Marketing Services
Domain Name
Choose and manage a domain name that fits the business brand, email setup, and future website plans.
Overview
Domain Name explained
A domain name is your business address on the web, such as yourbusiness.com.au. It is what people type to reach your website and the foundation for professional email, so it is worth choosing carefully and registering in your own name.
In Australia, namespaces like .com.au and .au require an Australian presence — typically an ABN, ACN, or registered business name — and are managed under auDA rules. Direct .au registration is also available alongside the longer .com.au. Cockatoo helps you pick a name and keep it under your control.
A good domain is short, easy to say aloud, and close to your business name.
What to check
Key points
- A .com.au or .au domain signals you are a genuine Australian business.
- Eligibility for .au namespaces needs an Australian presence such as an ABN.
- The domain you choose shapes your email address and your website URL.
Before you start
What you'll need
- Your registered business name, ABN, or ACN for eligibility.
- A shortlist of two or three name options in case your first choice is taken.
- A decision on which extension you want, such as .com.au or .au.
- Contact details that should sit on the registration record.
- A safe place to store the login so you never lose access to it.
Process
How it works
- Brainstorm short, memorable names close to your business name.
- Check availability across the extensions you care about.
- Confirm you meet the Australian presence rules for .au namespaces.
- Register the domain in your own business name, not a third party.
- Note the renewal date so the domain never lapses by accident.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Choosing a clever spelling that customers struggle to type or say.
- Letting a contractor register the domain under their account, not yours.
- Missing a renewal and risking losing the name to someone else.
- Ignoring eligibility rules and being surprised a .com.au is unavailable.
Common questions
Domain Name FAQs
Who can register a .com.au or .au domain name in Australia?
You generally need an Australian presence, such as an ABN, ACN, or registered business name, because these namespaces are governed by auDA rules. The registration system checks eligibility, so have your business details ready before you start.
What is the difference between .com.au and .au?
Both are Australian namespaces. The .com.au form has long been the standard for businesses, while direct .au registration offers a shorter address. Many businesses register the version that matches their brand, and some secure both to protect the name.
Should the domain be registered in my name or my web designer’s?
Always register it under your own business details. The domain is a core asset, and you want to keep full control of it. If a contractor registers it for you, make sure ownership and login sit with your business, not theirs.
What happens if I forget to renew my domain?
A lapsed domain can be suspended and eventually released, which means your website and email could stop working and someone else could take the name. Keep the renewal date noted and your contact details current so reminders reach you.
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