resources

1. Domain Name Registration

A domain name is your unique address on the internet, like yourbusiness.org.au or yourname.com.

If your target audience is primarily Australian, choosing a domain name that ends with .au is important because it helps with local search engine rankings (such as a Google search) and makes it easier for Australians to find you. However, if you expect visitors from all over the world, a .com domain may be a better choice. If you don’t plan to have a website and just need a custom email address, the domain extension matters less.

Apart from the domain name not already being registered to someone else, there are no special eligibility requirements to register a .com domain. However, domain names ending in .au, .org.au, .com.au, .id.au, and .asn.au can only be registered by Australian businesses or individuals, but the registration requirements aren’t the same for all of them. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• .com.au: Requires an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN), making it ideal for Australian businesses or organisations.
• .org.au: Specifically for not-for-profit organisations registered in Australia. To register, you’ll need to provide proof your organisation meets the definition of a not-for-profit entity.
• .asn.au: can also be registered by Australian not-for-profit entities but also by unincorporated associations, such as clubs or other not-for-profit groups, and requires an ABN.
• .id.au: Available for Australian individuals who want to register a domain name for personal use. It requires the registrant to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident so information such as a government issued photo ID is needed as proof when registering.
• .au: The newest domain extension available to Australians, without restrictions on what type of organisation or individual can register, but still limited to Australian residents or businesses so proof of one or the other is required for registration.

When choosing the actual name of your domain remember, “less is more” – people dislike typing in long domain names and, the longer it is, the more likely they will type it incorrectly, anyway. It’s also worth having a few clever friends look at your domain name to see if they can detect any possible misinterpretations. For example, do you think americanscrapmetal.com is a website for a scrap metal recycling business or a blog focussed on the repercussions of the modern American diet?!

Keep in mind that the names of Australian domains are restricted to something that is meaningfully connected to the organisation or individual that is registering it. Domain names registered for .com.au, .org.au and .asn.au extensions must be the name of the organisation, a service, program, event or activity provided by the organisation or an occupation that the organisation’s members practice and .id.au domain names must match or be an acronym or abbreviation of your first name or family name, or your nickname.

When deciding which domain extension to use, consider the nature of your website or organisation. If you’re running a business, .com.au is typically the best choice due to its strong recognition and credibility. For non-profit organisations, .org.au or .asn.au may be more fitting. If you’re an individual seeking a personal site, .id.au could be a great option. Lastly, if you want a simple, recognisable Australian domain and meet the eligibility requirements, .au offers a modern and concise alternative.

Remember, the registration requirements vary depending on the extension, so choose one that aligns with your needs and eligibility.

2. DNS Hosting

The Domain Name System (DNS) is what connects your domain name to the right services, like your website and email. Some registrars include DNS hosting when you buy a domain, but sometimes you need to set it up separately. Think of it as the directory that tells the internet where to find your website and email server.

3. Web Hosting

If you want a website, you need a place to store it. Web hosting is a service that provides space on a server where your website files and content live. Some hosting services offer easy website builders, while others let you use platforms like WordPress.

4. Email Hosting

If you want a custom email address (like yourname@yourdomain.com), you need email hosting. Some domain registrars include basic email services, but for professional features like spam protection and better reliability, you may need a dedicated email hosting service, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

One key consideration when choosing an email host is whether you need Exchange hosting. The main advantage of Exchange hosting, for most people, is the ability to sync not only emails but also calendars and contacts across multiple devices. If this feature is important to you, you’ll need to ensure your chosen provider supports Exchange. If you want a custom email address (like yourname@yourdomain.com), you need email hosting. Some domain registrars include basic email services, but for professional features like spam protection and better reliability, you may need a dedicated email hosting service, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

5. Choosing a Hosting Provider

Some companies offer all these services—domain registration, DNS hosting, web hosting, and email hosting—under one roof, making it simpler to manage everything in one place. However, it’s not necessary to get all services from the same provider, and not all providers offer every service. You can mix and match services based on your needs and preferences.

I personally recommend Obble, an Australian hosting provider that offers domain registration, DNS hosting, web hosting, and email hosting. They provide everything you need except for Exchange hosting, making them a great choice for most businesses and individuals looking for a reliable Australian provider. Some companies offer all these services—domain registration, DNS hosting, web hosting, and email hosting—under one roof, making it simpler to manage everything in one place. However, it’s not necessary to get all services from the same provider, and not all providers offer every service. You can mix and match services based on your needs and preferences.

Getting Started

It can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I can help you choose the right services, set them up, and ensure everything runs smoothly. If you’re ready to get started with your own domain, website, or custom email, feel free to reach out!