DOMAIN NAME HELPFUL TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for choosing a domain name that is user-friendly and Google friendly.
Tip 1. Where possible register your country specific domain (eg. yourdomain.com.au). This will help to identify where your business operates and helps Google deliver location based content in search results. (Also see tip 7).
Tip 2. Also see if the generic domain (eg. yourdomain.com) is available. If so, register it as well and have it redirect to your primary domain. This can help when people forget to add the .au when they type your web address (you don't want your customers going to an unrelated or missing website).
Tip 3. Avoid hyphens and numerals in domain names. There are some exceptions, but generally avoid it if possible. If you do, it might help to also register variants of the domain to capture mis-spellings.
Tip 4. Avoid using acronyms - unless it's a well-known tradename or catchy. Although easier to type, a domain like xyz.com doesn't mean as much to people or Google.
Tip 5. It can be helpful to register a domain that contains high value keywords that relate to your business, business name or services. This will add relevance for Google rankings and people can see what you do even before visiting your website. Ever seen a domain advertised on the back of a vehicle and not know what the business does?
Tip 6. If you have a domain that is easy to misspell, register domains with the common misspellings and redirect them to your website so you don't miss out on visitors.
Tip 7. Australian .com.au domains are more regulated than generic .com's. Your domain name needs to be "closely and substantially connected to the registrant" and you need to have an ACN or ABN. For other rules and limitations refer to the Australian Domain Authority policy:
www.auda.org.au/policies/2012-04/
Tip 8. Seek advice before you register a domain. It's a challenge to change domain names down the track as you will lose the valuable reputation, reviews and rankings on search websites like Google.
For more information on choosing a domain names, read our article "The Value of a Good Domain Name".
Please contact us for further information on our domain service.
Your domain name needs to tell everyone who you are and what you do.