History of the TLD .coach

.coach is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was introduced as part of the ICANN new gTLD program. It was officially delegated into the Domain Name System (DNS) root zone in late 2014 and became generally available for registration in early 2015. The extension was designed specifically to serve coaches, trainers, mentors and organisations offering guidance across multiple disciplines including sports, business, life and personal development. The registry managing .coach is Identity Digital operating through the Binky Moon, LLC entity under the Donuts group.

Main Use and Industry Position

.coach is positioned as a specialised TLD intended for individuals and businesses that provide coaching services or training. This includes sports coaches, business consultants, life coaches, wellness and fitness trainers, educators and other professionals whose services focus on mentoring, training and skill development. The extension clearly communicates the nature of such services and helps establish an online identity distinct from more generic domain endings. Its use is primarily for branding, marketing and client engagement purposes within the coaching and professional training industries.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to legacy TLDs like .com, .net, or .org, .coach offers more descriptive context for coaching and training services. Unlike broad extensions where domain meaning can be ambiguous, .coach immediately conveys the purpose of the website to visitors. In contrast with other niche professional extensions such as .consulting or .training, .coach specifically resonates with personal and professional coaching services. General purpose extensions may offer wider global recognition, but .coach creates a specialised brand presence tailored to its target audience.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly signals coaching or training services to visitors

• Helps build a specialised brand or niche presence

• Works across various coaching disciplines and industries

Cons

• Less universally recognised than classic extensions such as .com

• May be perceived as too niche for broader business applications

• Some users may not immediately trust unfamiliar extensions compared to legacy TLDs

Registration Criteria

Registration of a .coach domain is open to any individual or organisation without specific eligibility restrictions. Names are available on a first-come, first-served basis through accredited registrars. Standard domain character rules apply.

Summary

The .coach TLD is a generic top-level domain introduced in late 2014 and widely available since 2015. Managed by Identity Digital and operated by Donuts via Binky Moon, LLC, it provides a distinct namespace for coaches, trainers, mentors and professional development services. The extension enhances branding for coaching professionals, offering clear purpose signalling and industry alignment. While not as universally recognised as legacy domains like .com, .coach serves a specific market with relevance to personal and professional service providers.