Domain Name Registration: What you should know

If you are looking to register a domain name, you may be confused at the variety of different offers available. There are a large number of domain name registrars available to you worldwide, each capable of registering your chosen domain for a fee. But with these prices varying immensely between each registrar, there is obviously more to consider. So why do domain name registrars vary so much, and how do I choose the best domain name deal?

All top level domains - .com, .net, .org, .biz, .info, .us, .name, etc. - and many second level domains - .co.uk, for example - are administered by ICANN – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. For Australian second level domains - .com.au, .org.au, etc. – the registry is called AusRegistry and is administered by AuDA.

But you can’t approach these registries direct for your domain name as they can only be registered through approved and licensed registrars. These registrars can register your chosen domain name on your behalf and will pass the costs of this process onto you, including additional fees for providing this service.

It is important when distinguishing between registrars to identify the level and style of additional services you will receive as part of your registration. If you will also need a web hosting package for your new domain, it is worth investigating what the registrar has on offer as it can be convenient to have the domain and hosting in the same place. Customer service is important – particularly if you are not technically minded yourself, so a 24 hour phone service could be vital. What about additional advice and online mentoring? By assessing the additional services on offer, you can best judge the value of the deal you are making.

Rules

In Australia a .COM.AU domain name can serve as a good URL for your business, however globally registering of a .COM is king! Depending on your market strategy, you may find it advantageous to register your International, as well as your Australian domain names.

To own a .com.au or .net.au you must be an Australian registered company, or business with a registered business number (ABN, BRN, BN).
The licence requirements for a .com.au and .net.au domain name require your business to be registered for business in Australia, this means registering your business or company name with one of the official Government Authorities, eg ASIC, State Dept. of Fair Trading, or alternatively by obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the ATO.
The domain name you order should have either be an exact match, acronym or abbreviation of the supplied business registration, or it should bear a close and substantial connection to the domain name:

For example, the Ford Motor Company would be reasonably entitled to own:

• www.fordmotorcompany.com.au
• www.ford.com.au
• www.mustang.com.au
• www.fordfocus.com.au

Domains can be 2 to 63 letters, and words can be separated by hyphens, but not spaces

These domain names are not restricted or regulated by .au Policy Rules. They are therefore policy free and anyone can register any domain name. If you own a company name, or a trademark, register an .au.com domain name to prevent anyone else registering that name.

To qualify for these domains your organisation must be a "non-commercial organisation".
The domain name you register should have a solid relationship to the organisation to which it represents.
For example, the Salvation Army are reasonably entitled to own:

• www.salvationarmy.org.au
• www.salvos.org.au

Especially designed for individuals, who reside in Australia. You may register ANY personal name by which you are known.
For example, Kevin Rudd would be reasonably entitled to own:

• www.kevin-rudd.id.au
• www.k-rudd.id.au
• www.theprimeminister.id.au