Tecko Gecko

A domain name is the address that people use to find you or your company online; it's what you type in the browser's address bar to go to a specific website.

It is also called a URL;  a website name; as well as domain name.

What is a domain and which domain should I use ?

A Domain is the ".com.au" bit on the end of a website name. 

For example,  with http://www.mywebsite.com.au.    The “mywebsite” is in the .com.au domain.

If you run a business in Australia a ".com.au" or ".net.au" domain is the best choice.  These domains are tightly regulated in Australia providing more protection of your rights. 

Advantage: When browsers search for “Australian Sites Only” anything with an ".au" domain - stands a better chance of being found.

Having been around longer, people are more familiar with ".com.au" than ".net.au" and if in doubt try ".com.au" first.   Many businesses register both and if they have overseas interests may register a ".com " other domains as well.

Special Note: To register a ".com.au" or ".net.au" domain name - you must have an ACN, ABN or BN number.

How do I choose a Domain Name ?

There is no right or wrong answer here but here are a few things to think about:

• What name would your customers try if they were guessing the domain name of your business?
• Users don’t like typing. Try to keep it short.
• Don’t abbreviate too much unless your customers are familiar with the abbreviation eg.  mws.com.au would not be a good domain name for “mywebsite”.
• Domain Names similar to your trading name can assist with Search Engine Optimisation
• Unfortunately your ideal name may already be registered to somebody else.
• You can do a search to at http://www.mywebname.com.au/whois.php to find if .au domain names are available. (It is available if it is not found here)

Before you register a domain name & pay too much!

Please make sure you talk to us - we can advise you on where the best deals are with Australian Companies that are reliable and who work with your hosting to minimise your costs and fees.

How do I register a Domain Name ?

1. Each Domain Name is unique and must be registered.
2. There is intense competition between providers of this service resulting in low costs.
3. A list of accredited Registrars can be found at http://www.mywebname.com.au.
4. You may register a Domain Name without having a website.
5. In addition there are a large number of Resellers, such as Web Designers and Hosting Providers who are affiliated with a Registrar.

What’s next now I have a registered Domain Name ?

Once you have registered your Domain Name you have exclusive use of it providing you continue to pay your annual fee. 

If you do nothing else your Domain Name will be “parked”. If you type your Domain Name into your browser’s address bar you will be directed to a page stating that this address is registered and parked and probably the name of the Registrar.  Your Domain Name can be parked indefinitely.

If you intend to use your Domain Name for either Email or a Website you need DNS Hosting.

However if you are planning on running .com or .net or some of the other generic/US website names, then GoDaddy provide Domain Name Registration services at a very affordable price.