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Choose a domain name

ABOUT DOMAIN REGISTRATION

Your domain name is your address on the internet. Most companies register a domain using their company name, or an abbreviation of it, so their customers can find them easily online. Domain names are unique; once you have registered yours, nobody else can use it.

The exception is that if you register yourcompanyname.co.nz, it’s possible for somebody else to register yourcompanyname.com or similar. Therefore, for brand protection reasons, it is often worthwhile registering a few different domain extensions, particularly if any of them are especially relevant to your brand (e.g. .café for cafes).

Choosing a domain name

Using your business or brand name makes perfect sense. If your business name isn't available, consider choosing keywords that represent your business or product. Purchasing your domain name as soon as possible prevents it being registered by a competitor or speculator. Consider registering one domain name with multiple extensions (like co.nz .com, .com.au), or take a look at international domain name options like .co.uk.

Steps to register your domain name

Decide on the domain name you want. Check if it's available. Choose a domain registrar — the company that's going to register a domain on your behalf.

1

Decide on the Domain Name You Want

2

See if Your Domain Name Is Available

3

Choose a Domain Registrar

4

Purchase Your Domain and Host it

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Is the name you want easy to spell?

If your brand name is often misspelled, you can register common mistakes and simply redirect the traffic to your main website. For example, vodaphone.co.nz redirects to vodafone.co.nz.

Is it short and easy to remember?

A nickname or abbreviation might be used most often by your customers, for example amex.co.nz or coke.com. Sometimes initials will work best - like bnz.co.nz for Bank of New Zealand.

Is it easily differentiated?

If you don't have a well-known brand, or your business/product name is too much like another company's, a 'generic' address may be a good choice e.g. auckland-plumbing.co.nz

Where are your key markets?

If you have customers in specific national markets, consider registering domain names in those markets e.g. .com.au in Australia, .cn in China etc.

Secure your domain now