.ch vs .fr vs .de

[Asia_Expat]

I'm slowly translating my site into several Asian scripts. I'm using local tlds, such as .jp, .hk and .in.th. My experience is in Asia of course but some translations into Euro languages might do well. TBH I'm already investing quite a bit in Asian tlds and it could start getting expensive to branch into Europe so I'm thinking along the lines of .ch... would I be correct in thinking this would be a backdoor into France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Italy etc... i.e...

www.example.ch/de/klunken-klicker-frauline-trapper
www.example.ch/it/biggady-bangonde-head
www.example.ch/fr/hahaha-bifstek-eedeeot-anglais

Or should I go with .de, .fr, .it etc etc?

[Rumbas]

I would defintely get the local ccTLD's if possible (some countries require local presence to obtain a local domain). I'm pretty sure French users don't like .ch.

If you want to the route of one generic domain with folders or sub directories for local languages, I would get a .com.

[jmccormac]

Despite the propaganda from the EUnuchs in Brussels, the countries of the EU are still very nationalistic and tend to be ccTLD positive. This means that their own ccTLD is far more important than others. It would be best to go with a ccTLD for the local market or at least a gateway domain like the .eu and then just redirect to a number of directories for each country. As Rumbas pointed out, a .com might be a better way of doing this.

Regards...jmcc

[Asia_Expat]

OK thanks for the comments. I just thought I could save myself a few quid. I was also considering the .eu tld.... but I guess the ccTLD is the way to go.

[yaix2]

Country specific TLD are definitely worth the investment, especially for the larger markets.

[lucas88]

You should definitely go with .de, .fr, .it etc. If Germans are not the most sensitive, the French certainly are.

[Leosghost]

See my post here [webmasterworld.com] about .fr

Welcome to WebmasterWorld lucas88

[Asia_Expat]

I purchased the .fr version of my domain, but I've not had time to develop it just yet. Presently, I've got the French, Chinese, and Thai versions in the queue, the latter two are using the fully internationalised version, including the internationalised ccTLD.
The Thai version will probably get done first, because I speak Thai, and my wife can help with with it.

[jecasc]

If possible you should go with .de, .fr, .it.
However since in some countries this requires a local presence I would also consider .eu - then you would only need a representative in one country.