What is a domain name?
Before we get started it’s important to understand exactly what a domain name is. A domain name is the web address people type into their browser to visit a website. It’s basically your street address on the internet. Eg. www.google.com
Australian Domain name registration is an important step in your business getting off the ground and a crucial branding consideration for your business identity both online and offline. Read on to delve deeper into how to select the perfect website domain name for your business.
Types of domain names available
- Generic TLDs (.gtld) .gtld stands for Generic Top Level Domain. This type of domain is non country specific and is the most used domain type in the world. Examples include .com, .net, .org and .info. The .gtld space also includes recently added newer domains such as .online .shop and .tech
- Country Code TLD (ccTLD) Country Code TLD are identifiable by the TLD extension at the end of the domain name. For example in Australia our country code is .au and in Canada it is .ca. Having a country code TLD can enhance your local SEO by signalling to search engines that your website is relevant to a particular geographical area.
- Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs) These domains are based on specific organisations and industries and are often reserved for them exclusively. These domains can include .edu for the education field, .gov for formal government websites and .mil for Military.
- Second Level domain (SLD) This is the part of a domain immediately preceding the TLD and is normally comprised of a brand name, service or individual. Example www.havealook.com.au
- com.au – for commercial entities
- net.au – for network infrastructure providers
- org.au – for non-profit organisations
- gov.au – for government entities
- edu.au – for educational institutions
- Id.au – for individuals
- Asn.au – for Australian sporting clubs and associations.
AUSTRALIAN DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
In Australia the registration of .au domain names is governed by the auDA (au Domain Administration). The AUDA’s role is to develop and enforce the policies surrounding domain name registration in Australia. One of these policies is the a requirement for a valid registered ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number) to hold and register an Australian Second Level Domain Name license. It is the role of an accredited domain registrar or reseller to verify the eligibility of your ABN/ACN during the registration process.
.AU DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION: A GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS WEBSITE SUCCESS
Selecting a domain name is relatively simple however there is still a lot to consider. Let’s go over a few key elements you should adhere to when determining what to register.
Domain Name Length Keep your domain length short! Shorter domains are easier to recall and to relay to another individual and leave less room for errors and misinterpretations. For example, Sydneyplumber.com.au is easier to communicate and to recall than bestlocalplumbersinsydneycity.com.au
Choose A Memorable Domain Name Make your website domain name memorable or branded. When you have a domain that is unique, and memorable people will find it easier to find your website even when they don’t know your exact domain name as they can punch your brand into google search. For example, you probably don’t know the website address for Bunnings but a simple google search will take you right there.
Opt For A Domain Name That Is Easy To Communicate Don’t include unnecessary characters such as hyphens and numbers. Including numbers will have people questioning if the domain contains the number 4 or the word four. Same goes for hyphens, do you really want to have to say hyphen all the time? How annoying!
Use Simple Correct Spelling Avoid weird spellings in your domain name that can be a hurdle to people entering your domain name correctly into the address bar of an internet browser, not only is this frustrating but it can lead to lost customer enquiries and revenue. Prioritise normal English spelling. Example. Kwik.com instead of quick.com
Don't Use An Acronym Acronyms such as kvbs.com.au don’t describe your service or a brand and are therefore not memorable either.
BUYING A DOMAIN NAME AUSTRALIA – SEO, BRANDING AND FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR CHOICE
Should you include keywords in your domain name? Maybe! There can be SEO benefits to including keywords in your domain as it helps search engines understand your sites content. Other benefits include immediate clarity for users as they instantly will know what your website is about such as besthairdressersydney.com.au which can contribute to higher click through rates and increased trust.
But what about the cons? Thers a few of those too. As mentioned earlier in this article if you have brand recognition people don’t necessarily need to know your website domain name as they can enter your brand in search and likely find your website. Additionally, a domain with services in it doesn’t allow for growth, what if you add a new service and your domain is no longer fit for purpose? Furthermore, many exact match keyword domains are already taken, and common industry terms may even be trademarked.
Personally, I would opt for a branded domain name as it allows for you to be found for both your brand and your service or product through Search Engine Optimisation efforts. Let’s not forget that a branded domain name is far more memorable also.
Buy Multiple Domain Extensions For Brand Protection and Future Growth. For the protection of your brand and business you should consider registering various TLDs This can include misspellings where appropriate. As an example, Havealook owns the following: Havealook.com.au, Havealook.au, Havealook.com and Havealook.net
Domain name search for Trademark and Copyright Search the internet for your intended domain name or brand to see if there is competition. Registering a branded domain that is not being found in search engines is wiser than registering one that is and already has a google ranking that you will need to compete with. Furthermore use a Australian Trademark Tool to check if there is a trademark in place and look for potential copyright infringement.
Intend To Expand Globally Secure .Gtld Now If you intend to expand in to the global market than it is worth considering the purchase of a .gtld in the global domain space which can be used internationally and is well recognised.
Don't Delay Register Quickly
When you find a domain that ticks all the boxes required secure it quickly and before someone else does.
Key Take Aways
- Valid ABN or ACN required for .au domain registration
- Search the internet to see if the domain/brand has competition
- Confirm not copy righted or trademarked
- Choose a short, memorable domain with correct English spelling and no characters.
- Check if local and global .tlds are available and register multiple extensions for brand protection.
- Act Fast to register your Australian domain name.
HOW TO REGISTER A DOMAIN NAME IN AUSTRALIA
At Havealook we have been registering Australian Domain Names for more than 20 years. If you are ready to go, we are here to help you secure your domain name. If you are undecided, we can help you to find a suitable domain name for your small business website, check its availability and to finalise purchase. If you need a business email on the domain we can help with that too. Get in touch with us now for expert local advice!
Australian domain registration faq's
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What is a domain name?
A domain name is your websites address on the internet. -
What is the difference between .au and .com.au
.com.au is for registered Australian businesses with an ABN or ACN. While .au is a shorter version introduced in 2022 and also requires a local presence. -
do i need an abn to register a .com.au domain?
Yes. A valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN) is a requirement. -
can anyone register a .au direct domain?
No, you must meet local presence requirements, such as being an Australian Citizen, resident or holding a valid ABN. -
hOW LONG DOES A DOMAIN REGISTRATION LAST?
Most domains are registered for 1-5 years, depending on the provider. -
how much does it cost to register a domain in australia?
Prices vary depending on the registrar and plan selected. -
where can i register a .com.au or .au domain?
You can register through an accredited registrar or reseller such as Havealook. -
should i register multiple versions of my domain?
Yes, you should consider securing .com.au, .au and misspellings and anything that contains your brand or product name. -
Can i change my domain name later?
Technically yes, but it can be costly as you will also need to update your website, email addresses and marketing materials. -
what happens if my domain expires?
If you miss the renewal payment your domain will enter a grace period of approximately 30 days, if payment is still not made to renew the domain the domain will eventually be released and made available to the public to register. -
what is AUDA?
auDA (Australian Domain Administration) is the governing body for .au domain policies. They oversee eligibility rules and domain security.