Your Quick Guide to Website Domains

In today’s digital landscape, a website is an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes and one major component of your website is your website domain.

Your website domain is basically your street address for your website and emails. Just as you wouldn’t want your physical address to be outdated or incorrect, maintaining accurate registrant details for your domain is crucial to ensure seamless website and email functionality. 

What is a Website Domain? 

Your domain name is essentially your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people type into their web browser to visit your site. Part of a website’s URL, a domain name consists of two main parts: the actual name (e.g., “Localsearch”) and the top-level domain (e.g., “.com.au”). 



When you register a domain name, you’re essentially renting it from the domain registrar for a period of time. Registrant details are the contact information associated with your domain name registration. This includes your name, address, email address, and phone number. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Website Domains 

1. What is a domain registrant? 

A domain registrant is the individual or entity that owns the rights to use a particular domain name. When you register a domain name, you become the registrant and have control over how the domain is used. This includes the ability to set up a website, email addresses, and other online services associated with the domain. 

2. How do I update my registrant details? 

Updating your registrant details as an Australian small business is a straightforward process that can be completed through your domain registrar’s website. Begin by logging into your domain registrar’s account, then carefully review and update the registrant contact information. Ensure all fields, including name, address, phone number, and email address, are accurate and up to date. 

3. When should I update my registrant details? 

It’s crucial to maintain accurate and up-to-date registrant details for your domain name to ensure seamless communication and maintain control over your online presence. 

Here are some specific scenarios when you should consider updating your registrant details:

  

• If you experience any changes in your personal information, such as a name change, address change, or phone number change, promptly update your registrant details to reflect these alterations. 
• If your business undergoes any structural changes, such as a merger, acquisition, or change in ownership, update your registrant details to reflect the new business entity and its associated contact information. 
• If you plan to sell or transfer your domain to another party, update the registrant details to reflect the new owner’s information before initiating the transfer process. 
  

4. Expand your supplier base for inventory and equipment.

As a local business owner in Australia, it’s crucial to maintain up-to-date registrant details for your domain name. The Australian Domain Administration (auDA) has recently implemented stricter regulations to ensure that only Australian businesses with an established presence in Australia can own a .com.au domain. This means that ABNs registered to Trust Accounts are no longer eligible to be associated with a .com.au domain. 



Failure to keep your registrant information current could result in the suspension or cancellation of your domain name registration by your domain registrar. This means that your website and email address will become inaccessible, potentially disrupting your online operations and communication channels. 

5. What do I do if my domain is registered to a Trust ABN? 

If your domain is registered to a Trust ABN, you will need to update the registrant information. The most common method is to initiate a Change of Registrant (CoR), which can be initiated through your domain registrar. This involves transferring the domain registration to the trustee of the trust, who must have an eligible ABN. 



If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help!