What’s the Buzz About?
Mark your calendars, folks! Starting March 24, 2022, Australian businesses will unlock an exciting opportunity: the chance to register .au domain names. That’s right, no more having to settle for just .com.au!
Why is the .au Domain a Game-Changer?
Imagine this: in the next few years, .au might become the digital calling card for Aussie businesses. It’s concise, it’s uniquely Australian, and it’s poised to stand out against its longer sibling, .com.au. The .com.au often gets lumped in with the global .com domains, but .au? That’s pure Australian identity on the web.
Should You Grab a .au Domain?
Well, you don’t have to—unless you want to dodge some potential headaches:
- Exclusive Opportunity: For six months, if you own a matching .com.au domain, you get first dibs on the corresponding .au domain. Post that window, anyone can snag your name and possibly use it to compete with your brand or hold it for ransom.
- A Future-Proof Move: If .au becomes the norm, sticking with only .com.au could leave your brand trailing behind.
Is it Time to Ditch Your .com.au?
Hold off on that! Initially, keep your trusted .com.au front and centre. Use the shiny new .au as a supportive act—forward its traffic straight to your established site. For emails too, simply redirect any incoming from the .au domain.
As soon as you see a surge in popularity of .au, then think about making it your headliner. Swap roles with your current domain and revamp all your marketing material accordingly.
The Cost of Owning a Piece of Australia Online
- Registration: The starting price tag is $65 per domain (including admin fees). Renewal prices are expected to fall between $10-$20 annually.
- Website Setup (Optional): For $49 per domain, let us seamlessly route that new traffic to your existing site.
- Email Setup (Optional): A one-time fee of $29 per email ensures those critical messages find their way from .au back to your trusty inbox.
Your Next Steps
Eager to dive into this fresh territory? Reach out directly at Wade. Ready when you are to guide you through snagging your very own piece of digital Australia!
Keen on diving deeper? Check out this insightful read from The Guardian article.