So, you’re finally ready to register a domain for your Australian business or personal blog, and you’re stuck on the question: Should you go with a .com or a .au domain? This article will give you the lowdown on both, and hopefully help you make an informed decision. Because let’s face it, the internet is a bit of a jungle, and it doesn’t hurt to have a guide, does it?
Let’s find out who wins in the .com vs .au head-to-head.
What Audiences Do .com And .au Reach?
The first thing to consider when choosing between .com and .au is your target audience. Who are they and where are they? That’s the million-dollar question.
.com is a global domain, embracing everyone from London to Timbuktu, and suitable for any kind of online business. Having a .com domain name extension sends a message that you are open for business to the entire world. It’s like a 24/7 international buffet, serving up your content to anyone, anywhere.
On the other hand, .au is a ccTLD, a country code Top-Level Domain, distinctly Australian. This domain implies your content is specifically aimed at locals in Australia. It’s like having your own backyard barbie, inviting only your Aussie friends over.
So, if you’re aiming for an international audience, .com could be your best bet. But if your focus is strictly on Australia, .au might just be your ticket to success. It all boils down to who you want to reach.
Is Domain Availability Going to Be a Problem For .com Or .au?
Some addresses are more popular (and therefore harder to get) than others. The .com domain extension is the granddaddy of the domain world. Everyone and their dog wants a .com online presence. However, because of their popularity, finding an available .com domain that perfectly matches your brand or business name might be challenging. Still possible, but you might need to get creative with your domain name.
On the other hand, the .au TLD just launched last year and therefore many .au domain names are still available. Additionally, it is more exclusive, requiring an Australian presence.
Start your .au domain search now to see, if your .au extension is still open for registration:
.com vs .au SEO
When it comes to search engine optimisation (SEO), the popularity of .com doesn’t give you any advantage. Neither does it give you any disadvantage. How your website ranks on Google & Co. ultimately comes down to your website content.
However, .au being a ccTLD (Country Code Top-Level Domain) implies to search engines that your website is relevant to users in Australia. So if your primary audience is the land down under, then .au could help your website pop up more frequently in local searches (local SEO).
What About Price Differences Between .com And .au?
When it comes to the price tag of .com and .au domains, they range in the same price categories. At OnlyDomains, you can register your .com domain at AUD 15.99, renewing at AUD 21.99/ year. In comparison, you can get your local .au domain starting at AUD 16.99 in the first year of registration, renewing at AUD 17.99/ year.
Do .com Or .au Have Any Special Requirements?
The .com domain is like the wild west of the internet world. Anybody can register a .com domain name. It’s global, it’s universal, and it’s free-for-all. It’s like a party everyone’s invited to. However, because it’s so popular, the domain name you want might already be taken, so better be quick.
Meanwhile, down under in the .au domain, things are a tad bit more structured. To register a .au domain, you need to be an Australian registered business or organisation. Or even an Australian resident.
.com vs .au: Let’s Cut to The Chase
| .com | .au | |
| Target audience | Global audience | Australian market |
| Eligibility | Open to everyone | Open to everyone in Australia |
| Credibility | Well known across the globe | Great reputation in Australia |
| Availability | Lower chance your exact match domain is available | Higher chance your domain is available |
| Registration Price (excl GST) | $15.99 AUD | $16.99 AUD |
So there you have it, the big face-off between .com and .au. In the end, the choice of which one to register for your new domain depends on your specific needs. With a .com, you’re inviting the entire world to your digital doorstep, while with .au, you’re proudly waving the Aussie flag. The ball is in your court.
