Domain names and website basics – what to know before you start your business
- Written by Rebecca Papillo at auDA. auDA is the Australian domain name administrator
Have you been dreaming about launching a side hustle? As challenging as this year has been, the coronavirus pandemic might just present an opportunity to launch that business idea that you’ve got in your sights.
Many budding entrepreneurs have already taken the leap, with recent research from Dynata showing one in 25 Australians has started a side hustle during lockdown.
Whether you’ve just kicked off your new, exciting endeavour or are yet to take the leap, there may come a day when you want to set up a website for your business.
If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone – but the reality is you don’t need to be tech savvy or spend a lot to get started. Setting up a website for your business can be affordable and easy.
Here are the basics that will make set up smoother:
* A domain name is an address on the internet that allows you to find a website or send an email.
* The registry is essentially a digital phone book holding data on all these domain names.
* A registrar is an accredited and licensed company that has access to the registry. Registrars provide services that include registering and renewing a licence to use a domain name. They are also responsible for updating domain name records and deciding whether your domain name licence application meets policy rules.
* A reseller is not accredited like a registrar, and doesn’t have direct access to the registry but they do apply for and manage domain name licences on your behalf via an agreement with a registrar.
Ready to secure a domain name?
First, you’ll need to check if your preferred domain name is available.
There are many domain types available on the internet but a com.au domain name is a great option for Australian businesses. It lets Australians know that your business has a local presence – this is especially valuable as now more than ever Australians are looking to buy local when they shop online. com.au domains are only issued to businesses with an Australian presence, which is validated at the time of registration and are more highly trusted among the Australian community than other common commercial domains.
Businesses can find a com.au domain name in seconds by visiting www.getyour.com.au. Then, choose your preferred registrar and follow their application process. You may find some provide services via a reseller.
Then arrange a hosting service for your domain name
Hosting provides a digital storage site for your website – think of this as renting some space for your website files. Your existing Internet Service Provider (ISP), other ISPs, or a web hosting service can host your domain name. You may find that your registrar or reseller includes this service.
There are different types of web hosting based on the amount of control you want, how fast you want it to be, how reliable you want it, and how much control you’d like to have. Consider your options and select the service that best meets the needs of your business.
Create your web page
Finally, it’s time to create your web page and setup an email address. You can do this or have your hosting company, registrar or reseller arrange it for you. There are also professional developers or website publishing packages that automate much of the development process if the idea of building a website seems daunting.
So if you’re still dreaming about launching that side hustle, why not visit www.getyour.com.au to get started today.
Written by Rebecca Papillo at auDA. auDA is the Australian domain name administrator
