Strictly Marketing Magazine July/August 2016 Issue 4 | Page 15

Of course, for some brands the power of .SOCIAL is less about the advantage of social media and more about the fact that the word is an exact match for their brand or project. Information about Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzgerald’s book The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users is available at www.artof.social because that’s their brand and they just so happened to find a new gTLD that perfectly summed up who they are and what they represent. Most recently, musician Rick Springfield and legendary act The Doors have registered .SOCIAL domains and are using it in two different ways. For Springfield, it’s being used as a re-direct to his website where he is promoting his latest album, “Rocket Science.” For The Doors, the domain serves as the main website, allowing fans to then navigate the site the way they choose – News, Gallery, Store and more. Meanwhile, even Pope Francis has realized the value of new domain names! Scholas.social is his new platform that enables schools an education networks to be in contact with each other. In this case, the new domain name offers an extra dimension – far better than neutral extensions like .org or .net. Additionally, websites branded with a .SOCIAL domain are appearing with increasing frequency across the most popular website builders, including WordPress, Weebly, SquareSpace and Wix, indicating that it’s not just larger brands that have clambered aboard the .SOCIAL train. While many gTLDs are relatively new, many brands are already embracing this opportunity, utilizing a .SOCIAL domain to redirect to the following social platforms: For individuals, startups, and SMBs, a .SOCIAL domain can represent a more affordable option than an expensive .COM, while resolving dilemmas ranging from how to create a memorable call to action, branding microsites and creating a memorable and clear path to social media content. ● Facebook ● Google Plus ● Twitter ● Bitly ● LinkedIn ● Instagram ● YouTube ● Tumblr ● Periscope By Bill Glenn