Registering a domain name in Australia might seem complex, with technical terminology and strict regulations often leading to confusion. There are specific eligibility criteria to consider, and you may wonder whether being an Australian resident is a necessity.
This post aims to dispel your doubts and provide clarity on the subject of domain name registration in Australia.
- What is a domain name?
- Should my domain name and business name match?
- Can you use a language other than English for domain name registration?
- The importance of choosing the right domain name for your business
- The three types of domain extensions
- How can I buy a domain name in Australia?
- How much does it cost to buy a domain name in Australia?
- The growing importance of Australian domain names
What Is a Domain Name? Is It Same as a Website?
In order for companies to stand out among their competitors to reach as many customers, it has become imperative for business owners to have an online presence.
So what would be the first thing that comes on your mind when you need to search for someone's services? Their website, right?
A website mainly has a collection of files - could be text, images and videos etc. - that are stored somewhere on a server provided by a hosting company. Yes, all of those files appear on a website but with a more decorated form.
On the other hand, a domain name is simply an address to locate that website.
A physical store can be a very good example here. Let's say there is a famous luxury watches store/brand somewhere near you called "Patek Philippe". This store has everything related to the services you need - men's watches, women's watches and their catalogues etc.
But how will you/customers reach this store if there isn't any address associated with it? They can't!
Therefore, an address must be there in order for people to locate this store. Same goes with a website. A domain name (which is the address) is essential so that target audience can locate the website conveniently.
Example:
Website Name: Patek Philippe
Domain Name: patek.com/en/home
Thus, while a website is akin to a physical store filled with products or services, the domain name is the vital address that guides customers to it. Just as we cannot reach a physical location without an address, a website cannot be accessed without a domain name - making it a crucial element in establishing a strong online presence.
Related: How to name a business
Should My Domain Name and Business Name Match?
Not necessarily.
A good rule is to have a domain name that either matches your business name or the services you provide. Many local companies, such as plumbing, HVAC and roofing to name a few prefer, prefer naming their domain name after their services. It's essential for them because they want to be searched / reached online through their services.
For example, hypothetically,
Business Name: Jack&Jill Pty Ltd
Domain Name: jjplumbersydney.com.au
In the aforementioned example, the aim is not to brand their business name but to sell their plumbing services. So if anyone searches on a search engine for plumber Sydney, their website should appear (if the competition is not too high).
Conversely, a company that is certainly looking to brand their business must have a domain name similar to their business name. This shows credibility for your brand in the eyes of customers.
For example,
Business Name: Audi AG
Domain Name: audi.com.au
Since Audi offers luxury cars, they could've used their domain name (hypothetically: onlineluxurycars.com.au). This would help them find more customer online who are looking for the luxury cars they sell. However, they prioritised their brand name and marketed their company as Audi.
Notice that Audi has several domain extensions (.com and .com.au) for different countries. This is important for building authority and credibility in each country they operate in. Also, it deters people from using their brand name. You can always redirect any additional domain names to your primary domain name.
Therefore, it is important to consider both branding and services when choosing a domain name. Consider your target audience and the purpose of your website before making a decision. Additionally, make sure to research and choose a unique domain name that is easy to remember and reflects the essence of your business.
Is It Possible to Use Languages Other Than English for Domain Names?
Yes, you can use a different language for domains based on your location. The system that allows this is known as Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs). IDNs allow domain names to be represented in local language characters. This system permits the use of a wide variety of scripts, such as Arabic, Chinese, Latin, Cyrillic and many more. This allows internet users worldwide to navigate the web in their native languages, promoting a truly global and multilingual internet.
Related: The top 20 most expensive domain names
The importance of choosing the right domain name for your business
Finding the right domain name is akin to picking a company name — it requires thoughtful consideration and represents your digital identity. For instance, Amazon.com started as an online bookstore but the name doesn't limit the company to books. The domain name is universal, easy to remember and gives the freedom to expand its product offerings.
When selecting a domain name, it is important to take the following factors into consideration:
- Branded Domains: A branded domain name is a distinctive identity in the digital realm. It aligns with your brand name, reinforces brand recognition and enhances credibility. For brands, a unique domain name can become a part of the marketing strategy, helping in boosting visibility and establishing brand value.
- Service-Based Domains: These domain names clearly express the service a company is offering, making it easier for potential customers to find and remember. It can dramatically increase search engine optimisation (SEO), driving more organic traffic to the website.
- Uniqueness: A unique domain name sets you apart from the crowd, ensuring that your website does not get confused with others. It is a vital aspect of creating a memorable impression on your visitors and potential customers.
- Non-Copied: Duplication or copying of domain names can lead to legal issues and customer confusion. A copied domain name can dilute your brand's value and may even harm your reputation.
A well-chosen domain name can not only fulfill your current business needs but also accommodate future growth. It enhances your brand's visibility, credibility and plays a significant role in your online marketing strategy. Hence, whether you opt for a branded or service-based domain, it's essential that it's unique (not copied), memorable, relevant to your business and easy to pronounce to ensure a successful online presence.
Find more pro tips on picking the right domain name
Related: Why a service-based domain name is good for search rankings?
The three types of domain name extensions
Domain name extensions can be classified into three primary types: top-level domains (TLDs), country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and generic top-level domains (gTLDs).
- TLDs (Top-Level Domains): These are at the highest level in the Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet. The most common TLDs are .com (commercial), .net (network) and .org (organisation), which are often used for business purposes. These domain extensions are frequently utilised by companies that operate internationally.
- ccTLDs (Country Code Top-Level Domains): These are two-letter domains established for countries or territories. With some exceptions, the letters are derived from the English name of the country. For instance, .au represents Australia, .us for the United States and .uk stands for the United Kingdom. These domain extensions are commonly used by businesses that target customers in a specific location.
- gTLDs (Generic Top-Level Domains): These domain extensions are introduced in recent years to meet the growing demand for domain names. They include popular gTLDs such as .tech, .blog and .social, which offer more options for website owners; for example, they can create an online store for their products under the same brand name. These domains can be used for various purposes, from personal blogs to niche websites.
These extensions provide information about the website associated with them, such as its purpose, its owner or the geographical area it represents. The domain name extension .com.au is essential for all Australian businesses. Despite the availability of the shorter .au extension, .com.au remains the most recognisable.
Find a detailed list of domain extensions
How can I buy a domain name in Australia?
The. au domains are strictly for those who are living or doing business in Australia.
Domain names ending with .au are administered by the .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA). This organisation is endorsed by the federal government and is responsible for the operational aspects of the .au domain space.
If you are looking to buy a domain name in Australia, hsj.host can assist you. We provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to your needs.
- Register a new .au domain
- Renew an existing .au extension
- Transfer .au domains
- Stress-free management of .au domains
Please reach out to our team for more information or guidance on .au domain name services.
Search for a domain name in Australia
How much does it cost to register your domain name in Australia?
The domain name price in Australia can range anywhere from AU$5 to AU$50 a year, depending on various factors. There are premium domain names that are a lot more expensive. Their prices could be based on the number of characters in their domain names: the lesser the characters the higher its price. The price of a domain can also be determined by its domain authority.
Generally, available .com.au or .au domain extensions with of 5+ characters in the domain name may cost around AU$20. Nonetheless, if it is taken, then the price depends on what its owner requests.
What if the domain I want is taken?
If a domain name is already taken, try the WHOIS Lookup tool. It can help you find the contact details of the domain's current owner, so you can ask if they're willing to sell the domain. Be sure to include your quote / budget in this communication. If they're open to the idea, it may lead to negotiations and potentially, the transfer of the domain to you.
Please remember to approach this process professionally and respect the domain owner's privacy.
The Growing Importance of Australian Domain Names
The demand for Australian domain extensions, primarily .com.au and .au, is escalating, driven primarily by their associated credibility and regional significance. Australian businesses are recognising that a local domain instills a sense of trust and reliability in potential customers, signaling an authentic local presence.
Moreover, a .au domain can improve search engine optimisation within Australia, making businesses more visible to a domestic audience. This surge in demand is also fueled by an increase in online business creation, as entrepreneurs seek to establish a robust online presence amidst the digital revolution.
Australian domain extensions are more than just web addresses - they are digital badges of identity that resonate with the Australian audience.
When conducting business in Australia, it is important to consider that your customers will likely expect your web address to end with a ".com.au" or ".au" extension. Therefore, if you have not registered these Australian domain extensions yet, it is advisable to do so now. This will help ensure that your website aligns with the expectations of your Australian audience
