Registering a .au direct domain helps you maintain credibility and boost your presence in the local market. By following the best practices to maintain eligibility and following the required steps, you can get your domain name registered.

Creating an online presence is one of the best ways to establish your business in Australia. A .au direct domain name helps you do just that. It gives your brand a concise and straightforward digital identity that customers can easily remember.

With a .au domain, you can build and scale your website with a name that represents your services.

Let’s explore direct .au domain benefits for your business and the steps to register it.

What Are the Direct .au Domain Benefits?

About half of Australian customers prefer shopping from a website ending in .au. If your goal is to connect with local audiences, securing a .au direct domain helps you target efficiently.

Here’s how:

SEO

A .au domain signals an Australian presence, improving the chances of ranking higher in local searches, as search engines prioritise local businesses in their search results.

Brand Identity

A .au domain is short, clean, and easy to type or remember. This helps reinforce your brand identity and improves recall among local customers.

Improved Credibility

To register .au direct domain, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by auDA. This makes your brand appear more credible.

Who Can Use a .au Direct Domain Name?

A .au direct domain name helps individuals and businesses looking to establish a strong online presence in Australia. Here’s who can benefit from it:

  • Share content such as videos, blogs, and experiences with a local audience
  • Craft dedicated campaigns through a website for specific products, services, or promotions
  • Set up an e-commerce business targeting Australian customers
  • Create a legitimate Australian presence for your brand or organisation
  • Create a professional email address that reflects your brand
  • Present your work or skills to prospective clients and employers

Priority Domain Name Registration

auDA hosted a priority Australian domain registration period from 24 March 2022 to 20 September 2022. During this time, businesses with existing .au domains could register the exact match .au direct version.

Who is Eligible to Get a .au Direct Domain Name?

To register .au domain name, you must have an Australian presence. You can qualify if you are:

  • An Australian-registered company
  • An incorporated association in any Australian state or territory
  • Operating under a registered business name
  • A sole trader or Australian partnership
  • An applicant or owner of an Australian registered trademark
  • A foreign business licensed to trade in Australia

If you’re a foreign entity applying through a trademark, the domain name must be an exact match to your trademark.

Guide to Register .au Domain Name

Getting your .au domain involves a few important steps. Here’s how to go about it:

Select a Domain Name

Pick a name that communicates your brand and is easy to remember. Make sure it:

  • Follows domain syntax rules
  • Isn’t already taken or reserved
  • Avoids hyphens or numbers
  • Includes relevant keywords to improve SEO
Pro Tip: Tell your domain name to some of your friends and ask them to pronounce it. If they can recall and pronounce it easily, the domain name is good to go. If not, you might need to make changes.

Check Availability

Once you’ve chosen a name, check if it’s available. If already registered, you’ll need to look for alternative names. Also, check for any trademark conflicts to avoid legal troubles later on.

Also Read: WHOIS Lookup Tools: Discover How to Check Domain Name Ownership and Find Domain Owner History

Select a Registrar

Look for a registrar to register your domain name. These are the companies accredited by the AudA that offer Australian domain registration services. Compare pricing, support, and services to ensure the registrar meets your business needs.

Providing the Details

You’ll need to provide documentation to verify your Australian presence, such as ABN, ACN, trademark, or business registration details. Additionally, you need to provide contact details, registration period, and other necessary details.

Complete the Registration

Once the documents are submitted, you’ll pay the registration fee. The registrar will verify your eligibility and, upon approval, assign the domain name to you. You’re now ready to build your website.

Make sure that you renew the domain name timely post registration to maintain your presence.

Also Read: Domain Name Renewal- Budget-friendly Tips

Things to Keep in Mind After Registration

Your eligibility must be maintained throughout the Australian domain registration period. Here’s what can make you ineligible:

  • Cancellation of your ABN/ACN
  • Failure to update the registrant info after acquiring the domain via asset purchase
  • Business name or entity changes without updating records
  • Lapsed business name registration
  • Transfer of ownership without proper documentation

Conclusion

The .au direct domain name helps you create and build your online presence in Australia. By following the steps mentioned above and maintaining eligibility throughout, you can establish a credible presence for your business.

Crazy Domains can help you find and register the perfect domain name and assist you in building and growing your website. With tailored solutions and expert guidance, Crazy Domains helps you create a website with smooth navigation.

Contact us today and take the first step toward building your brand in Australia.