Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are generally at the forefront of the discussion when it comes to Blockchain technology. People can now own online objects like artwork and even domain names thanks to digital assets. There is a lot of ambiguity in these ideas, which makes them hard to grasp. You've come to the right place if you're curious about NFT domains and whether or not Google indexes them.
In this article, NFT domains will be compared to more standard domain names. Afterward, we'll go over whether or not they're indexed by Google and what their potential drawbacks would be. What are we waiting for?
What Are NFT Domains?
The term "non-fungible" describes something that cannot be duplicated. Because you can exchange one $1 for another and keep the same value, traditional cash is fungible. A Non-Fungible Token (NFT) on the other hand has no corresponding value.
Some claim that domain names are intrinsically non-fungible. To put it another way, you can't just swap one domain name for another and expect it to be worth the same. A domain's age, authority, reputation, and even its extension all contribute to its worth.
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Start NowNFT domains, on the other hand, are part of a specific subset of domains. Crypto wallet addresses can also be used as domain names. When you buy a domain token, it usually has one of the following extensions:
- .crypto
- .zil
- .nft
- .x
- .eth
NFT domains have other alternative names, like:
- Blockchain domains
- Decentralized domains
- Web3 domains
- Wallet domains
- Crypto domains
NFTs may also be mentioned while discussing handshake domains. These are two notions that are related but not identical.
NFT domains are subsets of handshake domains. They use blockchain technology rather than the standard Domain Name System (DNS), and they can be purchased with cryptocurrency. The creators of these domains are interested in "decentralizing the internet" in order to provide more security, privacy, and ownership in general.
How NFT Domains Are Different From Traditional
A traditional domain is rented from a registrar or your hosting provider. It is technically never yours. However, you are free to use the domain for your website as long as you do not breach the terms and conditions of the registrar.
Buying an NFT domain, on the other hand, implies you own it until you decide to sell it. You maintain complete ownership of the domain and all associated content. You can also buy it using cryptocurrency rather than traditional ways.
As a result, some people buy NFT domains because they give better security. Instead of dealing through third-party intermediaries, you will own your domain name. When you utilize the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) with your NFT domain, you can also establish a censorship-resistant website.
A provider such as Ethereum Name Service (ENS) will translate your crypto wallet address into a legible domain name when you purchase an NFT domain. Additionally, this address can be used to receive cryptocurrency payments.
How To Buy NFT Domains?
There is a scarcity of websites where you can purchase NFT domains. Due to their lower popularity than "regular" domains, they are not listed with standard domain registrars. Additionally, they are improbable to be included in your WordPress hosting plan.
Unstoppable Domains offers a variety of NFT domain extensions, including- .crypto, .bitcoin, and .888:
Unstoppable Domains' NFT domains start at just $5 for lifetime ownership. Additionally, Unstoppable Domains provides comprehensive guidelines to assist you in configuring your browser for NFT domains.
ENS Domains is another outstanding platform for searching for, purchasing, registering, and managing NFT domains:
Alternatively, Namecheap maintains a marketplace for handshake domains, such as - .elite, .creator, and .saas:
Unlike Unstoppable Domains, Namecheap's domains are billed annually in standard money rather than as a one-time payment in bitcoin. They do, however, maintain blockchain security protocols to guard against hackers and other risks.
Are NFT Domains Indexed by Google?
No. No, not yet. Google does not appear to be able to index NFT domains at the moment. Additionally, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority's (IANA) database does not currently include these new Top-Level Domains (TLDs).
This can be problematic from an SEO standpoint. If your material is not optimized for Google or the majority of other search engines, it will be more difficult for readers to discover it naturally.
However, there are certain search engines dedicated to NFT. For example, NooFT intends to release a beta version of its search engine in Q4 2022:
NooFT proposes a platform powered by artificial intelligence that integrates search, NFT resources, and a comprehensive marketplace. It may be worthwhile to keep an eye on this search engine following its introduction to see how it progresses.
Problems with NFT Domains
The primary difficulty with NFT domains at the moment is that they cannot be resolved by most browsers without specific configuration. Fortunately, several browsers have designed extensions with this function in mind.
Google Chrome, for example, includes the Bob Extension and LinkFrame. These tools are capable of automatically resolving NFT domains and providing access to them without the need to configure your own DNS server:
Resolvr is an alternative for Mozilla Firefox users. It can modify the proxy settings of your browser in order to resolve handshake domains and DNS TXT data records.
Additionally, some registrars resolve domain names natively for select browsers. Unstoppable Domains, for example, has support for both the Brave and Opera browsers.
Given the relative youth of NFT domains, browsers may adapt to support them in the future. As a result, if you choose one of these names, we recommend maintaining current on browser news and releases.
Keep in mind, however, that the great majority of consumers who visit your websites will not have these protocols enabled. They will not be utilizing Brave or Opera, nor will their browsers be configured to use Resolvr, Bob, or LinkFrame. Certain individuals will. However, at this stage, an NFT domain is not the best option for immediate traffic.
Final Thoughts
Thus, you're considering purchasing a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) domain and are curious as to whether NFT domains are indexed by Google. No, it is not. Or, more precisely, not yet. While Google, other search engines, and many web browsers do not handle NFT domains natively, there are still some benefits to purchasing one. When you purchase an NFT domain, you acquire it completely. Rather than renting the name from a registrar or hosting company, you have the option of selling or retaining it. Additionally, your NFT domain doubles as a crypto wallet address, allowing you to accept payments directly from the address, which might be a game-changer for the future of eCommerce.
