Whether you are a small or large business, your domain name is a representation of your operations. Customers who search for a particular product or service online are often doing so with limited information on hand, which is why your domain can really make the difference between capturing web traffic or losing out to a competitor. While some businesses are best equipped with the selection of a brandable domain name which will be marketed through word of mouth, others can benefit from keyword focused domains. Keyword domains are those which align with the search terms that prospective customers would use […]
One of the common features available to domain registrants all around the world is the WHOIS search service. The service, operated as a separate repository for each geographical location, is akin to a localised registry for domains. Behind the functional operation of the local service is AusRegistry, who administer and maintain the system on behalf of all users. More specifically, registrants’ details are collected by their respective registrar, who then pass the data onto AusRegistry. Users may look up the contact details of a domain name registrant which they are interested in. In a local context, this includes all the […]
While we often take comfort in the legal protection afforded to business names, brands or products courtesy of copyrights and trademarks, sometimes such protective measures fail to deter those with underhanded motives. One of the common complaints that arises within the industry concerns cybersquatting. In this context, cybersquatting involves the registration of a domain by someone when they are ineligible to do so. More specifically, it is the “deliberate and abusive” registration of a domain name related to “marketable and trademark” terms. The registrant often uses the domain in bad faith and attempts to profit from this practice by: licensing […]
In today’s day and age, where cyber security is becoming an increasingly attentive point for business owners and operators around the world, it’s important that domain registrants take the necessary measures to keep their domain name secure. While we often think of business security being restricted to financial integrity and the physical premises of an establishment, the effect of a domain name falling into the wrong hands can have a profound impact – even if only for a short period of time! The problem isn’t just restricted to big-name brands either, with the rationale behind such incidents often attributable to […]
When considering the domain name marketplace, there are several active participants. In the past, we’ve discussed the role of the au Domain Administration (auDA) in supporting the functional operation of the domain space within Australia. And of course, you’d be familiar with the concept of registrants – otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be reading this! However, two other participants are sometimes the source of confusion, particularly among industry newcomers. These are, domain name resellers and domain name registrars. So then, how does one differentiate between the two? First of all, let us consider domain name resellers. Resellers act as an intermediary […]
While there is a commonly accepted list of domain names that users are prevented from registering, there is also another list to pay attention to. You see, the au Domain Administration published the Prohibition on Misspellings Policy back in 2008. This policy seeks to “preserve the integrity of the .au domain space by discouraging ‘’typosquatting’’, where a person deliberately registers a misspelling of a popular name in order to divert trade or traffic”. While the policy’s intent has been met with favour from large businesses who already own their primary domain name, many smaller businesses and individuals are often left […]
Previously, we’ve discussed the merits associated with multiple domain names, including pointing secondary names to redirect to your primary domain. However, there is also another situation registrants should pay attention to, especially business owners. In this particular instance, we’re referring to registrants who opt to change their domain name and no longer retain the old name. What many business registrants fail to recognise, is that their domain name is often part of the brand they are operating. That is, customers know and associate a particular domain with the company, even if the two are not necessarily aligned. In essence, you […]
As we’ve detailed in the past, domain names are not viewed as assets under ownership. This stems from the fact that when a registrant purchases a domain name, they are merely being granted the licensing rights to use the domain in question – for two years. So then, at the end of the two year period, what do registrants need to be mindful of? First of all, it’s not uncommon for domain names to be assigned to automatically renew as the expiration date nears. This can be verified either through the user control panel available via a registrar’s website, or […]
Just like it’s important for anyone in the business world to have good negotiating skills, for domain registrants it is also one of the most valuable traits. Considering domainers are looking to acquire high quality names for the lowest possible price, before turning them over for the best return possible, one cannot afford to be ill-equipped at the negotiating table. Essential to one’s success is their familiarity with the domain up for grabs. Negotiating with another party who is better informed than you is only going to result in the other party walking away with a better deal. If you’re […]
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