.co.nz versus .com

I run a NZ website, which is better?

[mafew]

Hi,

I run a tourism website on a popular destination in New Zealand.

I own both mywebsite.co.nz and mywebsite.com.

Currently .com 301s to .co.nz.

The site has been running for 6 months but so far the site doesn't come up in Google for the main keyword at all, but comes up first for other terms (sandbox, me thinks). In search.xtramsn.co.nz (NZ's MSN search), my site bounces around between 1st and 2nd for the main keyword, but comes up on the third page on search.msn.com.

As far as MSN goes, I think I may have been better off sticking to .com, as search.msn.com would have many more users than search.xtramsn.co.nz.

What are your opinions and experiences?

Chur.

[caveman]

Hi mafew. This may be a naive question, but wouldn't it depend on where you wanna source your traffic from? That's how I'd look at it anyway, and only you can know that. Or am I missing something? That happens sometimes. ;-)

[mafew]

Hi caveman,

I'm not sure. This destination is popular internationally and within NZ.

I guess I need to find some stats on where visitors are from and then target the larger segment.

Thanks.

[caveman]

Obviously, u are a very smart individual. ;-)

[jpalmer]

People looking for travel will assume they have the right place when the see the Tld .co.nz. Dotcom could be anything, couldn't it?

Besides, with G, Yahoo and MSN "localising", best to get in now.

My primary site is a travel site to a very popular Aussie destination. I have 5 DNs (3x .com.au, a dotnet and a .co.nz) all parked and pointed to my primary .com.au server. Google still seems to find them even without me submitting them, and no penalty I can detect.)

It's a travel/tourist destination in Middle Earth. People will be expecting a .co.nz DN! Set it FREE! ;)

[Dave_A]

Hi Mafew, I wouldn't think it makes any difference to have a dot com or a dot co.nz domain, either would be indexed with no problems.

The domain extension doesn't qualify anymore, well not from my angle either .net.com.org or any other extrension is acceptable in Google.

[edited by: Woz at 2:22 am (utc) on Feb. 14, 2006]
[edit reason] Tidying Up [/edit]

[robertskelton]

From a user point of view, the local TLD is preferable.

As time goes by, Aussie & Kiwi searchers will learn that .com.au & co.nz sites tend to be legit and reputable, and users will lean towards the local TLD.

Rob

[Bennie]

Hey Mafew,

go the .co.nz TLD and keep the other 301ed. Perhaps down the track redevelop the .com to a more international site (still based on your destination..)- depending upon where the main source of traffic is derived from - ie, US or UK spellings etc.

Also if your ranking in msn your prob on the right track to getting into Google. Keep building links and be patient.

Cheers Bennie