The new .xxx domain name option has opened for registration. The .xxx domain name option is specifically formulated for adult sites and is a

sponsored top-level domain (sTLD). This means it stands for a specific group or organisation such as .gov meaning government website.The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the global governing body for internet addresses and the organisation responsible for the domain name option. The .xxx domain name option has been rolled out to improve search and security factors with regard to adult websites.The change will serve to improve the security for both people who wish to block adult internet website and those who seek such materials.The “sunrise” phase started on September 7 and ends October 28 which is the early stage for adult sites to secure their preferred domain name. General availability of all other .xxx domain names will commence December 6, 2011.What does all this mean for your business in terms of SEO and online marketing?The new domain names will be effective from next year, so it’s hard to predict if it will have much effect on individual websites until then but our guess is the .xxx will ensure most visitors have an understanding of the website content before clicking the website link.There is some speculation going around the internet that the new .xxx domain name tarnishing company branding but the general consensus is the .xxx won’t have as high an SEO value on Google as .com, .net or .co.uk.If you have any questions or concerns regarding the .xxx domain name and whether it will affect your business, please don’t hesitate to contact Bang Online on (08) 9328 7000.