To buy a domain name in Australia, you need to understand the .au domain name system, the registration requirements, and the benefits of choosing a .com.au domain. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.
Understanding the .au Domain Name System
The .au domain name system (DNS) is crucial for navigating websites and sending emails with domain names ending in .au. It processes over three billion queries per day, underpinning the connection of millions of Internet users to local websites. The DNS helps people quickly and accurately navigate to websites and send emails, making it an essential part of the Australian online presence.
How to Buy a Domain in Australia
To register most Australian domain names, you need to be a ‘commercial entity’ with links to Australia and provide an ID number as proof of your connection.
The most common ID numbers used are the Australian Company Number (ACN), Business Number (ABN), and Australian Trademark Number.
It’s important to choose a domain registrar that supports Australian domains, offers competitive pricing, and provides good customer service in your country.
Price of .COM.AU Domain in Top 5 Providers
The price of .com.au domains varies among different providers. Here are the prices from the top 5 domain name providers in Australia:
Google Domains:
- Initial Price: $18
- Renewal: $18
GoDaddy:
- Initial Price: $9.96 (year 1), $34.96 thereafter
- GoDaddy offers 24/7 support and many features, and its .com.au and .com domains are competitively priced with instant integration backed by Google’s 24/7 support team
SeekaHost:
- Offers .com.au domains at $12.50 a year.
OnlyDomains:
- Initial Price: $9.99
- Renewal: $11.9
Consider not only the initial price but also the renewal costs and the additional features and support offered by the domain name providers.
Benefits of .com.au Domain
The .com.au domain is a great choice for establishing an online presence in Australia. It instantly shows your connection to the country, instilling a sense of trust and relevance among local customers.
Many well-established brands and local businesses opt for .com.au domains to establish a strong local presence.
The .com.au domain extension has gained substantial popularity over the years, making it a preferred choice for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
A .com.au domain comes with several advantages, particularly if you’re targeting the Australian market or have an Australian business. Here are some key benefits:
Increased Trust and Credibility:
- Local Recognition: The “.com.au” extension instantly tells visitors your website is Australian, fostering trust and familiarity. Studies show users perceive .com.au domains as more trustworthy than generic domains like .com.
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: Only businesses or individuals with a legitimate Australian connection can register a .com.au domain, adding another layer of trust and filtering out potential scams.
Improved Search Engine Ranking:
- Local SEO Boost: Search engines like Google prioritize locally relevant websites. A .com.au domain signals to search engines your website caters to the Australian market, potentially boosting your ranking in local search results.
- Targeted Audience: By using a .com.au domain, you indicate your target audience is in Australia, allowing search engines to better match your website with relevant searches.
Branding and Marketing:
- Memorable and Unique: A .com.au domain creates a distinct and memorable web address, making it easier for users to find and remember your website.
- Targeted Marketing: It allows you to tailor your marketing efforts specifically to the Australian market, using local language, references, and cultural nuances.
Additional Benefits:
- Domain Protection: The auDA (Australian Domain Administration) enforces stricter regulations compared to some generic domain registries, offering better protection against domain name scams and cybersquatting.
- Wider Choice: With a wider range of available domain names compared to the saturated .com space, you’re more likely to find a name that perfectly reflects your brand or business.
However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks:
- Limited Global Appeal: A .com.au domain might not be ideal if you target a global audience, as it might restrict your reach outside Australia.
- Potentially Higher Cost: In some cases, .com.au domains can be slightly more expensive than generic domains like .com.
Overall, a .com.au domain offers significant advantages for businesses and individuals targeting the Australian market. If your primary focus is on Australia, a .com.au domain can be a valuable asset for building trust, improving search ranking, and strengthening your brand identity.
Checking Domain Name History
Before finalizing a domain name, it’s essential to check its history. You can use the WHOIS lookup to find out the expiry date, registered owner, and technical details of .com.au domains from Australia. Additionally, you can use search engines and social media to look up the domain’s past and check for any red flags or negative associations.
how to perform a domain name lookup in Australia
To perform a domain name lookup in Australia, you can use the WHOIS lookup tool provided by various domain registrars and organizations. Here are some steps to perform a domain name lookup in Australia:
DomainRegistration.com.au WHOIS Lookup:
- This tool allows you to search for an Australian domain name owner and find current registration details of Australian domains such as .com.au, .net.au, and .org.au.
Webcentral WHOIS Registry Australia:
- Webcentral provides a WHOIS search tool to check the status, registration, ownership, or availability of all domain names, including .au domains. You can use this tool to search the details of all Australian domain names.
EuroDNS WHOIS Search for .COM.AU Domains:
- EuroDNS offers a WHOIS search to find out the expiry date, registered owner, and technical details of .COM.AU domains from Australia. This tool provides information on the registration date, expiry date, and the registered owner of the domain.
VentraIP WHOIS Domain Lookup:
- VentraIP provides a WHOIS lookup tool to find registration details of a domain name. You can type the domain name you want to look up into the search box and press the “WHOIS Lookup” button to retrieve the details.
auDA WHOIS Lookup:
- The auDA WHOIS lookup tool allows you to search for domain names and IP addresses. It reflects up-to-the-minute registrations and is operated in accordance with the auDA WHOIS Policy.
By using these WHOIS lookup tools, you can find essential information about domain names, including registration details, ownership, and expiry dates, which is crucial for verifying the authenticity of a domain name in Australia.
In conclusion, the process of buying a domain name in Australia involves understanding the .au domain name system, meeting the registration requirements, and choosing a domain name that reflects your connection to the country. The .com.au domain is a popular and trusted choice for establishing a strong online presence in Australia. By following these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the domain name lookup process in Australia.
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