.au

The .au domain extension is the internet country code top-level domain for Australia, established in 1986. Administered by .au Domain Administration, this domain extension has particular, stringent rules for registration, requiring a close connection to Australia, like an Australian business number. It also prohibits direct registration of second-level domains, so domains must be third-level like .com.au or .net.au. As of 2018, changes to these rules now mean applications for second-level domains are being considered, to be rolled out potentially in the future.

Owning a domain name with the .au domain extension carries with it a number of valuable benefits. Firstly, it helps to establish your brand as Australian, providing your site with a local, national reputation, which extends trust and reliability to your audience. Additionally, it assures web users that they're dealing with an Australian entity, which can invoke a sense of security for those within the country. Moreover, a .au domain extension can boost your SEO rankings, especially within Australia, making it easier for your local customers to find you online. Lastly, having this extension can deter cyber squatters due to the stricter eligibility rules.

The .au domain extension is commonly used by individuals and businesses based in or targeting Australia. For businesses, using a .au domain can help to project a local identity and could inspire trust from Australian customers as it signifies localized content or services. Apart from businesses, individuals might use the .au extension to create a personal blog or website to share their interests or ideas, which can regulate the target audience towards Australians. Ultimately, this domain extension can aid in securing an online identity associated with Australia's digital space and ensuring relevance in local search engine results.

A .au domain name is the internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Australia. It is used by individuals, businesses, and organizations based in Australia. The administration and regulation of .au domains are overseen by .au Domain Administration (auDA).

Using a .au domain name extension can enhance your website's credibility in Australia by showing your connection to the Australian community. This domain might also increase your search engine ranking in the country as locals often trust sites with .au extensions over others. It is beneficial for businesses targeting Australian customers or entities wanting to make their Australian presence clear.

To purchase a .au domain name, the buyer must be an Australian registered company, or a business with a registered business number (ABN, ACN, RBN). However, foreign organisations and individuals with a close connection to Australia, like the owner of an Australian trademark, can also purchase a .au domain name. Notably, .au domains are often intended for commercial use and must be directly related to the commercial activity described in the domain's registration.

A .au domain name can be purchased from any of the providers in the Registrars list.