How to choose a domain name (a simple guide)

Your domain name (like yourbusiness.com.au) is your address on the web. Pick a good one and it’s easy to say, type and remember. Here’s a simple checklist.

Keep it short and memorable

Shorter is better. Aim for something a person could hear once and type correctly. If you have to spell it out over the phone every time, it’s too complicated.

Use .com.au if you can

For an Australian business, .com.au signals you’re local and legitimate — and it’s what customers expect. .com is fine too; grab both if you can and point one at the other. Newer endings (.au, .net.au, .co) can work, but .com.au is the safe default. (To register a .com.au you need an Australian business — an ABN or ACN.)

Avoid hyphens, numbers and clever spellings

best-plumber-4u.com.au looks spammy and gets mistyped. Skip hyphens, digits, and “kreative” spellings. Plain and clear beats clever every time.

Match your business name

Ideally your domain is your business name. If that’s taken, add a location or what you do — joesplumbinggc.com.au, southportdental.com.au. A little context can even help locally.

Check it’s actually free

Search the name at any registrar before you fall in love with it. Also do a quick Google and social check so you’re not clashing with an existing brand.

Already have one, or not sure?

If you already own a domain, we can point it at your new site — see connecting your domain and going live. And if you don’t have one yet, we can register and manage it for you as part of your project, so it’s one less thing to juggle.

Stuck choosing between a couple of options? Tell us your business name and we’ll help you pick the strongest one.