A country-code top-level domain such as .ch for Switzerland, .de for Germany or .at for Austria.
Also called: country code top-level domain, .ch domain
A ccTLD is a strong signal that a website targets one country. Swiss users also trust .ch domains and often prefer them in search results and ads.
The alternative is a generic domain (.com) with country or language folders, which keeps all authority on one domain but sends a weaker country signal.
Why ccTLD matters in Switzerland
Swiss companies overwhelmingly use .ch, and many international companies register a .ch domain for their Swiss business. «.swiss» exists too, but is limited to organisations with a Swiss connection.
Our tip
With one .com and limited budget, use folders such as /ch-de/; with a strong local team, a separate .ch domain can pay off.
Related terms
- Language and country folders – A URL structure in which each language or country version lives in its own folder, such as /de-ch/ or /fr/.
- Geo-targeting – Signals and settings that tell search engines (and ads) which country a page or website is meant for.
- International SEO – Search engine optimisation for websites that target several countries or languages at the same time.
- Swiss backlinks – Links from Swiss websites – associations, partners, media, directories – that show Google your relevance in Switzerland.
Learn more
← All terms in the Swiss SEO glossary
Frequently asked questions
What is ccTLD?
A country-code top-level domain such as .ch for Switzerland, .de for Germany or .at for Austria.