As the internet continues to grow, understanding the latest domain name trends is crucial for individuals, businesses, and anyone interested in the online sphere. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the domain name trends of 2023, with a particular focus on Europe, and explore how these trends are shaping the global online landscape.
The Rise and Rise of Domain Growth
One of the standout findings from the report is the steady increase in domain growth throughout 2023. In July 2023, domain growth reached an impressive 2.0%, indicating a thriving market. This growth is a testament to the ever-expanding digital landscape as more individuals and businesses recognize the importance of a strong online presence.
Demand Ratio – The Heartbeat of the Market
The demand ratio, a critical indicator of domain name market health, remained robust at a median of 1.2 in July 2023. This ratio measures the balance between new registrations and deletions. A ratio above 1 indicates growth, while a ratio below suggests contraction. With a ratio comfortably above 1, the market appears healthy and aligned with long-term trends.
However, it’s important to note that this ratio can vary significantly between different domain registries. Some European ccTLDs experienced increased deletion rates, potentially linked to domain registrations during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the world adapts to the new normal, these dynamics are worth keeping an eye on.
Market Share – The Dominance of ccTLDs
European ccTLDs continue to hold a significant portion of the domain market, with a median market share estimated at 51% based on locally registered domains and 36% based on popular websites. This dominance underscores the preference for country-code domains in the region.
Pricing – A Slight Uptick
The pricing of European ccTLDs witnessed a slight increase in the 12 months leading up to July 2023. With a buy price of 10.4 EUR, these domains remain competitively priced compared to .com domains, which were advertised at 12.6 EUR by the same registrars.
Security and SSL Adoption
Security is paramount in the digital age, and the domain market is no exception. The report highlights significant milestones in security adoption. The median DNSSEC adoption rate hit 10%, showcasing a growing commitment to securing the domain space. Moreover, the rate of developed websites using SSL certification increased by 4% in the year leading up to May 2023, indicating a heightened focus on user data protection.
Global Domain Market – A Snapshot
Beyond Europe, the global domain market is a vast landscape comprising approximately 360-370 million domains spread across various top-level domains (TLDs). Notably, 45% of this market belongs to the venerable .com domain, while ccTLDs claim 38%. The remaining percentage is distributed among other gTLDs.
The CENTR’s “Domain Name Market Report 2023_1” paints a picture of a thriving domain market with encouraging growth, strong demand ratios, and a dominant presence of ccTLDs in Europe. As businesses continue to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, domain names remain a cornerstone of their online identities. With a focus on security and increasing adoption of SSL certification, the domain industry is evolving to meet the demands of a more secure and user-friendly internet.
As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how these trends continue to shape the world of domain names, defining the online identities of businesses and individuals alike.
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