Securing a good domain name is the first step to getting your business online, so let’s look into what it’s all about.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is essentially your website’s online address, eg: my domain name for this website is: www.keewebsites.com.au
Your domain name is the address people type into their internet browser to find your website. It can also be called an URL (Uniform Resource Locator) but it is more commonly known as web address or domain name.
How much does a domain name cost?
Domain names vary in price depending on who you register your domain with and what your actual domain name is.
An average price in Australia for a general name is around $40 for 2 years registration. The longer you purchase your domain name for the cheaper per year it usually gets. So, if you know you are in business for many years to come and want to save some money, buy the maximum time period. Just be aware that you pay upfront for the total.
What are my domain options?
You can register many types of domain names including; .com, .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .id.au, .eu, .co.uk, .asia, .nz. etc.
Most businesses based in Australia will register a .com.au domain name but we can help you decide on what is best for you.
It is advisable to reserve the top two or three formats to ensure that other businesses cannot purchase the same or a similar domain. Following are a few examples that you may consider purchasing:
- www.yourdomainname.com.au
- www.yourdomainname.com
- www.yourdomainname.co
How do I choose the best domain name for my business?
First rule of thumb, try and secure a domain name that is your exact business name or the exact term your business is best known as.
If some of the above domain types are not available when using your business name, then it’s important to understand there may be other businesses that have the same or similar name to you.
It is worth researching who they are so there is no confusion when it comes to people searching for your products or services.
If your business name is long, try and consolidate it down to the shortest possible option that still shows what your business is or is well known as.
NOTE: Keep in mind when you are purchasing a domain name:
- Is it easy to spell?
- Is it easy to remember?
- Does it fit with your company product, service or name?
- If it’s a long name, will it show up well when used in printed advertising?
How do I buy / get a domain name?
Domain names can be purchased through many different organisations eg: Dream IT, GoDaddy, Crazy Domains, NetRegistary to name a few.
There are literally hundreds of businesses that offer domain name registration. However, they are all linked by a central data base so there is no doubling up on domain name ownership.
We highly recommend Dream IT. They are an Australian provider with excellent service and also offer fast and affordable hosting options. Visit Dream IT here to see if your domain name is available.
Steps to securing and buying your domain name
- Go to DREAM IT. (Or your chosen provider).
- Hover over DOMAINS from main menu
- Click on REGISTER DOMAIN
4. Type in the name you are wanting to secure and hit SEARCH. This will search the central data base and let you know if your chosen domain name is available and if it is, how much it will cost.
See example below, I have typed in bestwebsitesrus to see if that domain name is available which it is at this time. You can add as many extensions eg: .com, .net etc. that you wish to your order.
5. Add to Cart the domain name/s you want to purchase and follow the prompts to complete your domain name order.
All domain providers will suggest a lot of extension names, I recommend just buying the ones that are relevant to you. eg: I would not buy www.bestwebsitesrus.wedding as it is totally irrelevant.
Dream IT also have a very efficient live chat on their website so if you are having any issues, just drop them a line.
Final Tips
CHOOSE AN EASY TO SPELL & REMEMBER DOMAIN NAME.
Ensure your domain name correctly reflects your business but also make sure it is easy to spell and remember.
BUY YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME.
Some web developers will purchase your domain name for you but to protect your IP, I highly recommend you buy your own domain name, so you OWN this name and it is registered in YOUR name.
There are some horror stories of companies registering domain names for clients then demanding crazy amounts of money from their clients to get the ownership of the name off them. Yep unbelievable I know, but true! Buyer beware!
It is not a hard process to buy a domain name but if you need help or advice, just contact us and we will guide you through the process to ensure you buy a suitable domain name and you own the name from the outset.
For any questions regarding domain names or website development, please do not hesitate to contact us, I would love to assist you.
Cheers, Kim
