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Disadvantages and Advantages of a Cyrillic Domain

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22.08.2019
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Creating a website begins with buying a domain name and choosing hosting. Today, along with classic Latin names, it is also possible to register Cyrillic domains that are displayed in browsers in the native language. This approach opens up new opportunities for branding and localization; however, it also has a number of technical and marketing features that should be considered before registration. Therefore, let’s now examine the advantages and disadvantages of a Cyrillic domain through the lens of modern SEO requirements, usability, and practicality.

Key Advantages of a Cyrillic Domain

First, it’s worth understanding the question — what is a Cyrillic domain? These include all names that are written in Cyrillic, for example, одяг.укр or просуваннясайтів.ua. That is, the name is written in its native language, as pronounced by users from Ukraine.

A domain name in Cyrillic has the following advantages:

  • A Cyrillic domain name looks stylish on business card websites. It is also easier to advertise online, as it stands out effectively among visual elements.
  • Cyrillic domains are supported by all browsers.
  • A wide range of available options is offered.
  • If a website with a Cyrillic domain is advertised on TV or radio, it is easier for people to remember. The same effect is achieved when advertising on billboards.
  • Any website with a Cyrillic domain can easily reach the TOP 10 in Google search results.

Read also: What is WHOIS, What It Is Used For and How to Check a Domain

Key Disadvantages of a Cyrillic Domain

As for the drawbacks of a Cyrillic domain, the following can be noted:

  • Encoding difficulties. When copied, a neat Cyrillic URL turns into a long string of characters. Search engines do not consider such a link to be SEO-friendly (a “human-readable URL”), and users cannot understand what the site is until they visit it. However, you still have to work with the converted URL (for example, it is used when configuring robots.txt).
  • Difficulty finding hosting. You need to look for a company that provides the option to register a Cyrillic domain name.
  • Unfamiliarity for foreign users. They are used to seeing website URLs written in Latin characters, so the Ukrainian-language version of a domain may be inconvenient for them.
  • Difficulty typing a Cyrillic domain when there is no Ukrainian keyboard layout. This happens rarely but still occurs.
  • A Cyrillic domain is suitable only for advertising purposes. When a user clicks the link, they will most likely be redirected to a website hosted under a Latin-character address.
  • A Cyrillic domain complicates promotion. Firstly, using a Cyrillic domain name can cause difficulties when registering in directories, as they either do not support such domains or automatically convert the URL. Secondly, placing non-anchor links becomes meaningless due to their unreadable appearance — and such links will make up the majority.

Read also: How to Prepare Your Website for Advertising Traffic: A Guide for Businesses

Should You Create a Website on a Cyrillic Domain

Should you buy a Cyrillic domain? The answer to this question depends on the topic and specifics of your project. Yes, Cyrillic domain names have their nuances. However, in most cases, they are no different from others. After all, the key factors in website promotion are internal optimization, usability, a strong link profile, and a well-chosen semantic core.

Therefore, you can purchase a domain either in Cyrillic or Latin script. When making your choice, rely on your own preferences. If the disadvantages of a Cyrillic domain don’t bother you, then register one. Otherwise, choose a website name written in the familiar Latin alphabet.

Did you find this publication informative? Then share it on social media and join our Telegram channel. A reminder: you can buy affordable hosting in Ukraine from the hosting company Cityhost. For technical questions, contact us via online chat or by phone ☎️ 0 800 219 220.


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Author: Bohdana Haivoronska

Journalist (since 2003), IT copywriter (since 2013), content marketer at Cityhost.ua. Specializes in articles about technology, creation and promotion of sites.