How do I register a domain name?

So, you’ve decided on a domain name and want to purchase it. That’s great news and it’s an easy process. If you are still undecided, here are a couple of points to consider:

Ideally your domain name will reflect your businesses name, trading name or product. A large proportion of your customers may guess your domain name and type your business name or product name straight into their browser. rather than searching for you through a search engine.

The best domain name you can have is one that is most easily identifiable and memorable for your customers.

Is it easy to spell?

If you have an business name with unusual spelling it may be wise to register common misspellings of your name as well and simply redirect the traffic to your main web site address e.g. 'quantas.com.au' for 'qantas.com.au', 'vodaphone.com.au' for 'vodafone.com.au'.

Is it easy and short to remember?

Sometimes it may be a better strategy to use an abbreviated version of your name or initials e.g. 'commonwealthbank.com.au' and 'cba.com.au'

Is it easily differentiated from similar business/product names?

If your business or product name is very similar to another company's, you need to choose a website address that won't confuse your customers. If you do not have a well known brand or product then a generic domain may be the best choice for you e.g. 'melbourne-plumbing.com.au'.

How will customers most likely try to find you?

In many cases, your customers may know your products or nickname better than your business name so that may be a better choice e.g. 'termdeposits.com.au' or 'usedholden.com.au' or 'cheapcourier.com.au'.

Where are your primary markets?

If a substantial proportion of your current or prospective business comes from 'specific' national markets, you should consider registering domain names in those markets:

• .au - Australia
• .nz - New Zealand
• .uk - United Kingdom
• .cn - China
• .sg - Singapore

For more information on country-coded domain names, please refer to What are CCTLD domain names?

Do a search and see if your preferred domain name is available

Once you've decided on the name you want, use our free domain name assist tool to see if it's still available. Simply enter 'yourcompanyname' and click on 'Search'. If the name you want is already registered, you'll need to choose an alternative. You may like to try the net.au version or even consider a domain registration in another global address such as .com or .net - and if you're not sure, we suggest contacting one of our consultants to take you through your options.

How to register a domain name

To register a domain name:

1. Go to www.melbourneit.com.au
2. Enter the domain name you want to register in the 'Domain Name Search' box
3. Click Search. The Domain Name Search Results page will be displayed, as well as related domain names you might also want to register.
4. Choose the domain name you want to register and click Add to Cart
5. Follow the prompts to continue

The receipt and instructions for using your domain name will be emailed to the contact email address you supplied, once the transaction has been approved