To get your .au domain name, first search to see if the name you want is available.

You’ll then need to choose a .au domain name provider – sometimes called a registrar – that provides registration services and complete their online registration process.

When registering you’ll be able to choose how long you want to hold your .au domain name for – you can choose a period of up to five years.

Lots of domain name providers also provide simple tools to build a website and email services that you can use with your .au domain name.

Learn more about registering .au domain names.

On average, you can expect to pay around $20-$30 per year for a .au domain name.

Prices for .au domain names vary depending on the provider you choose, the other services you use with your domain name – such as email, website builders and hosting – and promotional offers that might be available.

With a specific .au domain name for every context, the type of .au domain name you choose will depend on your specific needs. Australian businesses can choose from the following domain names:

• com.au: the most trusted and recognised commercial namespace in Australia
• net.au: a trusted choice for tech-focused Australian businesses
• .au direct: The newer, shorter Australian domain name for your new idea or side hustle.

Explore the different .au domain name options and read our tips on choosing a .au domain name.

.au domain names are for individuals and organisations with an Australian presence.

When you register a .au domain name you need to provide evidence you have a connection to Australia. This can include proof of your citizenship or permanent residence or an ABN.

Different namespaces (such as com.au, org.au) have rules around who can register them and what names they can choose.

Find out more about the rules for each of the different .au namespaces.

Aussies prefer .au websites because they’re more recognised and trusted than other options, and because the .au tells website visitors they’re dealing with an organisation with a connection to Australia.

A .au website is especially important for customers buying from businesses for the first time.

When it comes to shopping, they prefer to pay in local currency, know they can contact a real person in Australia, and take comfort from the fact that they’re protected by Australian laws and consumer protections.

Learn why Aussies love supporting other Aussie businesses.

It helps, but it’s not necessary. It’s now easier than ever to build a website, even if you’ve never built one before.

Many small business owners are overwhelmed by the idea of building their own website, so they never get around to it. It’s OK to start simple – as long as you start.

A simple web page with basic information such as your business location, opening hours, services you offer and contact details is enough to get started. You can always build and improve your website as you go.

There are many tools available to build websites that don’t require any knowledge of coding. Domain name providers often provide website builders as part of their service offering.

For more advanced needs, you can engage support from web professionals.

Learn more about the steps involved to get your .au website online.

auDA research shows half of Australian consumers will only shop online from a website ending in .au, and two in five would not buy from a business with a social only presence.*

So while social media can be a great choice as it’s easy to set up and lets you post where your customers are, a social-only presence could limit your pool of potential customers.

Your own website is in your control and will not be subject to algorithm or policy updates by others.

A .au website adds a level of professionalism and increases trust, plus you’ll need a domain name if you want to build your own email list for email marketing.

That’s why it’s a no regret move to get your own .au domain name to set up your website and business email. With your own .au domain name, you’re in charge.

Even if your business operates offline, it’s still a smart move to set up your own .au website and business email.

auDA research shows that checking for a website is an important part of how consumers choose who to buy from, particularly if they’ve never bought from that business before. Small business owners acknowledge they probably lose business when people can’t find their website.

Setting up a basic web page with a simple website builder tool that has a template for most types of businesses can let customers know key info about what you do and how to get in touch with you. If you’re running a café, customers expect to see a simple website that lists your location, opening hours and menu.

You can also register your .au domain name simply to protect your growing brand online.

Many Australian small businesses already understand the benefits a .au provides – seven in 10 of those with a domain name choose .au for their website or business email.

So if you’re an Australian business wanting to serve Australians, it makes sense to secure your .au today.