An Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) is a type of internet domain name that allows the use of non-English characters. This includes letters with accents (e.g., é, ñ), characters from non-Latin scripts (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic), and other Unicode symbols. IDNs make the internet more accessible by enabling users to register and use domain names in their native languages.
How IDNs Work
Although IDNs appear in native scripts, the Domain Name System (DNS) only understands ASCII. To bridge this gap, IDNs are converted into a compatible ASCII format using a system called Punycode.
Example:
- Unicode domain:
中文.com - Punycode equivalent:
xn--fiq228c.com
When a user enters an IDN in a browser:
- The browser converts it into Punycode
- DNS resolves the Punycode version
- The website loads normally
Note: Strikingly doesn’t support registering IDNs directly, but you can connect one after registering it with another provider.
Common Use Cases
- Localized websites: Businesses targeting specific language audiences
- Global brands: Offering region-specific domains
- Government and public services: Providing access in native languages
- Cultural preservation: Supporting scripts like Arabic, Hindi, or Chinese
Challenges and Considerations
1. Compatibility
- Most modern browsers support IDNs, but older systems may not
- Email systems and legacy applications might have limitations
2. Security Risks (Homograph Attacks)
- Some characters from different scripts look similar (e.g., Latin “a” vs Cyrillic “а”)
- Attackers may exploit this to create deceptive domains
Example:
A malicious domain may visually resemble a trusted site but differ in encoding.
Best Practices
- Register both the IDN and its ASCII equivalent when possible
- Use SSL certificates to enhance trust. The good news is that all Strikingly sites come with HTTPS/SSL automatically enabled at no cost.
- Monitor for lookalike domains to prevent abuse, and report if needed.
3. SEO Implications
- Search engines generally support IDNs
- However, Punycode versions may still appear in some technical contexts
Connecting an IDN to Your Strikingly Website
To connect an Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) to your Strikingly website, you will need to use its Punycode version during setup.
- Convert your IDN to Punycode, use an online converter like www.punycoder.com.
- Go to your Site Editor.
- Open Settings > Domains.
- Add the domain in Punycode format under "Connect a Domain You Already Own".
- Configure your domain’s DNS records according to the instructions shown on the screen.
- Refer to this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to connect your domain: Connecting a Domain to Your Strikingly Site.
Your site will be up and running within 48 hours from the domain connection, as the DNS records need some time to take effect. If your site doesn't go online after 48 hours, contact us at support@strikingly.com or chat with us and include a screenshot of your domain settings, so we can help! Note that you may receive follow-up emails about your domain configuration after you reach out to us.