Premium Domains for Your Next Project
Curated for dev tools, APIs, SaaS, and technical products
Why Your Side Project Deserves a Real Domain
Look, we get it. You're a developer. You could set up a subdomain on Vercel or Netlify in 30 seconds and call it a day. So why bother with a premium domain?
Because your project deserves better than "my-cool-app.vercel.app". Here's the thing - perception matters, even in the dev community. When you share your project on Hacker News, Reddit, or Twitter, a clean brandable domain like "dataflow.dev" gets more clicks than "dataflow-tool-v2.netlify.app". It's not fair, but it's true.
A proper domain signals that you're serious. It tells potential users (and potential employers checking your GitHub) that this isn't just a weekend experiment you'll abandon. It's something you're investing in.
Plus, think about the practical stuff: SEO juice from day one, a professional email address ([email protected]), easier word-of-mouth sharing with short domains, and the flexibility to move hosts without breaking links.
The best part? Some of the most successful developer tools started exactly where you are now. Linear, Vercel, Supabase, Railway - all started as side projects with premium domains. Your project could be next.
$ whois yourproject.dev
Domain Status: Available
Extension: .dev (Google Registry)
HTTPS: Required (auto-enforced)
Ready for deployment_
What Developers Get With Premium Domains
- Instant credibility on Show HN and Product Hunt
- Professional email ([email protected])
- Better SEO from day one
- Easier word-of-mouth sharing
- Platform independence (switch hosts freely)
- Asset that appreciates over time
Which Extension Should You Choose?
Different extensions carry different connotations. Here's what each one signals to the developer community.
Developer Tools
Owned by Google, .dev requires HTTPS by default. It's the go-to for developer tools, APIs, documentation sites, and technical products. Signals "built by developers, for developers."
Tech Startups
The classic tech startup extension. "io" evokes "input/output" and has become synonymous with innovative tech companies. Established credibility in the startup ecosystem.
Applications
Another Google-owned TLD with mandatory HTTPS. Perfect for mobile apps, web apps, and software products. Clean and immediately communicates "this is an application."
Universal
Still the gold standard for mainstream credibility. If you're building something that needs to appeal beyond the developer community, .com carries universal trust.
What Are Developers Building?
Our domains power everything from weekend hacks to venture-backed startups. Here's what we see:
Developer Tools & CLIs
Command-line tools, build systems, linters, formatters, and productivity utilities that make developers' lives easier.
APIs & Backend Services
REST APIs, GraphQL services, databases, authentication providers, and infrastructure-as-a-service platforms.
SaaS Applications
Web applications solving specific problems - project management, analytics, monitoring, collaboration, and productivity tools.
Documentation Sites
Technical documentation, API references, tutorials, and knowledge bases for open source projects and developer products.
Open Source Projects
Libraries, frameworks, and tools that developers share with the community. A good domain helps with adoption and recognition.
Side Projects & Experiments
Weekend projects, hackathon builds, and experiments that could become the next big thing. Many unicorns started exactly this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best domain extension for developers?
.dev, .io, and .app are the most recognized in developer circles. .dev signals developer tools and is enforced HTTPS by Google. .io has strong startup credibility. .app is perfect for applications. Choose based on what you're building and who you're selling to.
Should I buy a premium domain for a side project?
If you're planning to grow it, share it publicly, or potentially monetize it - yes. A good domain adds credibility, makes sharing easier, and can actually motivate you to take the project more seriously. If it's truly just a quick experiment, a subdomain is fine. But many side projects become startups.
Are .io domains good for SEO?
Yes. Google treats .io as a generic TLD, not geo-targeted to the British Indian Ocean Territory. This means it works globally for SEO. Plus, .io has strong recognition in tech communities, which can improve click-through rates for developer-focused content.
How do I transfer the domain after purchase?
After purchase, we'll guide you through transferring the domain to your registrar of choice (Cloudflare, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.). The process typically takes 24-48 hours. We provide full support throughout the transfer.
Can I use these domains for commercial projects?
Absolutely. Once you purchase a domain, it's yours to use however you like - side projects, commercial SaaS, enterprise tools, open source projects, or anything else. No restrictions, no ongoing fees to us (just standard domain renewal fees to your registrar).
Ship Your Project with a Proper Domain
Your code deserves better than a free subdomain. Find the perfect .dev, .io, or .app for your next build.