Domains
.com, .net, .co and more: global domains
Selling overseas or protecting your brand? Here’s when a global domain makes sense, and how to run it alongside your .com.au.
The short answer
A global domain like .com has no Australian eligibility rules, so anyone can register it. Australian businesses usually need one when they sell overseas, or to stop someone else using their brand. Most keep their .com.au as the main site and point the .com at it, or run separate country sites.
When you need a global domain
You sell overseas
A .com reads as international and avoids looking local-only to overseas buyers.
Brand protection
Stop a competitor or squatter taking the .com version of your name.
You can't get a .com.au
No ABN yet? A .com has no eligibility rules.
Products and apps
Short global names like .co or .io suit software and online products.
Choosing a domain extension
| Extension | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| .com | International businesses and brand protection | Short names are mostly taken |
| .net | An alternative when the .com is gone | Less memorable for customers |
| .co | Startups and short brand names | Often mistyped as .com |
| .io | Software and tech products | Not ideal for a local service business |
| .com.au | Your Australian customers | Requires an ABN, ACN or trade mark |
Running .com.au and .com together
The simplest setup is one main website, with every other domain permanently redirected to it. Search engines see one site, and customers reach you whichever address they type.
If you have different content for different countries, you can run separate sites and tell Google which audience each one serves with hreflang tags. It’s more work, so only do it if the content really differs.
Either way, use one domain for email so customers always know it’s really you.
Should you register misspellings and other extensions?
Registering every possible variation gets expensive fast. Focus on what customers might really type, and what a competitor could genuinely use against you: your .com.au, the matching .au, and usually the .com.
Common misspellings are worth it if your name is often misheard on the phone. Anything beyond that is usually wasted money. We can help you decide, and manage the whole set in one place.
Find your global domain
Search .com, .net, .co and more alongside your .com.au.
Emergencies, 24/7: 0426 833 422
Global domain FAQs
Can an Australian business use a .com?
Yes. Anyone can register a .com. Many Australian businesses use a .com.au for local customers and a .com to protect the brand or sell overseas.
Is .com.au better than .com for SEO in Australia?
A .com.au is a strong signal that your site serves Australia. A .com can rank in Australia too, but it relies on other signals.
Should I register misspellings of my domain?
Only the ones customers are likely to type, especially if your name is often misheard. Redirect them all to your main site.
What's the difference between .co and .com?
They’re separate extensions. .co is popular with startups, but people often type .com by habit, so own both if you use .co.
Can I manage all my domains in one place?
Yes. We can manage your .com.au, .au and global domains together, with one renewal list.
Global domain guides
Practical guides from our blog on the same topic.
