How to Choose a Domain Name for Your Small Business (.com.au or .com)

When you start a business, one of the first jobs is to choose a domain name. It becomes your web address and your email address, so it’s worth getting right. However, the choice between .com.au and .com can be confusing. In this guide, we explain the difference, who can get a .com.au, and the simple steps to pick a good name. We also cover when it makes sense to ask Geek Guru 2u for a hand.

Why it matters when you choose a domain name

Your domain name is how customers find you online. For example, it shows up on your website, your emails, your business cards and your van. A clear name is easy to remember and easy to type.

On top of that, a matching email address looks far more professional than a free Gmail or Hotmail account. In short, it tells people you’re a real business that plans to stick around. So take your time to choose a domain name you’ll be happy with for years.

.com.au or .com: which should you choose for your domain name?

Both work well, but they suit slightly different businesses. Here’s a quick comparison.

.com.au

A .com.au tells customers straight away that you’re an Australian business. It’s part of Australia’s own .au domain, and the rules require checks when you register and renew. So if most of your customers are local, it’s usually smart to choose a domain name ending in .com.au.

.com

A .com is open to anyone, anywhere. As a result, it suits businesses that sell overseas or plan to. On the other hand, it doesn’t show any link to Australia, and short .com names are often already taken.

What about .au on its own?

There’s also .au direct, such as yourname.au. It’s open to anyone with a connection to Australia, and you don’t need an ABN. Many businesses register it as well and point it to their main site.

Can you choose a domain name ending in .com.au?

Unlike a .com, a .com.au has eligibility rules. The .au Domain Administration (auDA) sets these rules. According to auDA’s page on com.au domain names, you need two things.

• An Australian commercial presence. Most people use an ABN or ACN. Otherwise, an ARBN or an Australian trade mark can also count.
• A connection to the name. For instance, it can be your business name, an acronym of it, your trade mark, or a service or product you offer.

Also, auDA says you must keep meeting these rules for as long as you hold the name. Notably, you don’t need a physical Australian address. auDA is reviewing its licensing rules, so check its site for any changes before you register.

How to choose a domain name in six simple steps

Now for the practical part. Work through these steps, and you’ll end up with a name that’s easy to share.

1. Start with your business name

Your registered business name is the safest starting point. When you choose a domain name that matches it, customers can connect the two easily. It also helps you meet the .com.au rules. If the full name is long, try a shorter part of it or an acronym.

2. Choose a domain name that is short and easy to say

Next, say the name out loud. Imagine you’re telling a customer over the phone. If you have to spell it out twice, it’s probably too long or too tricky.

3. Skip hyphens and odd spellings

Hyphens, numbers and clever spellings are easy to get wrong. Because of that, people may type the wrong address and land on someone else’s site. Plain words work best.

4. Check that the name is free

Then search for your ideas at Domain Ninja. Just type a name into the search box, and it shows whether it’s available, along with other ideas. When we tried it, .com.au names showed up next to .com options. If your first choice is gone, try another extension, or place a backorder in case the name comes free later.

5. Register it in your business’s name

Always register the domain with your own details and ABN, not a web designer’s. Otherwise, renewal reminders may go to someone else, and you could lose the name.

6. Grab the matching names

Finally, think about registering the .au and .com versions too. That way, nobody else can use them, and you can point them all to your main website.

Add email, hosting and SSL in one place

Once you have a domain, you’ll usually want more than just the name. Conveniently, Domain Ninja lets you add the extras to the same account. These include professional email for [email protected], web hosting, a drag-and-drop website builder and SSL certificates that show the padlock in the browser.

It also offers website security and backup tools. In addition, if you already own a domain elsewhere, you can transfer it across and manage everything together.

Keep the domain name you choose safe

A domain is easy to lose if it expires. So turn on auto-renew, and keep your contact email up to date. Also, use a strong password and two-step login on your domain account.

Be careful with emails that say your domain is about to expire. Scammers send fake renewal notices all the time. If you’re unsure, read our guide on how to spot a scam text or phishing email.

When to call a pro to help choose a domain name

Plenty of people choose a domain name and register it themselves. Still, it’s worth getting help if:

• you’re not sure your business qualifies for a .com.au
• you need business email set up on phones, laptops and Outlook
• your website or email stopped working after a domain change
• a past web designer still controls your domain
• you want to move your domain and email without losing messages

A technician can sort out the settings, connect your email and check that everything works. That way, you can get back to running your business.

Choose a domain name, then get your email working

Geek Guru 2u comes to you, at home or at work, with no extra call-out fees. We’ll set up your new business email on every device and make sure it all runs smoothly. We can also help with WiFi, printers, NBN and slow computers on the same visit. See the areas we service to check we cover your suburb.

Call us on 1300 160 220 or book online, and get your business online the right way.