Getting Australian small businesses online in Australia is not as simple as registering your domain name and publishing a website. There are many Australia-specific rules that must also be followed, and if you do not meet these requirements, you cannot register for a .com.au web address.
The Australian must first have a registered business or be registered as a sole trader with a NBA (Australian Business Number) before they can register for the .com.au domain space. The chosen domain name must be relevant to the trade name or, in the case of an individual trader, should reflect their name if they do not have a registered trade name.
Registered Australian companies can use their registered business name as a domain name. Individual merchants must first register a business name before they can use it as a domain name. Sole traders without a registered business name must use their own name or something very similar, eg; John Smith is a plumber, so he can use johnsmithpluming Prayed jplumbing as long as it is closely related and not already in use, it should be allowed.
Australia has an organization dedicated to the use of the .com.au domain name space and in late 2000 the Australian Government endorsed the .au Domain Administration LTD as the appropriate authority to administer the .com.au domain space and has any other information you’ll need to know that isn’t in this article.
Whether you are a sole trader or just starting a business, registering a business name is inexpensive and can be done online as long as you have a NBA or are in the process of applying for one. The website that handles trade name registrations is SO C (Australian Securities and Investments Commission).
Once you have your NBA then you can think about going online and registering your .com.au domain name, so you’ll need to decide on the best course of action for you.
You basically have 3 options!
1. Do it all yourself.
2. Find someone to do it all for you.
3. Work together with a consultant who can help and advise you.
Option 1 is the most difficult unless you are already experienced and I would not recommend it for beginners.
Option 2 is the easiest option, but it will also cost you more and you may not get exactly what you want, need, or is best for you.
Option 3 would be the most practical option because it has the advantage of getting help and learning as you go. That way you are not dependent on others to keep you online and all questions can be answered without paying a fortune.
