Q: I’m just starting out, by the way great site, but my question is should I use or have to use a .com for my first domain or domains or does it really matter (versus .us, .org or .net, etc.)? Thanks.
A: It’s not mandatory for an affiliate to use a dot com domain name, but I would recommend that you do use one.
A dot com has more of a cachet with a typical visitor to your site, as that top level domain is the established norm versus some of the newer, hokey top level domains.
For me personally, unless you’re spelling out some word that ends in “us”, it doesn’t make sense to get a .us.
Even in that sort of case, I would say it looks gimmicky and not as much of a long term site and business.
Also, as an affiliate, your site has to pass the review of the various affiliate managers where you apply, and in my conversations with many affiliate managers, a dot com is expected.
I have something like 200 domains, and maybe a half dozen or so are non dot com’s.
Even though it’s harder to find the best name for a domain with a dot com, I think it’s the way to go.