What Does .co Stand for in a Web Address?

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By Winny M.Jul 27, 20250

Have you ever asked yourself, what does .co stand for in a web address?

If you’re a South African business owner or entrepreneur, choosing the right domain name can make your brand shine online.

A .co domain is modern, catchy, and gaining popularity worldwide.

Truehost understands how a great domain can boost your business. This article explains what .co means, who uses it, its benefits, and how you can grab one through Truehost’s domain services.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What Does .co Stand for in a Web Address?

You might guess .co stands for “company” or “corporation.” It’s a common mistake. What does .co stand for in a web address?

It’s a top-level domain (TLD) originally created for Colombia.

Today, .co is used globally by businesses and individuals. It’s short, professional, and perfect for creating a memorable web address.

From Cape Town to Johannesburg, .co helps your brand stand out.

The History of .co Domains

Born in Colombia

The .co domain started in 1991 as Colombia’s country code TLD. It was specially designed for local businesses, but, as we have noted, it was too useful to just be for local companies.

Going Global

In 2010, .CO Internet S.A.S. opened .co to the world. Big brands like Twitter (t.co) jumped in. Now, it’s a favorite for businesses wanting a modern look.

South Africa’s Love for .co

South Africa is one of the first adopters of .co. For businesses ranging from shops in Durban to startups in Pretoria, .co is one of the most refreshing domain names to portray the aim of growing online.

Who Uses .co Domains?

Who’s picking .co domains? All kinds of people and businesses! Here’s who loves them:

Startups: Tech companies choose .co for its trendy vibe.
Online Stores: E-commerce sites use .co to build trust.
Creatives: Bloggers and artists love .co for unique web addresses.
Big Brands: Global companies use .co for short, catchy links.

In South Africa, .co is popular with small businesses, influencers, and big firms. It works for any industry, from tech to tourism.

Key Benefits of a .co Domain

Why pick a .co domain for your business? Here are the top perks:

Short and Catchy: Only two letters, easy to type and remember.
Professional Look: .co feels trustworthy, like .com but cooler.
Global Reach: Perfect for South African businesses targeting local or international customers.
Brand-Friendly: Helps your business name stand out online.

For example, a Cape Town bakery could use “SweetBites.co” to attract customers.

A .co domain helps you sell more and build trust. Check out Truehost’s TLD offerings to get started.

Why Not to Use a .co Domain?

While .co is great, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few downsides:

Less Known Than .com: Some customers expect .com instead.
Taken Names: Popular .co names might already be gone.
Local Focus: If you only want South African customers, .za might feel more local.

Still, .co’s modern vibe and global reach often make it a top choice, especially for businesses aiming big.

Website Examples Using .co Domains

Want to see .co in action? Here are well-known worldwide websites using .co domains:

Angel.co: A global platform connecting startups with investors. It’s a go-to for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Hinge.co: The popular dating app Hinge uses .co for its “designed to be deleted” brand. It’s a household name for singles.
Canva.co: The graphic design platform Canva started with .co, building a massive audience before moving to .com.
Brit.co: A lifestyle and DIY platform for creative women, known as the “Martha Stewart of the digital age.”

These global brands show how .co builds trust and drives sales. Want your own? Visit Truehost’s domain page.

.co and Third-Level Domain Extensions

What’s a third-level domain? It’s when you add something before .co, like “shop.yourbrand.co.” It helps organize your site. For example:

blog.yourbrand.co: For your company’s blog.
store.yourbrand.co: For your online shop.
app.yourbrand.co: For your app’s landing page.

South African businesses use third-level .co domains to keep their websites clear and user-friendly. It’s a smart way to structure your online presence.

SEO Benefits of a .co Domain

Worried about Google rankings? No need! A .co domain is great for SEO. Here’s how:

Google Likes It: .co is treated like .com, so you rank just as well.
Short URLs: Easier to share, which means more clicks.
Memorable: Customers return because they remember your site.
Local Boost: Add keywords like “CapeTown” to rank higher in South Africa.

For example, “DurbanTech.co” could rank well for “tech services Durban.”

Curious about what does .co stand for in a web address and SEO? It’s about making your site easy to find.

Why Choose a .co Domain for Your South African Business?

A .co domain is a game-changer for South African businesses. Here’s why:

Stand Out: .co feels fresh and modern, unlike older domains.
Build Trust: Customers trust .co for shopping and services.
Grow Globally: Reach customers in South Africa and beyond.
Affordable: Get .co at a great price with Truehost.

Why It Fits South Africa

South African businesses need domains that work locally and globally. A .co domain does both. It’s perfect for e-commerce, startups, or personal blogs.

How to Choose and Register a .co Domain with Truehost

Ready to get your .co domain? It’s simple with Truehost. Follow these steps:

Pick a Name: Choose something short, like “JoziShop.co.”
Check It: Use Truehost’s domain search tool to see if it’s free.
Add Keywords: Include words like “Durban” for better SEO.
Register: Sign up and secure your domain in minutes.
Add Extras: Get Truehost’s SSL certificates for a secure site.

We make it affordable and easy. Our South African team is ready to help you succeed online.

Why Truehost?

Feature	Why It’s Great
Low Prices	Perfect for small businesses.
Fast Signup	Get your .co domain in minutes.
Local Support	South African experts to guide you.
Extra Tools	Hosting, SSL, and more for your site.