What is the Best Domain Extension for Cold Emailing?
As the marketing head of one of the leading cold email software and with over 10 years in email marketing I have one question repeatedly asked on many forums. What is the best domain extension for cold emailing?
Why do cold emails care about this?
Have you ever sent a carefully crafted email, only to see it disappear into the spam folder? It’s a frustrating experience, especially when you’ve put in so much effort. A simple yet crucial factor that can significantly impact your email’s success; it is your domain extension.
So, what is a domain extension?
A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the part in a URL that follows the domain name.
There are ~ 1,600 different domain extensions listed in the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) Root Zone Database.
Types of Domain Extensions:
- Generic top-level domains (gTLDs): These are the most common domain extensions and can be used by anyone. Some popular examples include:
- .com – Originally intended for commercial organizations, but now widely used for all types of websites.
- .net – Originally intended for network infrastructure, but now a general-purpose extension.
- .org – Often used by non-profit organizations, but also used by educational institutions and others. For a detailed breakdown, check out the types of domains to learn more about different extensions and their purposes.
- Country code top-level domains (ccTLDs): These extensions are specific to a particular country or region. For example
- .uk – United Kingdom
- .mx – Mexico
- .fr – France
Now let’s get to why domain extensions play a key role in email deliverability
Importance of Domain Extensions
A domain extension is the part of your email address that comes after the @ symbol.
It’s like the address on your calling card. While there are many different extensions, not all are created equal when it comes to cold emailing.
Why do some Domain Extensions get red-flagged?
Heard of the constant battle against spam? Email service providers (ESPs) like Gmail and Outlook are taking spammers head-on, and one great way is filtering based on domain extensions.
Spammers often use cheaper, less reputable extensions like “.xyz” or “.biz.” This association taints these extensions in the eyes of ESPs, leading to a higher chance of your emails getting sidelined.
What is the best domain extension for cold emailing?
The cold email industry leans heavily on the trusted “.com” extension.
It boasts superior deliverability, giving your emails the best shot at landing in the inboxes you’re targeting. Don’t take our word for it – industry veterans echo this very sentiment, urging cold emailers across the globe to ditch cheaper extensions for the tried-and-tested “.com.”
Choosing the right domain extension for cold emailing
When it comes to cold emailing, the choice of domain extension can make a significant difference. The “.com” extension has proven to be the most effective for delivering emails to inboxes.
Does domain extension matter if SPF, DKIM & DMARC are set up?
To answer this, I would simply say, that while proper authentication (SPF, DKIM & DMARC) is crucial, a bad domain extension can still trigger spam filters. Think of it as building trust – a well-regarded extension strengthens your email’s credibility.
Domain extension: Don’t gamble, go with “.com”
When it comes to cold email success, every detail counts.
Choosing a “.com” email address is a simple yet powerful way to maximize your deliverability and land those all-important conversations. After all, wouldn’t you rather your emails find their target audience instead of getting lost in the spam folder?
Ready to take your cold emailing game to the next level? Explore our resources on setting up a robust domain for cold email and discover the power of a strategic approach. Once you have your domain extension sorted you’ll then need a solid tool. Try SmartReach.io you wont regret.
