Choosing a domain name is a key step in establishing your business online. It should be available, easy to remember and aligned with your brand identity.
Australian domain registration
In Australia, domain names are managed by .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA), which oversees domain name policies, licensing, and accreditation. However, domain names must be registered through accredited domain registrar , not directly through auDA.
.au, .com.au, and .net.au domain names
Australian businesses and individuals with a connection to Australia can register .au domain names. These offer a shorter alternative to .com.au and .net.au.
To protect your online identity, it is recommended to register your trading name in the .au domain space, such as yourbusiness.au or yourbusiness.com.au, if available. If your exact name is taken, consider:
- Using an abbreviation of your trading name.
- Adding a prefix or suffix.
- Using a hyphen (-).
Businesses that already have a .com.au or .net.au domain may have priority status to register the matching .au domain.
Global domain categories
Domains are grouped into different categories based on their purpose:
GTLD (Generic Top-Level Domains)
These are unrestricted global domains, commonly used worldwide, including:
- .com – most widely recognised
- .net – often used for technology-related sites
- .org – typically associated with nonprofits
CCTLD (Country Code Top-Level Domains)
These are country-specific domains, ideal for businesses targeting a local audience. Examples include:
- .com.au – Australian businesses
- .co.uk – United Kingdom businesses
- .ca – Canada-based organisations
NEWTLD (New Top-Level Domains)
These newer domains offer industry-specific or creative branding options, though they are often more expensive. Examples include:
- .photo – photography-related businesses
- .wiki – information-based websites
- .tech – technology-focused brands
Should I register .au, .com.au, or .com?
If your business serves Australian customers, .au or .com.au are preferred, as they demonstrate an Australian business presence.
For brand protection, it’s often worth securing multiple variations, including .au, .com.au and .com, along with key product or service names if applicable.
Email addresses
Your domain name affects your email address. For example, registering yourtradingname.au allows you to use user @ yourtradingname.au.
Consider this when choosing a domain name to ensure consistent branding across all communications.
Requirements for registration
To purchase an Australian domain (.au, .com.au or .net.au), you must have:
- An Australian Company Number (ACN) or an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Additional documentation for restricted domains (e.g., .org.au).
Not sure which domain name is right for your business? Contact WebSolutionZ and we’ll help you choose a name that supports your brand and goals.