How to Get a Good Domain Name: A Guide for Australian Startup Founders
- Christopher. H
- Sep 23
- 6 min read
Getting a good domain name right isn’t just a branding decision — it’s a strategic one.
The wrong domain can confuse your customers, hurt your SEO, or even send traffic straight to your competitors.
Here’s how serious it can get: In the early 2000s, Australian electronics retailer Harvey Norman forgot to register harveynorman.com.au. A cybersquatter snapped it up, forcing them to operate under harveynorman.net.au — a clunky workaround that damaged trust and frustrated customers. They eventually won it back after a long legal fight, but the damage was already done.
That’s why your domain isn’t just a web address. It’s your storefront, your identity, and your first impression. And in Australia’s tight .com.au market, you don’t get many second chances.
Why a Good Domain Name Matters More Than You Think
A good domain name does more than just take people to your website — it becomes part of your identity, your reputation, and your message to the world.
We trust what we can easily understand. If your domain is clunky, hard to spell, or off-brand, it creates a small crack in your credibility. And in early-stage startups, small cracks become deep fractures fast. A clear, strong domain tells the world you’re serious — and tells Google that you're relevant.
Think of domains like:
Canva.com – short, global, clean.
budgetdirect.com.au – straight to the point and trustworthy in Australia.
startups.com – instantly clear who it’s for.
Your domain introduces your business before you ever say a word — make sure it tells the right story.
What Makes a Good Domain Name?
Good domains act like strong brand names — short, simple, and unmistakable. Think of your domain as part of your founder toolkit: it works hard in the background, making sure people find and remember you.
Great Domain Names Are:
Simple – Easy to spell, type, and say
Short – Fewer characters = less risk of typos
Brand-Aligned – Matches your business name or message
Trustworthy – A .com.au builds instant trust in Australia
Available – Ideally across both domain and social platforms
Mentor Tip: If someone hears your business name on a podcast, could they type it into their phone without asking you to repeat it? If not, it needs work.
What You Need Before You Start Searching
Don’t buy a domain before you know who you are.
Before searching, get clear on:
Your final business name
Your target market (local vs. global)
How the domain will be used (landing page, full site, eCommerce?)
Any alternate formats or spelling variations you’re open to
Mentor Tip: You don’t need to build the whole website today, but you do need to lock in the name now. Especially with .com.au domains — they go fast.
How to Secure a Good Domain Name:
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start with Your Business Name
Try to match your business name exactly if possible.
If your exact business name is taken, you have the option to make small but meaningful additions that keep the brand spirit intact.
Add a keyword (e.g. “get” or “hq”)
Use an action (e.g. “join”, “start”, “go”)
Include your industry or offering (e.g. “smithlegal.com.au”)
Avoid: Hyphens; Numbers that require explanation; Weird spellings or inside jokes
For example:
useloom.com for Loom (video messaging tool)
joinhoney.com for Honey (a browser extension)
blackbird.vc for Blackbird Ventures (using a smart extension)
These names stay intentional and consistent. Anything less creates friction every time someone tries to find you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Extension
Each extension signals something different:
.com.au – Local trust and Australian presence
.com – Global reach
.io, .co, .xyz – Trendy but can reduce trust with everyday users
Mentor Tip: If possible, buy both .com and .com.au — and redirect one to the other for consistency.
Step 3: Check Domain Name Availability
This is the practical step — but don’t just check if a name is available.
Consider: is it intuitive?
Does it create confusion?
Could it be mistaken for another brand?
A domain isn’t just about whether you can get it — it’s about whether it’s worth owning.
Use domain search tools like:
Whois to check ownership of taken domains
Can’t get the exact domain? Check:
Alternate spellings or formats
Domain marketplaces (like Dan.com or Flippa)
Whether the current owner is open to selling
Examples: flickr.com was clever, but millions typed flicker.com instead — and that mistake cost traffic. Trello (project management tool) used the domain “UseTrello” in early marketing campaigns before they acquired trello.com.
Step 4: Secure Matching Social Media Handles
Your domain name is part of a bigger ecosystem — your brand’s presence across platforms.
If your handles don’t match your domain, you dilute your brand. Imagine seeing Smith & Co on a site, but on Instagram they’re @smithco_startup_aus. That small mismatch creates confusion and makes people second-guess legitimacy.
If your domain is available but the socials aren’t — rethink. Your domain is just one piece of your digital identity. Matching handles builds trust.
Check availability on:
Instagram
X (formerly Twitter)
LinkedIn
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
Even if you don’t plan to use them right away, securing the handles prevents others from claiming your brand.
Use Namechk.com to search all platforms at once.
Mentor Tip: Consistency breeds trust. And trust is what gets clicked, followed, and remembered.
Step 5: Buy and Register the Domain
Once your research gives you the green light, don’t wait. Domains are snapped up fast — sometimes by bots the moment you search.
Insight: I’ve seen startups delay for a week and lose their domain to another business or a domain squatter who later demanded thousands.
Once you’ve found a strong domain:
Purchase through a trusted registrar (GoDaddy, VentraIP, Netregistry)
Register it for multiple years (good for SEO and peace of mind)
Set up auto-renew to avoid losing it
For .com.au domains, you’ll need:
An ABN or ACN
A valid Australian business address
The cost of a domain is minor. The cost of losing it — or letting someone else grab it — can be huge.
How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?
Domains are cheap. Rebranding isn’t.
The cost of registering a domain might be $20 a year. But the cost of losing it — legally, emotionally, or reputationally — can be massive. I’ve seen founders spend $3,000+ to buy back a domain they could’ve registered early for $12.
Domains are low-cost but high-leverage assets. They’re worth locking in before they become expensive problems.
Typical Costs (as of 2025/2026):
.com.au: $12–$30/year
.com: $15–$50/year
Aftermarket premium domains: $500 to $50,000+ (negotiated price)
Warning: If you let your domain expire, anyone can claim it — including competitors.
Common Mistakes Founders Make
Waiting too long to buy it.
If your name is locked in, buy the domain immediately.
Choosing a confusing or off-brand name.
Clunky domains lose traffic and erode trust.
Using free subdomains (e.g. yourbiz.myshopify.com).
Looks amateur. You don’t own it. Bad for branding.
Skipping the .com.au.
If you’re an Aussie business, .com.au builds trust — don’t leave it open for someone else.
What to Do Right Now
✅ Download: Domain Name Checklist.
Your practical tool for founders who want to choose, test, and secure the right domain — without overthinking it. [Download from ProDesk.com here]
✅ Get the full Startup Deck.
Your go-to resource for building, protecting, and launching your startup the right way — with expert tools across every area of the business. [Visit theStartUpDeck.com]
✅ Need help? Book with Noize.
We’ll help you secure your domain, check brand and legal availability, and lock it down before someone else does. [Contact the team at Noize.com.au]
The Bottom Line
Your domain name isn’t just an address — it’s a signal. To customers, investors, and Google. Get it right, and it becomes an asset that grows with you. Get it wrong, and you could lose time, trust, or momentum.
Lock it in early. Build on a name you own. Don’t let something this simple become a future regret.
💬 FAQs
Can I register a .com.au without an ABN?
No — you’ll need an ABN, ACN, or registered business number in Australia.
Is .com or .com.au better?
For local businesses, .com.au builds more trust. Ideally, secure both and redirect one to the other.
What if my domain is already taken?
You can negotiate, use an alternate format, or pivot slightly. Avoid confusing your audience with forced names.
Can I change my domain later?
Technically yes — but it impacts SEO, links, and branding. It’s better to get it right the first time.
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