The .DRONE new gTLD: does it make sense to create domain names ending in ".drone"?

The prospect of creating and using a domain name ending in ".drone" is an interesting one, as it would be part of the "new gTLD" (generic Top-Level Domain) program. Here's a breakdown of whether it makes sense, based on the current landscape:

The Status of the ".drone" gTLD

First and foremost, it's important to clarify that .drone is not yet an active or available gTLD. The process for creating a new gTLD is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Applications (ICANN).

While a "new gTLD program" is in development, with a new round of applications planned, .drone is not currently delegated and you cannot register a domain name with this extension. Therefore, any discussion is theoretical for now, but it's a worthwhile thought exercise for the future of the drone industry.

Why a ".drone" gTLD Could Make Sense

If and when the .drone gTLD becomes available, there are several reasons why it could be a valuable and sensible choice for certain entities:

• Branding and Specificity: A .drone domain name would instantly tell visitors what your website is about. For a business like "precisionaerial.drone," the name itself is a powerful marketing tool. It's a clear signal to your target audience—people interested in drone technology, services, or products. This is a significant advantage over generic TLDs like .com, which can be saturated with unrelated businesses.
• Industry Authority: Owning a .drone domain could establish a company or individual as a leader or specialist in the drone industry. It creates a sense of authority and focus, making it easier for customers and partners to trust your expertise.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): While the direct impact of a gTLD on search rankings is debated, a highly relevant and memorable domain name can improve brand recall and direct traffic. People who see "yourcompany.drone" in a search result might be more inclined to click because it perfectly matches their search intent.
• Market Growth: The drone market is expanding rapidly, with applications in agriculture, construction, real estate, filmmaking, logistics, and more. A .drone gTLD could become the go-to namespace for this diverse and growing industry, creating a centralized hub for all things related to drones.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the idea is promising, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Cost and Availability: New gTLDs can often be more expensive to register and renew than traditional TLDs like .com. Additionally, premium domain names (short, highly desirable names) will likely be priced even higher.
• Lack of Recognition: For a long time, .com has been the default TLD. While new gTLDs are gaining traction, some users might still default to typing ".com" at the end of a domain name, leading to missed traffic. This is less of an issue for brand-focused companies that rely on marketing and direct traffic, but it's a consideration.
• Regulatory Challenges: The drone industry is heavily regulated, with laws varying by country and region. Any registry operator for a .drone gTLD would have to navigate these complexities, and domain names might be subject to industry-specific policies or legal requirements.

Conclusion

Creating domain names ending in ".drone" would absolutely make sense for entities operating in the drone industry. From a branding perspective, it offers a level of specificity and clarity that is difficult to achieve with a generic TLD. It would be an excellent choice for:

• Drone manufacturers and sellers (e.g., skytech.drone)
• Drone service providers for things like aerial photography, inspections, or surveying (inspections.drone)
• Industry news and resource websites (dronenews.drone)
• Hobbyists and communities (rc.drone)

However, for now, this is a future consideration. The key takeaway is that the concept is a strong one, and if the .drone gTLD becomes available, it will be a powerful tool for anyone in the professional or hobbyist drone space.