If you only operate in Canada, go with .ca
This domain extension is perfect for companies that operate exclusively in Canada. It is the most common extension in the country, signaling a solid local presence and provoking local customers’ trust. Local search engines prioritize .ca websites in Canada to ensure higher visibility. This domain shows that a company caters specifically to the Canadian market, establishing credibility and enhancing confidence and brand loyalty.
Canada’s rapidly growing e-commerce market is another reason to consider choosing .ca if your business is operating in this area. Insiders predict this market’s revenue will almost double by 2029, exceeding $104 billion that year. More than 27 million people shopped from e-commerce platforms in 2022, or 75% of the Canadian population. This number was predicted to reach 78% by 2025.
The .com extension is ideal for global businesses
Domains ending in .com are internationally recognized and trusted. This is short for “company,” presupposing a business element and instilling familiarity and credibility. These domains are flexible and well-suited for businesses that target consumers abroad. The extension makes it easier to connect with an international audience and grow your business.
The best solution
The best solution if you can’t decide is to get a .ca domain and forward it to a .com domain. The .ca will make you appealing to Canadian consumers, and the .com will improve your site’s international search ranking.
Domain names tend to be affordable, so registering.ca and.com domains is a good idea. It will stop competing businesses from registering the .com analog to your .ca domain.
If funds permit, register domain names with slight variations. This reduces the risk of customers accessing other companies’ websites due to minor typos.
In 2024, there are around 1.3 million Canadian businesses with employees, up from 1.22 million in December 2022. Almost 98% of those were small businesses. Fewer than 79% of small businesses survive their first year. A popular website can help boost revenue and ensure job security.
FAQ
How do I forward a .ca to a .com domain?
Look for a forwarding option or the DNS settings of your domain registrar, then copy and paste your new .ca domain. Alternatively, you can migrate your website to your new domain. Be warned this is a specialized technical process and a complicated one for websites with tons of content.
Make sure you have the budget and time for a full migration. If you’re switching web hosting providers, check if they offer migration services.
How do I buy a .ca domain?
Search for an available name and choose a domain registrar. CIRA manages this domain ending, but it doesn’t sell domains. Their search tool will help you choose a registrar that meets your budget and requirements.
More than 160 million domains end in .com, compared to around 3 million that end in .ca. The chance of your desired domain being available as a .ca is considerably higher.
