Choosing a Domain Name for Your Australian Business

Your domain name is your address on the internet. It is how customers find you, how they remember you, and often the first impression they have of your business online. Choosing the right domain name is one of the most important decisions you will make when setting up your online presence.

For Australian businesses, there are some unique considerations — particularly around whether to choose a .com.au or .com domain. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to choose a domain name that works for your business.

Why Your Domain Name Matters

First Impressions

Your domain name often appears in search results, on business cards, in email addresses, and in online directories. It represents your business before people even visit your website.

Memorability

A good domain name is easy to remember, easy to spell, and easy to say out loud. If someone hears your domain name in conversation or on the radio, they should be able to type it correctly without hesitation.

Credibility

A professional domain name (especially a .com.au for Australian businesses) signals legitimacy. A business using a free email address or a long, confusing domain name appears less trustworthy.

SEO Impact

While your domain name alone will not determine your search rankings, it can contribute to your overall SEO strategy. A clear, relevant domain helps users and search engines understand what your business is about.

.com.au vs .com: Which Should You Choose?

This is the most common question Australian business owners ask about domains. Here is the breakdown.

.com.au Domains

The .com.au extension is specifically for Australian businesses. To register one, you need an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).

Advantages:

  • Signals that you are an Australian business, which builds trust with local customers
  • Australian customers instinctively trust .com.au domains
  • Better for local SEO — Google understands that .com.au sites target Australian audiences
  • Less competition for available names compared to .com

Considerations:

  • Only available to Australian businesses with an ABN or ACN
  • Slightly longer than a .com domain
  • Less suitable if you plan to serve international markets primarily

.com.au vs .com: Which Should You Choose? Infographic

.com Domains

The .com extension is the most recognised domain extension globally.

Advantages:

  • Universally recognised and trusted
  • Suitable if you serve international customers
  • Shorter than .com.au

Considerations:

  • Much more competitive — many .com names are already taken
  • Does not specifically signal an Australian business
  • No ABN requirement (anyone can register)

Our Recommendation

For most local and Australian-focused businesses, register both the .com.au and .com versions of your domain. Use the .com.au as your primary domain and redirect the .com to it. This protects your brand and ensures customers find you regardless of which extension they type.

If budget is tight, prioritise the .com.au for a locally focused business.

Tips for Choosing a Great Domain Name

1. Keep It Short

Shorter domains are easier to remember, easier to type, and less likely to be misspelled. Aim for two to three words maximum. Under 15 characters is ideal.

Good: brightspark.com.au Less ideal: brightsparkcreativedesignstudio.com.au

2. Make It Easy to Spell

Avoid unusual spellings, hyphens, numbers, or words that people commonly misspell. If you have to spell it out every time you say it, it is too complicated.

Good: greenvalley.com.au Problematic: gr33n-vallee.com.au

Tips for Choosing a Great Domain Name Infographic

3. Make It Easy to Say

You should be able to say your domain name in conversation without confusion. The “radio test” is a good benchmark — if someone heard your domain on the radio, could they type it correctly?

4. Use Your Business Name When Possible

If your business name is available as a domain, that is usually the best choice. It maintains consistency across your branding.

5. Avoid Hyphens and Numbers

Hyphens are easily forgotten, and numbers create confusion (is it “4” or “four”?). Both make your domain harder to communicate verbally.

6. Think Long Term

Choose a domain that will still work as your business grows. If you are currently a one-person operation but might expand, avoid overly specific domains like “johnsplumbingcastlehill.com.au” — something like “johnsplumbing.com.au” gives you more flexibility.

7. Check for Trademark Conflicts

Before registering a domain, make sure it does not infringe on existing trademarks. Search the IP Australia trademark database to check. Using a trademarked name as your domain could lead to legal issues.

8. Check Social Media Availability

Ideally, your domain name should also be available as a username on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms you plan to use. Consistent naming across platforms strengthens your brand.

What If Your Ideal Domain Is Taken?

This is a common frustration, especially with .com domains. Here are some options:

Try a Different Extension

If yourname.com is taken, yourname.com.au might still be available (and vice versa).

Add a Relevant Word

Consider adding a word that describes what you do:

  • yournameplumbing.com.au
  • younamestudio.com.au
  • goyourname.com.au

Use a Location

For local businesses, adding your area can work:

  • yourbusinesssydney.com.au
  • yourbusinesshillsdistrict.com.au

Be cautious with this approach though — it limits you geographically.

Consider a Slight Variation

Sometimes a small creative change works:

  • If “greenvalley.com.au” is taken, try “greenvalleyco.com.au” or “thegreenvalley.com.au”

Do Not Buy from Domain Squatters

Some people register popular domains and resell them at inflated prices. Unless the domain is critical to your brand, it is usually better to find an alternative than to pay thousands for a parked domain.

Where to Register Your Domain

Several reputable registrars serve the Australian market:

  • VentraIP: Australian-owned, good support, competitive pricing
  • Crazy Domains: Australian-based, wide range of extensions
  • NetRegistry: Well-established Australian registrar
  • GoDaddy: Global registrar with Australian support
  • Namecheap: Affordable global option (mainly for .com domains)

For .com.au domains, make sure your registrar is accredited by auDA (the .au Domain Administration). Prices for .com.au domains typically range from $10 to $30 per year.

Setting Up Your Domain

Once you have registered your domain, you will need to:

Point It to Your Hosting

Your domain needs to connect to your web hosting (where your website files are stored). This involves updating your domain’s DNS settings to point to your host’s servers. Your hosting provider will give you the details, and most registrars have guides to help.

Set Up Professional Email

Use your domain for email ([email protected]) rather than a free email address like Gmail or Hotmail. Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 are popular options for business email.

Enable SSL

Make sure your domain uses HTTPS (the secure version of HTTP). Most hosting providers now include free SSL certificates. This is important for security, trust, and SEO.

Domain Name Checklist

Before you finalise your domain name, run through this checklist:

  • Is it short and memorable?
  • Is it easy to spell and pronounce?
  • Does it pass the radio test?
  • Is the .com.au available?
  • Is the .com available (for brand protection)?
  • Are matching social media usernames available?
  • Does it avoid trademark conflicts?
  • Does it work long-term as your business grows?
  • Is it free of hyphens and numbers?

Take Your Time

Choosing a domain name is not something to rush. It is a decision you will live with for the life of your business. Take time to brainstorm options, check availability, get feedback from trusted colleagues or friends, and make sure you are happy with your choice before you commit.

Your domain is the foundation of your online presence. Get it right, and everything else builds on a solid base.

If you need guidance choosing or setting up your domain, our team helps Western Sydney businesses get online. We are happy to point you in the right direction.

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Part of the Ganda Tech Services family, Cosmos Web Tech delivers specialist web design and digital marketing for Australian small and medium businesses.