Your domain name is your address on the internet: the part after “www.” and after the @ in your business email. Choosing it is quick. Choosing it badly can cost you for years.
.co.tz: the local address
.co.tz is Tanzania's address for companies. It tells customers straight away that you are a Tanzanian business. The .tz country domain is managed by the Tanzania Network Information Centre (TZNIC), and you register .co.tz names through registrars that TZNIC has accredited.
Registrars may ask for documents showing your business is real. Ask your registrar what they need before you start.
.com: the international address
A .com is recognised everywhere and is easy to register online. It suits businesses that sell mostly outside Tanzania, such as tour operators marketing to overseas travellers. Short, memorable .com names are often already taken.
Which one should you choose?
- Most customers are in Tanzania: choose .co.tz.
- Most customers are abroad: a .com may suit you better.
- Both: register both, and point one at the other so customers end up in the same place.
How to pick a good name
- Keep it short and easy to say over the phone.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers people will mistype.
- Use your business name, not a description that could change.
- Check that the matching social media handles are free.
The mistake to avoid
The most common and most expensive mistake is letting a developer or friend register the domain in their name. If you fall out, or they disappear, your website and email can go with them. Make sure:
- The registrant is your business.
- The contact email is one you control.
- You have the login for the registrar account.
- Auto-renewal is switched on, or someone has a reminder.
Next step
A domain is only useful with a website and professional email behind it. If you want help with all three, see our website design service or contact us. We register domains in our clients' names, not ours.