Are you thinking of starting a new business and establishing a website presence in Australia? The first thing you need for a website is a unique and memorable name (i.e. domain) that represents your Australian business or brand. In Australia, the two most popular options are ‘.com.au’ and ‘.au’, each with its subtle distinctions.
A .com.au domain is a specific type of domain extension primarily used by commercial entities operating in Australia. On the other hand, the .au domain is Australia’s top-level country code domain (ccTLD), which represents Australia’s broader internet presence and is open to various Australian entities, including businesses, commercial, and individuals.
Securing the appropriate domain extension is crucial for establishing credibility, visibility, and relevance within the Australian digital landscape. Let’s explore the distinctive features, benefits, and considerations associated with these two domains, which empower you to make the smartest decision for your online presence.
Understanding the basics: What is a Domain?
A domain is a unique address or identifier on the Internet that allows users to access websites and other resources. It is the human-readable name that corresponds to the numeric IP (Internet Protocol) address of a specific server or website.
To put it simply, a domain is a website’s “address” on the internet. It provides an easy-to-remember and recognisable name that users can type into their web browsers to visit a particular website. For example, “www.dmcmarketing.com” is a domain name.
A domain consists of two main parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the last part of the domain, including generic top-level domains such as .com, .org, .net, .biz, info, and country code top-level domains like .au for Australia. The SLD is the part that comes before the TLD, and it usually represents the specific website or organisation. For example, in “dmcmarketing.com,” “dmcmarketing” is the SLD.
What are the types of domains?
There are several types of domain names, each serving different purposes and representing various categories of organisations or entities, such as:
- Top-Level Domains (TLDs): These are the highest level of domains in the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS). These are the endings of web addresses, like .com, .org, or .net.
- Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These are TLDs that are specific to particular countries or territories. They typically consist of two letters representing the country code, such as .au for Australia.
- Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These are TLDs that are not associated with specific countries and are used for general purposes.
- Second-Level Domains (SLDs): These are the next level down from TLDs and typically represent specific entities within a TLD.
- Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs): These are specialised TLDs that are sponsored by specific entities or communities and are intended for use by a particular group of entities.
What is .com.au Domains?
A .com.au domain is a generic top-level domain (TLD) specifically designated for websites based in Australia. The “.com.au” extension is primarily used by businesses, organisations, and individuals operating within or targeting the Australian market. For the first time in 2020-21, the tally of .com.au domain registrations surged past the 3 million mark, marking a significant milestone.
The primary option for registering.com.au domains is to have an Australian Business Number (ABN). You need to be an Australian registered company, business, or organisation, or alternatively, an Australian partnership or sole trader. Additionally, eligibility extends to Australian commercial statutory bodies and foreign companies licensed to trade within Australia. Moreover, ownership of an Australian registered trademark also qualifies for registration.
Benefits:
- Trust and credibility: A com.au domain can instil trust and credibility among Australian users, signalling a local presence and commitment.
- Targeted audience: The domain extension is recognised and preferred by Australian internet users, helping businesses more effectively reach their target audience in Australia.
- SEO advantages: Search engines often prioritise country-specific domains for relevant local search results, potentially improving a website’s visibility in Australian search engine results pages (SERPs).
What is .au Domains?
The .au top-level domain (TLD) was introduced in 1986 as the country code TLD for Australia. The .au domain name represents an Australian presence and is used by a wide range of entities, including businesses, commercials, government bodies, educational institutions, and individuals. The .au domain is overseen by the Australian domain name authority, auDA, which manages and regulates domain name registrations under various second-level domains (e.g., com.au, net.au, org.au, etc.).
Under the 2012 Eligibility Rules, to register a domain in the “open” .au namespace, the person or organisation must:
- Be either an Australian citizen or organisation, hold an Australian trademark, or be a foreign company authorised to do business in Australia.
- Meet the specific eligibility requirements for the second-level domain.
The domain name must: - Exactly match, abbreviate, or be an acronym of the registrant’s name or trademark.
- Have a clear and significant connection to the registrant.
Benefits:
- Local targeting: Websites with a .au domain are more likely to rank well in Australian search engine results, helping businesses reach their target audience more effectively.
- Trustworthiness: Australian consumers often perceive websites with a .au domain as more trustworthy and reliable, especially for e-commerce and financial transactions.
- Compliance with regulations: Registering a .au domain requires compliance with Australian Domain Name Policy rules, promoting accountability and adherence to local regulations.
Can you have multiple domain names?
Yes, you can have multiple domain names for your business’s various purposes. These include maintaining your company’s brand identification, effectively targeting multiple audiences, building unique online identities for new products or services, and increasing your business search engine presence.
Furthermore, domain names can be utilised to drive traffic to a principal website, resulting in improved user capture. Overall, owning numerous domain names provides businesses with flexibility, security, and strategic advantages online.
Which domain name is better .com.au VS .au?
Wrapping Up!
Securing the right domain is all about your brand. It should clearly represent your brand and resonate with your target audience. The established .com.au exudes trust and is ideal for businesses with a long-standing presence. If you’re a new brand or individual or prefer a more modern feel, the .au domain offers a fresh look and potentially easier registration. Consider your brand identity, eligibility for registration, and desired domain name length. Ultimately, both extensions can be effective for Australian websites.
Having a unique online identity is just the beginning. To truly stand out in the digital landscape, you need a digital marketing strategy. At DMC Marketing, we specialise in crafting dynamic digital strategies tailored to your brand’s essence and goals. Whether you choose a .com.au or .au domain, our team will develop comprehensive strategies to enhance your website’s search engine ranking and drive targeted traffic. Contact us today, and let’s elevate your brand to new heights.
