3. A domain name is the address of a website.

In popular usage, URL is a widespread synonym for Uniform Resource Locator and many popular and technical texts will use the term "URL" when referring to your domain name.

Do I need a Domain Name?

For business intending to have an online presence, registering a domain name should be an early step in implementing your business plan, along with registering your business name. A company with its own domain name and a professional looking website will have a higher rate of success.

You don't need to have a web site to register a domain name, but an ABN or ACN is required for .au domains.

Choosing a good domain name can be a crucial factor to the success or failure of your online business.

You may wonder how something so small and slight could have an impact on your online business?

Let's look at the six main qualities that a good domain name must have to ensure maximum success.


1.) Memorable

A good domain name must be memorable.

Yes, we have the option of bookmarking a site that we enjoy; however, the hard truth is that many people do not take advantage of bookmarking. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that your domain name is one that is easy to remember and makes an impact. It should be easy, memorable, and straight forward.



2.) Short and Sweet

Twenty characters is the maximum that you should use for a good domain name, ten is even better.

A long and complicated domain name is not going to help you. Your best bet is to keep it short and sweet. A great domain name is less than ten characters; a good domain name is less than twenty characters. A bad domain name goes over twenty characters.



3.) Be Choosy On Your Extension

There are several domain extensions available to you such as .com, .net, .org, .tv, .info, .gov and so on.

However, some of these work better than others and are more memorable at the same time. It is important to understand that some extensions also have restrictions such as .gov is reserved specifically for government websites. The .com and .com.au domain name extensions are the best by far, because it is the most widely used (unless you are a non profit organisation - .org or .org.au).

The .net extension is the second best, but be prepared most people will type .com before they will .net if they cannot remember which extension you use. The type of extension you use might also have a bearing on the type of website. Some people have come to expect certain things when a particular extension. For example, .org is typically used by not-for-profit organisation and educational websites. The .info extensions are generally used for informational websites.



4.) Spelling Means Everything

Having a difficult to spell domain name could cause you some trouble.

Again, many do not even make use of bookmarks; therefore, if your domain name is hard to spell, they may end up at a competitor's website.

A good domain name contains only words that are easy to pronounce, have a good combination of words or letters that are used in every day language, and does not contain foreign words that may be difficult to non-english speakers.



5.) Tells a Story

A good domain name should be descriptive and tell a story.

In other words, when your visitors, customers, or potential customers see your domain name they should instantly be able to tell what they are going to find.

For instance, if it is your business, a business name is good. A descriptive domain name can help users understand what it is you do.



6.) Avoid Fancy Symbols

It is not a real good idea to use symbols or numbers within your domain name.

Even if your domain name is memorable, many people will not pay attention to the symbols, which could lead them to someone else's website.



In Australia .COM.AU domain names can serve as a good URL for your business, however globally registering of a .COM as well is also a good idea.

You could also invest in variants of your domain name to increase search results and relevance, and with them traffic. These variant domain names are parked (pointed at your website).


The Toowoomba Web Design website package comes with domain name included!


Domain Name Extensions

au Second Level Domains (2LDs)
www.yourbusiness.com.au (this is a 2LD)

Within the .au domain, there are several second level domains (2LDs).

When it comes to registering a domain name, you can choose the 2LD which best suits your purposes.

Each serves a specific type of enterprise and the options are outlined below.

asn.au
For incorporated associations, political parties, trade unions, sporting and special interest clubs.

com.au
For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).

net.au
For commercial entities, such as companies (with ACN as registered through ASIC), and businesses (registered with state governments).

id.au
For individuals who are Australian citizens or residents.

org.au
For charities and non-profit organisations.

edu.au
For educational institutions registered at federal or state level. This domain is managed on behalf of the Australian education sector by the Australian Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee (AICTEC). For policy and registration information, please contact Education.au Ltd.

gov.au
For federal, state and local government bodies. This domain is managed on behalf of the Australian government sector by the Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO). For policy and registration information, please contact AGIMO.

csiro.au
For the sole use of the Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO). This domain is managed by CSIRO. For policy and registration information, please contact CSIRO.

info.au
Not accepting new registrations at this time.