What is a domain name?

A domain name is a name that represents your company on the Internet. For example, if your business is called AAA Smash Repairs, you may choose to have the name aaasmash.com.au. The .com.au on the end means it's a company (.com) and its located in Australia (.au). Domain names cost $70 +GST every 2 years. As long as you continue to renew the name each 2 years, it will remain yours. See here for details.

Why do I need a domain name?

There are many reasons to have a domain name. Some of the biggest reasons are:

• Professionalism
  Clearly it is more professional to have an email address like This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it than This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This professionalism is extended by having multiple email addresses for individual staff members or departments (eg you can also have This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it etc).
• Websites
  Having a domain name allows you to have a website (eg www.aaasmash.com.au). This allows you to market your business to the potentially massive Internet audience (see below)
• Continuity
  It gives you a name that is yours forever (as long as you renew) that is not dependant on your Internet Service Provider (ISP). For example, if your ISP closes or starts providing poor service, you will probably need a new email address. This means that you have to reprint letterheads and business cards and tell all your contacts your new details. In this case, if you had a domain name, nothing would change.

Must I have a website with a domain?

No. However, Websites are a good way to promote your business and lots of people are now searching online (instead of using traditional methods like Yellow Pages) to find businesses. Obviously, if you don't have a website, people will probably not find you online (for example, a Google search). There is a cost to produce a Website, however this is offset by the added value to your business. See our Package Deals page for offers on websites.

What is Web Hosting?

Website Hosting is what actually makes your website and email work. When you view a page, a request is sent to a computer somewhere on the Internet, this computer then responds with the files that make up the website. Also, this computer will also receive and store all your email. These computers run around the clock creating your presence on the Internet. Without hosting, your domain name would do nothing.

Do I need a Domain Name and Web Hosting?

Yes. The domain name is just the lease over the name whereas the Web Hosting is what actually makes it work (see above).