How to Choose the Perfect .com.au Domain Name
Your domain name is your online identity. It's the address people use to find you on the internet, and it plays a significant role in your brand recognition and search engine optimisation (SEO). For Australian businesses, a .com.au domain name is often the preferred choice. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting a domain name that resonates with your brand, improves your online visibility, and attracts your target audience.
1. Brainstorming Domain Name Ideas
Coming up with the perfect domain name can feel daunting, but starting with a brainstorming session can help. Think about your business, your target audience, and what makes you unique.
Understanding Your Brand
Before you start generating ideas, clarify your brand identity. Consider these questions:
What products or services do you offer? Make a list of keywords related to your core offerings.
What is your brand's mission and values? These can inspire domain names that reflect your company's purpose.
Who is your target audience? Think about the words and phrases they would use to search for your business.
What is your unique selling proposition (USP)? What sets you apart from the competition?
Generating Ideas
Now, let's start brainstorming. Here are some techniques to help you generate a wide range of domain name ideas:
Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords into your domain name. For example, if you run a bakery in Melbourne, you might consider "melbournebakery.com.au" or "bestmelbournecakes.com.au".
Include your brand name: If your brand name is short and memorable, it's a great option for your domain name. For example, if your business is called "Acme Solutions", you might choose "acmesolutions.com.au".
Get creative: Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Use metaphors, puns, or wordplay to create a unique and memorable domain name. However, ensure it's still relevant to your business and easy to understand.
Use a domain name generator: Several online tools can help you generate domain name ideas based on keywords. These tools can be a great source of inspiration.
Making it Relevant
Relevance is key. Your domain name should give visitors a clear idea of what your business is about. Avoid using obscure or unrelated words that could confuse potential customers.
2. Keyword Research for Domain Names
Incorporating relevant keywords into your domain name can improve your search engine visibility. However, it's crucial to do your research to identify the most effective keywords for your business.
Identifying Relevant Keywords
Start by identifying the keywords that your target audience uses to search for your products or services. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find high-volume, low-competition keywords.
Google Keyword Planner: This free tool from Google can help you discover new keywords and see search volume estimates.
Ahrefs and SEMrush: These are paid tools that offer more advanced keyword research features, such as competitor analysis and keyword difficulty scores.
Long-Tail Keywords
Consider using long-tail keywords in your domain name. These are longer, more specific phrases that target a niche audience. For example, instead of "bakery", you might use "artisan sourdough bakery melbourne". While long-tail keywords have lower search volume, they can attract highly qualified traffic.
Local Keywords
If you're targeting a local audience, include your city or region in your domain name. For example, "sydneyplumber.com.au" or "brisbanemarketingagency.com.au". This can help you attract local customers who are searching for businesses in your area.
Avoiding Keyword Stuffing
While it's important to include relevant keywords, avoid keyword stuffing. This is the practice of excessively using keywords in your domain name, which can harm your search engine rankings. Your domain name should still be easy to read and remember.
3. Checking Availability and Trademark Issues
Once you have a list of potential domain names, it's time to check their availability and ensure they don't infringe on any trademarks.
Domain Name Availability
Use a domain name registrar like Providers to check if your desired domain name is available. Most registrars have a search tool that allows you to quickly check availability for various domain extensions (.com.au, .net.au, etc.).
Trademark Search
Before registering a domain name, conduct a trademark search to ensure it doesn't infringe on any existing trademarks. You can search the Australian Trade Mark Search (ATMS) database on the IP Australia website. Using a domain name that infringes on a trademark can lead to legal issues and the loss of your domain name.
Social Media Availability
It's also a good idea to check if your desired domain name is available as a username on social media platforms. This can help you maintain a consistent brand identity across all your online channels. Consistent branding across platforms helps customers easily find and recognise your business. You can learn more about Providers and how we can help with your branding.
4. Considering Domain Extensions (.com.au, .net.au, etc.)
The domain extension is the suffix at the end of your domain name (.com.au, .net.au, .org.au, etc.). For Australian businesses, the .com.au extension is generally the preferred choice.
.com.au
The .com.au extension is the most common and widely recognised domain extension in Australia. It's generally used for commercial entities and businesses operating in Australia. To register a .com.au domain name, you must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
.net.au
The .net.au extension is typically used for internet service providers and network infrastructure companies. However, it can also be used by other businesses that provide network-related services.
.org.au
The .org.au extension is generally used for non-profit organisations, charities, and community groups.
Other Extensions
Other less common extensions include .asn.au (associations), .id.au (individuals), and .edu.au (educational institutions). These extensions have specific eligibility requirements.
Choosing the Right Extension
For most Australian businesses, the .com.au extension is the best choice. It's the most recognisable and trusted extension, and it signals to customers that you're an Australian business. However, if you're a non-profit organisation, the .org.au extension may be more appropriate. Consider what we offer and how it aligns with your domain extension choice.
5. Keeping it Short, Memorable, and Brandable
A short, memorable, and brandable domain name is easier to remember and type, making it more likely that people will visit your website.
Short and Concise
Aim for a domain name that is as short as possible while still being relevant to your business. Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type, and they're less likely to be misspelled. Ideally, your domain name should be under 15 characters.
Easy to Remember
Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and pronounce. Avoid using complex words, unusual spellings, or hyphens (unless absolutely necessary). A memorable domain name will stick in people's minds and make it easier for them to find your website again.
Brandable
A brandable domain name is one that reflects your brand identity and values. It should be unique, memorable, and relevant to your business. Avoid using generic or keyword-stuffed domain names that don't represent your brand.
Avoiding Hyphens and Numbers
While hyphens and numbers can be used in domain names, it's generally best to avoid them. Hyphens can make your domain name harder to remember and type, and numbers can be confusing. If you must use a hyphen, make sure it's clear and easy to understand. If you have further questions, check our frequently asked questions.
Testing Your Domain Name
Before you register your domain name, test it out on a few people. Ask them if it's easy to remember, pronounce, and understand. Their feedback can help you identify any potential issues and make sure your domain name is the best possible choice.
Choosing the perfect .com.au domain name requires careful consideration and planning. By brainstorming ideas, conducting keyword research, checking availability and trademark issues, considering domain extensions, and keeping it short, memorable, and brandable, you can select a domain name that will help your business succeed online.