Choosing a domain name - tips and suggestions

Choosing a domain name is as important as selecting your business name. It is best to find a good domain name from the beginning and stick with it. Spend some time researching and brainstorming your name, then register it as fast as you can!

Choose your extension

The extension of a domain name is the '.com' part. There are more extensions becoming available all the time, with '.asia and '.mobi being two recent additions. If you want to make your online presence felt you can register as many extensions of your chosen domain name as you like. In Australia the '.com.au' extension is popular, although '.com' domains are reasonably common as well. The '.com.au' extension is regulated by auDA and companies need to demonstrate a legitimate claim to a domain name to be able to register it (there are several auDA policies that cover this). The main .au domain names are:

  • com.au - For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).
  • net.au - For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).
  • org.au - For charities and non-profit organisations.
  • asn.au - For incorporated associations, political parties, trade unions, sporting and special interest clubs.
  • id.au - For individuals who are Australian citizens or residents.

Try our bulk domain name search to quickly check a domain across a range of extensions.

Choose your domain

Once you have decided on what extensions you would like to register, the next step is to choose the actual domain, such as mycompany.com or myproduct.com. From a marketing and branding point of view, your domain name should be:

  • as short as possible
  • recognizable
  • easy to pronounce
  • easy to spell

Remember that your domain name will have someone's name on the front of it for use as an email address, so consider that when deciding on the domain. For example, it can be frustrating for customers and clients if they are trying to write down a long and confusing email address that is being recited over the phone. Domains are not case sensitive so you can write your domain how you want it pronounced e.g.RichesHosting.com.au.

Generic names

In some cases it makes sense to register a generic domain name, either using it as the main domain or 'parking' it over the top of your main domain. A generic name is one like 'webhosting.com' or 'domains.com'. Unfortunately, you will probably find that a lot of the generic domain names are taken, particularly ones with '.com' extensions.

More information:

The information above is a brief overview of domain name selection. We can assist you with:

  • domain registration
  • domain renewal
  • domain delegation (changing DNS)
  • domain name advice

Please contact us if you would like to discuss getting your business online or managing your domain names. We are based in Adelaide and specialise in working with local and Australian businesses.

 

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