What is a domain name?

Think of a domain name as your website’s unique digital location—it’s how people find you in the vast online world. It often mirrors your business name, making it easier for customers to remember and reach your site.

A domain name is made up of two key components:

• The Name: This is the part that reflects your brand or website’s identity—it’s your site’s calling card.
• The Domain Extension (TLD): Known as the top-level domain, this part signals the category or location of your site, like .com, .net, or .com.au for Australian businesses.

For instance, in “rb.com.au,” “rb” represents the name, while “.com.au” tells visitors it’s an Australian-based website.

While a domain name gives your site a home online, it’s not quite the same as a full web address or URL. The URL is the complete path that directs users to a specific page, such as https://www.rb.com.au/services/web-design-development-newcastle/. The domain name is just the main part of this address.

In short, your domain name is the cornerstone of your online identity, helping your audience find you effortlessly and boosting your brand’s recognition across the web. It’s not just an address—it’s your digital handshake with the world.

Is a domain name the same as web hosting?

No, a domain name is different to hosting—and you’ll need both to launch a website.

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, such as rb.com.au. It’s essentially your digital storefront’s location, making it easy for people to find you online.

Web hosting, on the other hand, is where your website’s files, content, and data are stored. It’s the physical space that holds everything from your site’s images and text to databases and other resources, ensuring your website is accessible to visitors.

Think of it this way: the domain name is like your street address, while web hosting is the actual building where all your website content resides.

To have a fully functioning website, you need both working together.

How to choose the right domain name for your website

Picking the perfect domain name is a critical step in building your online presence.

While many businesses go with a domain that matches their company name, it should also capture the essence of your brand, showcase what you offer, and align with your values.

Make it short, easy to spell, and memorable enough to make a lasting impact on your audience.

There are two popular strategies when it comes to choosing a domain:

• Keyword-focused domains: Some brands incorporate keywords that their target audience is likely searching for, such as “Sydney vets”. This approach aims to help the website appear in relevant search results and attract traffic from the right consumers.
• Unique domains: Others recommend going for a name that stands out and isn’t commonly used. A one-of-its-kind, eye-catching domain can make your brand more recognisable and reduce the competition for web traffic compared to high-volume search terms.

Whichever path you take, tools like Google Trends can help you evaluate how your ideas measure up against popular search terms, giving you a sense of what’s resonating with potential customers.

If you plan on using social media to promote your business, don’t forget to check if your desired name is also available on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

Consistency across your domain and social media handles helps strengthen your brand and makes it easier for people to find you.

How to check if your chosen domain is available

To find out if your preferred domain is up for grabs, you can perform a quick domain search using an online tool specifically designed for checking domain availability.

These tools can instantly show whether the domain name you want is available. Some platforms also let you check if a corresponding business name is available, allowing you to align your online identity with your business registration.

If the domain is available and doesn’t conflict with any legal restrictions, such as Australia’s Reserved List Policy, you’re all set to register it for your business. Acting fast is key—domains can be snapped up quickly, and registering early secures your digital address.

How to get a domain name

At this stage, it’s important to note that the idea of “buying” a domain name can be misleading because you can’t actually purchase one permanently.

Instead, you’re essentially renting the rights to use the domain name for a specified period, with the option to renew the registration once that period ends.

When you register a new domain, you’re securing the right to use that web address for a set term—much like leasing a property. This process involves acquiring a licence from the organisation that manages the registry for the domain extension. For instance, all .au domains are regulated by auDA, the Australian Domain Name Administrator.

If you’re interested in obtaining an existing domain name that’s already registered by someone else, you’re not “buying” the name outright. Instead, you’re acquiring the rights to maintain the registration. This means taking over the lease and renewing it as required to continue using the domain.

To keep your domain active, you must stay current with registration fees and comply with relevant registry policies. As long as you renew on time and don’t infringe on trademarks or other legal requirements, you can retain your domain indefinitely.

Useful tips for registering a domain

Here’s how to get a website domain name in Australia:

1. Use a reputable registrar: Register your domain through a trusted provider, like Webcentral, VentraIP, OnlyDomains, or explore marketplaces like GoDaddy for existing domains.

2. Make sure ownership is in your name: If you’re using a third party, such as a web developer, to register the domain for you, check it’s registered in your name or your business’s name. This prevents any disputes or issues with ownership down the line.

3. Take note of the renewal process: Keep track of renewal dates and fees to avoid losing your domain.

How much does it cost to buy a domain name?

The cost of registering a domain varies greatly depending on the registrar you choose. While some offer budget-friendly rates, others may charge higher fees based on additional services like privacy protection, email hosting, or premium support.

To get the best deal, compare pricing across multiple registrars and look at what’s included in the cost—some may bundle features like DNS management or email forwarding at no extra charge. Keep in mind that renewal rates can differ from initial registration fees, so check long-term costs as well.

Investing time in finding the right registrar can help you secure a fair price while ensuring you get the features you need.

How long do domain name registrations take?

Registering a domain is generally a fast process, taking only a few minutes to register ‘ownership’ and being confirmed almost instantly after payment. Depending on what extras come with your purchase (e.g. email hosting) it can then take the registrar a few hours to a couple of days to complete the setup required for the domain to be fully functional. The exact duration depends on factors like the registrar you use, the type of domain extension, and any additional steps involved.

For example, popular extensions such as .com or .com.au, are typically quick and easy to register. That said, other domain types or registrars might require extra verification, such as identity checks or document submission, which can extend the process.

To avoid delays, ensure all your information is accurate when you register and be prepared to complete any verification steps as soon as they come up.

Will my domain expire?

Yes, domain names do expire—they’re essentially rented on a subscription basis. How long you can register a domain varies; some extensions allow up to 10 years, while others are shorter.

For Australian-specific domain extensions like .com.au, .net.au, .org.au, .asn.au, or .id.au, the standard registration period is 2 years. After this time, you’ll need to renew the domain to keep ownership. You can’t buy a domain outright forever, but you can renew it indefinitely to retain control, as long as you pay the fees on time.

To avoid any disruptions, consider setting up auto-renewal with your registrar or creating reminders for renewal dates. This will help ensure you maintain control over your domain and avoid the risk of losing it if the registration lapses.

How do I renew my domain?

Staying proactive with renewals ensures keeps your domain in your hands, and your online presence uninterrupted. Here’s how to renew your domain in five simple steps:

1. Watch for renewal reminders: Your domain registrar will typically send notifications as the renewal date approaches, often via email. To avoid missing these reminders, make sure the registrar’s emails are not marked as spam and are directed to your primary inbox.

2. Review renewal fees and terms: Check the renewal fee, as prices may change due to market conditions or additional services tied to your domain. Make sure you understand what’s included in the renewal—such as security features or email hosting—and whether any extra costs apply.

3. Update contact information if necessary: Before renewing, verify that all associated contact details, including administrative and billing contacts, are current. Keeping this information up to date ensures you receive future renewal notices and can manage your domain without issues.

4. Complete the payment before expiration: Pay the renewal fee before the domain’s expiration date to avoid losing ownership or facing service disruptions.

5. Confirm the renewal status: You can often set up auto-renewal with your registrar, but it’s still a good practice to manually confirm the renewal has gone through. After making the payment, log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard to check that the renewal has been processed and the expiration date has been updated.

Tips for setting up a domain name in Australia

1. Register your domain ASAP

Got a great domain name in mind? Don’t wait—register it now, even if your website launch is months or years away. Locking it in early ensures you own the rights, keeping competitors or opportunists from snagging it, so you’ll be ready to roll when your business is.

After all, domain names are in high demand, and there’s always a chance that someone else might register the exact one you want or something very similar.

If your preferred domain is already taken, you could end up having to pay a premium to buy it from the current owner, or you might need to choose a less ideal alternative.

Additionally, securing your domain early gives you more flexibility for future planning. You can use the domain for a “coming soon” page, generate buzz around your business before the official launch, or even set up email addresses (more on this below).

Ultimately, registering your domain as soon as you can is a low-cost, high-value investment in your brand’s future. It’s a simple way to protect your brand identity and keep your long-term goals on track.

2. Consider choosing .au

The .au direct domain is a top-level option reserved for Australia-based businesses, organisations, and even individuals. It’s perfect for any industry or venture looking to make a clear statement about being rooted in Australia, letting customers know they’re dealing with a genuine local brand.

Choosing a .au domain isn’t just about claiming your spot in the Australian market; it’s also about making a memorable impression. These domains are shorter and simpler, giving your brand a punchier online identity that’s easy to recall and search for.

Plus, there’s less red tape involved compared to .com.au domains. With no requirement for an ABN or ACN, even startups and early-stage companies can jump in and secure a .au direct domain without the hassle. It’s a straightforward way to put your business on the digital map, even if you’re just getting started.

Discover auDA’s eligibility criteria.

3. Use your domain name in your email address

Using your domain name for your email address, such as [email protected], adds a professional touch to your communications.

To get started, you’ll need to purchase an email hosting service, which is a separate process from registering your domain. Some providers offer bundled packages that include both domain registration and email hosting, making it easier to manage everything in one place.

Alternatively, you can choose an email service provider separately. When selecting one, consider factors like storage capacity, spam protection, security features, and support for multiple email accounts. Also, make sure the service offers reliable integration with popular email clients like Outlook or Gmail for seamless access.

Taking these steps will help you build a consistent brand image while ensuring you have a reliable and professional email solution in place.

4. Get your hands on related domain names

Acquiring multiple domain names can be a smart strategy for protecting your brand and expanding your online presence.

By owning variations of your main domain—such as different spellings, extensions (like .com, .net, or .com.au), or even common misspellings—you can safeguard against competitors or opportunists who might try to misuse your brand.

To manage these domains efficiently, consider using domain forwarding to redirect them to your primary website or specific landing pages. This way, you can consolidate traffic while maintaining flexibility for future growth.

Legal requirements for domain registration in Australia

When registering a domain name in Australia, you’ll need to meet specific legal and regulatory requirements, depending on the type of domain you choose.

For a .au direct domain, you must demonstrate a connection to Australia. This means you need to have an Australian presence, such as:

• Being an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Operating a business or organisation that is registered in Australia

When it comes to .com.au or .net.au domains, the requirements are more specific. To register one of these domains, you must:

• Be a commercial entity, such as a business, company, or organisation
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)

It’s important to note that registering a domain name only gives you ownership of the web address; it does not provide any intellectual property protection for the name itself. To fully protect your brand, consider registering your business name with the relevant authorities and securing a trademark.

By understanding these requirements and taking additional steps to safeguard your brand, you can confidently establish a strong online presence in Australia.

Make the most of your website with Redback

Congrats! Now that you know how to get a domain name in Australia, you can lay the foundation for your brand’s digital presence and secure a unique online address that sets you apart. From there, it’s time to transform that virtual space into a vibrant hub for your audience.

Whether you’re building a website, launching a new product, or growing your online reach, we’re here to help you grow. Our digital specialists can develop, design, optimise and drive traffic to your site with reliable, creative and effective strategies.

Ready to take the next step?

For full-service support, call (02) 4962 2236 or connect with our team online.