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Starting a small website: domain, hosting and email

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Getting a small website up needs three things: a name (domain), somewhere to put it (hosting) and, usually, email at your own address. Here's how they fit together.

1. Pick a domain name

Keep it short, easy to spell and easy to say out loud. In Australia, .au domains are managed by auDA. To register any .au name you need an "Australian presence", such as being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or holding an Australian Business Number. com.au and net.au are for businesses, while .au direct names (like example.au) are open to anyone with an Australian presence. Registrars check your details when you register.

2. Register it with an accredited registrar

Register .au names through an auDA-accredited registrar. Check renewal terms and turn on auto-renew so you don't lose the name by accident. Make sure the domain is registered in your own name, not a web designer's.

3. Choose hosting

For a small site, shared or managed hosting is usually plenty. See our guide to web hosting for beginners for the differences.

4. Set up email at your domain

You can use your host's email or a separate email provider and point your domain to it. Separate email can mean your email keeps working if you change hosts later. Turn on multi-factor authentication for the account.

5. Watch for scams

Be careful with emails saying your domain is about to expire or that someone wants to buy it. Check directly with your registrar rather than clicking a link. Scamwatch lists common scams.

The short version

  • Keep the domain short and register it in your own name.
  • .au names need an Australian presence; check auDA's rules.
  • Turn on auto-renew.
  • Consider keeping email separate from hosting.
  • Be wary of renewal and "domain sale" emails.

We don't list prices here, because they change and differ by state. Check the provider's own site for current prices and plans.

Sources

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