You have two choices for selecting the name of your email address.

Either

1. Accept an address that piggy-backs off your Internet Service Provider's name - eg freshfruitmart@ispname.com.au This is a relatively inexpensive option but associates your name with your ISP. This option simply requires that you select the name to go at the left of the @ sign, and then your ISP will establish it for you - eg mycompanyname@ispname.net.au

or

2.  Register your own Internet name (called a domain name) with the registration authority in Australia and have your ISP establish an email address using that name - eg sales@freshfruitmart.com.au

This is more expensive than option 1 but it offers a more advanced level of e-business as it gives your company its unique place on the Internet. Another advantage is that it moves with you if you choose to change ISPs or have your website hosted by another company.

Assuming you want to register your own domain name and you want your own email address, the following questions will help guide your choice.

• Does the domain name support the branding of your organisation?
• Would your target audience guess the domain name and email address?
• Does the domain name and email address stand on their own and make sense?
• Is the domain name or email address too long, awkward to type or repeat verbally to people?
• Can the name be confused with an existing popular domain name?

A set of guidelines to help you develop your domain name is available online on the website of the official domain name registration organisation in Australia:  .au Domain Administration Ltd: http://www.auda.org.au

How to apply for a domain name

Prior to applying for a domain name you should check that the name you are seeking is available. Do this by visiting the Australian Registry site - http://www.ausregistry.com.au or phone them on 03 9866 1970.

Domain names are licensed on a "first come, first served" basis to eligible applicants by registrars who have been accredited by the official administrator for the .au domain space, .au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA). Most ISPs will register your domain name for you with one of these official registrars. You can register and pay for domain names yourself by visiting the websites of registrars.

The cost of registering varies depending on the type of domain you choose, the registration period and services included with your registration - all of which vary between registrars and resellers, as do the terms and conditions offered.

If you register your domain name yourself you will pay about $150 for two years' registration.  If your ISP or website host registers it for you, expect to pay about $200. 

Visit the auDA website (http://www.auda.org.au) for links to registrars and resellers to confirm current fees and options.

For more information on registering a domain name, you might like to look at this fact sheet developed by DCITA as part of their publication, Staking your claim on the Web:  Staking your claim on the Web: Domain name registration checklist (23kb)

The full publication can be located at: http://www.dcita.gov.au/communications_and_technology/publications_and_reports/2003/03/staking_claim

 e-businessguide Case Study - Northern Gateway (58 kb)

Related topics: Getting a website name

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