The web is evolving towards greater accessibility and efficiency for all users, regardless of their language or nationality. One significant move in that direction is the introduction of IDN domains (Internationalized Domain Names) domain names which include letters from the alphabets of national countries and not only Latin characters.
This technology allows businesses and individuals to register web addresses in the language that is familiar to their target audience, such as Cyrillic, Arabic script, Chinese characters, alphabets with diacritical marks, as well as other symbols. For Ukraine, this means having the possibility of registering domains using the Ukrainian language, for instance:
- Priklad.ua
- Magazin.ukr
- Likarnia.com
Technically, these domains are transformed into Punycode in order to be in line with the global DNS system. For instance, priklad.ua in Punycode will appear like xn--80aay0a.ua.
Table of Contents
The benefits of using IDN Domains
1. User convenience and localization
Users are able to remember and type an address in their own language quickly and with greater ease. This is particularly important for local brands and online stores, as well as government agencies as well as educational initiatives.
2. Brand Enhancement
If your company is targeting the Ukrainian market, the use of an IDN domain will highlight your local brand identity. For instance, a domain called smachnayizha. Ukr immediately communicates the topic and message of the project.
3. Security from cybersquatting
The registration of the IDN variation of your name, along with the Latin version, can help prevent instances where criminals create similar domains for scams or resales.
4. Naming opportunities that are creative and imaginative
IDNs permit the use of distinctive characters and diacritical marks to ensure that the domain’s name can be reflected accurately, with the proper spelling (for instance, mriia. ukr instead of a simplified Latin version).
Possible risks and limitations
1. Compatibility issues
While modern web browsers and mobile phones, and email clients are able to support IDNs however the older versions of programs might be unable to display IDNs. In some cases, users may be able to see Punycode in Punycode form instead of text that is familiar to users.
2. Character substitution risk
Homograph attacks are when attackers register domains using visually similar characters from various alphabets. For instance, Cyrillic “e” and Latin “e” appear identical, but they are technically distinct.
3. International audience limitations
If your site targets users from different countries, a website that uses an alphabet that is unfamiliar may be more difficult to remember for people who don’t know the language. In these cases, it’s recommended to sign up for the site with a Latin version and set up redirection.
SEO aspects of IDN Domains
1. Indexing and ranking
Search engines, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo, all fully support IDNs. Additionally, domains that contain keywords that match the audience’s languages can be featured in local results.
2. Impact on CTR
A domain that appears in search results that are in the language spoken by natives increases trust and click-through rate, particularly when it comes to local search segments.
3. Use of keywords
Similar to Latin-based domains, keywords within the domain name may influence SEO. For instance, a travel website with the domain podorozhi.ua is more relevant to search terms.
4. Secure SSL certificate and secure
The majority of certificates include SSL certificates issued by top certification agencies, accept IDNs. This is particularly important for online banking, e-commerce, and other projects that process personal information.
How do I register and set up an IDN Domain
Look up the name
Be sure that the name you choose can be distinguished from dangerous combinations of charactes, and is simple to understand.
Select the registry
Utilize reliable services that can provide IDN support at all levels: DNS, emails, SSL, and redirection. At RX-NAME, you can create a domain and connect a dedicated VPS or server hosting to your website.
Install security
You must activate HTTPS immediately, enable automatic renewal of domains, and then register the Latin version of HTTPS for redirection, in the event of a need.
Integrate marketing with it.
Make use of the IDN domain in ads, as well as email newsletters and business cards, to boost the brand’s recognition.
Recommendations for the Use of IDN Domains
- Test the display of the domain’s URL on various gadgets and web browsers.
- Always make sure to use SSL as the default.
- Register any possible variations of the name in order to provide brand protection (with diacritics or without, Latin version).
- Be aware of the date on which your domain expires to make sure you don’t lose it.
Conclusion
IDN Domains can be a method that helps make the internet more accessible and makes brands more visible to local customers. If properly registered and configured, they can provide SEO benefits, increase confidence, and allow you to make your brand stand out from the crowd.
In the same way, it is important to take into consideration the security and technical aspects for the most efficient use of this software.
