domain name registration

Registering the right domain names for your business

Paul Middleton

— 3 min read
Registering the right domain names for your business
Photo by Cenk Batuhan Özaltun / Unsplash

When choosing which domain names you should register for your Australian business, here are the key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Choose a .com.au or .au as your primary domain for credibility

  • Your primary domain is the domain name you use for your website and email. In most cases, any other domain names you have will redirect to the primary.
  • .com.au and .au domains are known to be trusted more by Australian consumers and provide local credibility (source: Why .au?).
  • To register a .com.au your business must have an ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number).
  • .au domain names can be registered by individuals and do not required an ABN or ACN. However, if you're using the domain name for use by a business, it's best that the domain name is registered to the business. The domain name may become a valuable asset to the business over time.
  • The .au domain (introduced in 2022) is shorter and more brandable - customers perceive .au domains as being more modern and trendier - but .com.au is currently the most recognized for businesses.
  • Whether you choose a .com.au or .au as your primary domain name, we strongly recommend that you register both (see # 8 below).

2. Keep It Short, Memorable, and Brandable

  • A shorter domain is easier to type, remember, and share (making .au more favourable in this respect).
  • Avoid complex spellings, hyphens, and numbers, as they can cause confusion.
  • Make sure it aligns with your brand name for consistency.

3. Protect Your Brand and Avoid Trademark Issues

  • Check if your desired domain name is trademarked in Australia using IP Australia’s trademark search.
  • Whilst auDA won't prevent you from registering a trademarked name, there are likely to be legally enforcable restrictions to what you can use the domain name for. This works both ways - if you have a trademarked word or phrase, don't assume that no-one will register it (ref: Who gets what: Key principles of .au domain name allocation). Register domain names for your trademarks to be safe.
  • Avoid choosing a name that is too similar to a competitor, as this could lead to legal disputes.

4. Ensure Availability Across Digital Platforms

  • Check if the domain is available on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
  • Consistency across domain names and social handles strengthens brand identity.

5. Prioritise SEO and Keywords (Optional)

  • If relevant, include a keyword in your domain (e.g., SydneyPlumbers.com.au).
  • Avoid keyword stuffing; your brand should still be unique and easy to say.
  • Research the terms your customers are most likely to be searching for.
  • Check our post SEO benefit of including keywords in your domain name for more information.

6. Future-Proof Your Domain Name

  • Choose a name that allows your business to expand.
    (e.g., If you start as “MelbourneShoes.com.au,” will it still be relevant if you expand to other cities?)
  • Avoid trendy words that may not age well.

7. Check for Alternative Spellings and Common Mistakes

  • If your domain name has different possible spellings, consider registering those variations to prevent confusion.
  • Example: If your brand is "KleenTech," you might also want to secure CleanTech.com.au.

8. Consider Buying Multiple Extensions

  • Secure both .com.au and .au versions to prevent competitors from registering similar names.
  • If operating internationally, consider securing .com, .co or another non-geographic top-level domain (TLD) alongside .com.au and .au.

9. Check for Expired or Previously Used Domains

  • If the domain was previously registered, check its history using Wayback Machine.
  • Avoid domains with a bad SEO history (e.g., previous spammy content).

10. Act Quickly

  • Because of their ridiculously low price, good, available domain names get taken fast, so if you find the perfect one, register it immediately through an accredited Australian domain registrar or reseller like DOMAINSAFE.
  • If your perfect domain name has already been registered, all is not lost! Our acquisition specialists can make anonymous enquiries to the current registrant on your behalf.

Final Checklist Before Registering

✅ ABN/ACN ready? (Needed for .com.au; recommended for .au business registrations)
✅ No trademarks or legal risks?
✅ Social media handles available?
✅ Easy to type, say, and remember?
✅ Registered with DOMAINSAFE?

By considering these factors, you'll ensure your domain is professional, secure, and effective for your Australian business. 🚀

DOMAINSAFE has over 20 years experience choosing and sourcing the right domain names for businesses in Australia. Let us know if you need help securing the right domain names for your business!

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