.com. .com.au. .au. .org.
These are called domain namespaces and they can have more of a benefit on your business than you may think.
If you’re an Australian business, chances are you have seen a website ending in .au in recent times. This likely got you wondering how they got that in their URL, if you need one and if it has much of an impact.
To answer all your questions, we’ve created this guide to how .au websites can benefit your business, and how to get one.
About .au Domain Namespaces
A .au domain namespace signifies a website has a connection to Australia, typically as a registered business or organisation. It can be used at the end of a URL instead of .com, .com.au, .org, etc. However, businesses can register for more than one of these namespaces and direct their website to each, if they wish.
In March 2022, .au domains became available to registered Australian businesses. Those with an existing .com.au domain address had priority of claiming their .au, before opening to the rest of the business public in September 2022. Prior to early 2022, only .com.au and .org.au namespaces were available to signify an Australian website.
How can using a .au domain benefit your business?
A .com.au domain lets potential customers know you are an Australian business and you have a presence in the country. This is important for those who wish to shop within Australia and deal with Australian companies.
A shortened direct .au domain will deliver even more benefits. Benefits of using a .au domain include:
- Allowing you to create more memorable and catchier online names that are easy to remember.
- Improving your branding, marketing and advertising with a shortened name.
- Making it much easier for customers to find and remember your website by registering different variations of your domain name.
- Safeguarding your website and business against cybercrime and fraud.
Claiming your .au domain, even if you don’t plan on using it, also stops anyone else from buying and using it.
Who can use a .au domain?
Any business with an Australian presence is eligible to apply for a .au domain name. This includes:
- Registered companies
- Sole traders
- Partnerships
- Owners of registered Australian trade marks
- Registered charities
- Registered political parties
- Foreign companies who are licensed to trade in Australia
Do you have to switch to a direct .au domain?
It is your choice whether you wish to switch to or use a .au domain. The process is optional and you can choose to stick with your current .com.au domain name, which will continue to operate in the exact same way.
However, it’s important to not reserving your .au domain name can leave your business, brand and identity more vulnerable to cyber security risks as other businesses can register it instead after September 2022. It’s always a good idea to register all variations of your domain name, including .com.au, .au and .com.
Talk to the SEO and Digital Marketing Experts
Digital Surfer are an SEO and digital marketing agency on the Gold Coast with extensive experience in organic and local SEO, web design, digital marketing strategies and much more. Our talented team understands all about the importance of the right domain name and can help you out with all of your .au websites and online business needs. Give us a call today for more information and to discover how we can help you and your business to grow.
