Why Your Business Needs a Trusted .ie Domain Name in 2024
Owning a website is no longer a luxury for businesses—it’s a necessity. The .ie Domain Profile Report 2024 has shed some light on the current state of Ireland’s digital presence and what it means to have a trusted .ie domain name. With social platforms gaining traction in eCommerce, some businesses might think they can skip the website. But, as this report proves, that’s a risky gamble.
A strong, secure online presence is the foundation for succeeding in today’s business landscape. Here, we’ll walk through the key findings of the report and explain why every Irish business should register their .ie domain name with Eirhost today.
The Dominance of .ie Domains in Ireland
What percentage of Irish websites use a .ie Domain Name?
If you think all website domains are the same, think again. For Irish businesses, a .ie domain is key to building trust and standing out. The data speaks for itself—54.2% of all websites hosted in Ireland use .ie, far exceeding competitors like .com (29.4%) and .uk (7.3%).
But it’s not just about preference; it’s about security, locality, and reliability. A whopping 74.5% of content-rich .ie websites are safeguarded with a security certificate, giving visitors peace of mind every time they interact with your site. When it comes to protecting a business’s reputation, having a secure domain name is critical.
Over the past five years, the total database of .ie domains has grown by 16%, a powerful indicator of their value. Although 2024 saw a slight dip of 0.5% compared to 2023, the long-term trajectory remains strong. This trend shows that businesses are recognising the importance of owning their online identity rather than relying solely on social media or third-party platforms.
Social Media or Websites? Why Not Both?
The rise of social selling is undeniable, with platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram increasingly featuring in businesses’ marketing strategies. For example, TikTok Shop clocked massive sales last Black Friday. But, as the US TikTok ban recently highlighted, relying on these platforms alone is risky. Algorithms can change, platforms can go down, and in some cases, entire markets can disappear overnight. That’s a serious disadvantage for any business depending entirely on social media for commerce.
Websites, on the other hand, are your own digital “prime real estate.” They give businesses complete control over their online presence and sales channels. By creating a website, businesses can convert engagement from social media into loyal paying customers. Why settle for what a platform allows you to do when your own website can be a 24/7 showroom, sales assistant, and customer support hub rolled into one?
An omni-channel approach—combining your website with social media outreach—is a smart strategy. Social media grabs attention, but websites solidify credibility and relationships with customers. This is where the resilient and reliable .ie domain shines. It’s your business’s home base, and with Eirhost, you’re one step closer to establishing a trusted digital presence.
Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Businesses
The .ie Domain Profile Report highlights one crucial gap in Ireland’s digital landscape—the difference between digital intention and digital growth. Essentially, businesses want to grow online, but many aren’t fully prepared to make it happen. According to the report, 36% of Irish websites rank as low or very low in digital sophistication. That’s nearly one in three businesses losing out on the potential of a well-made website.
A professional, functional, and user-friendly website isn’t just about looking good—it reflects how committed a business is to digital transformation overall. And for Irish SMEs, this is critical. SMEs make up 99.8% of all companies in Ireland and employ two-thirds of the workforce. The future of Ireland’s economy greatly depends on their ability to grow their digital skills.
The Irish government is being urged to provide more accessible grants and programmes to help SMEs with their eCommerce potential. These measures are vital for bringing micro-businesses and smaller organisations up to speed, allowing them to compete not just in local markets but on a global scale.
The Urban/Rural Digital Divide
While Ireland is making strides in digitalisation, the digital divide remains a challenge. Businesses in rural areas often lag behind their urban counterparts in terms of digital skills and connectivity. Consider the stats from Eurostat—46.5% of people in cities report above-basic digital skills compared to 35% in rural areas.
Rural Irish businesses face challenges in bridging this gap, from limited access to advanced IT infrastructure to difficulty learning new technologies. Yet, the report shows a flicker of hope. Commuter areas like Meath, Kildare, and Limerick are showing promising growth. Leitrim, in particular, recorded a whopping 51% increase in new .ie domain registrations compared to 2023. But for Ireland to fully thrive online, all counties need equal access to resources and encouragement to invest in digitalisation.
Cybersecurity Matters
When customers visit your website, they expect it to be safe and secure. With so many headlines about hacks and scams, the need for cybersecurity has never been higher. Here, .ie domains hold a clear advantage—they experience less spam and fewer cyber threats compared to popular global domains like .com.
Why? Because .ie goes the extra mile to protect its users. Every .ie domain application is manually reviewed to ensure the applicant has a legitimate connection to Ireland. This additional security check deters fraudulent use. Beyond that, the .ie database undergoes continuous scanning to detect potential vulnerabilities. When you register a .ie domain, you’re not just investing in an online address—you’re safeguarding your business and your customers.
What Can Be Learned from the Trends?
The 2024 report didn’t just highlight challenges—it also revealed fascinating insights into online behaviours and habits among Irish businesses. For instance, “Ireland,” “home,” and “design” were among the most common keywords in new domain registrations. This shows how Irish identity and creativity are shining through in online ventures.
Another quirky discovery? Cork clinched the record for having the longest .ie domain at 63 characters, proving that pride in location is still strong. While registrations have slowed globally—likely due to shifts in eCommerce behaviour—the enduring popularity of .ie domains demonstrates their importance here in Ireland.
Why Register Your .ie Domain with Eirhost?
Owning a website with a .ie domain shows your customers that you’re serious about your business. It tells them you’re rooted in Ireland, you’re trustworthy, and their data is safe. But more than that, a website gives you space to tell your story, showcase your products, and build lasting relationships.
At Eirhost Web Hosting Ireland, we make it easy for you to take that step. Whether you’re launching a new business, expanding your services, or simply cementing your online presence, we’re here to help you secure your own piece of digital prime real estate.
The .ie Domain Profile Report 2024 offers one clear takeaway—businesses that invest in their own professional websites are better positioned to grow. Whether you’re in bustling Dublin or rural Leitrim, owning your own .ie domain gives you a layer of security, control, and credibility that social media alone can’t offer.
There is untapped potential in Ireland’s digital space, and the clock is ticking for businesses to either act or fall behind. Don’t leave your online presence to chance. Register your .ie domain name with Eirhost today and create a website that reflects the professionalism and pride your business deserves.
Your future customers are already searching for you online—make sure they find your .ie website.
