History of the TLD

.au was introduced in 1986 as the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Australia. It was established to provide a trusted namespace for Australian businesses, organizations, and residents.

Main Use & Industry Position

.au is primarily used by Australian businesses, government entities, organizations, and individuals. It is highly trusted locally and often chosen to emphasize an Australian presence and credibility online.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to generic TLDs like .com or .net, .au provides strong local authority and regional recognition. While less global, it is essential for businesses targeting the Australian market.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly indicates an Australian presence
  

• High trust and credibility within Australia
  

• Strong local SEO benefits
  

Cons

• Limited international recognition
  

• Some subdomains (e.g., .com.au) have strict eligibility rules
  

• Premium names can be expensive
  
  

Registration Criteria

.au is Australia’s ccTLD and is generally restricted to Australian citizens, residents, or businesses with an ABN (Australian Business Number). It’s ideal for brands and organizations with a strong Australian presence, providing local trust and credibility.

Summary

.au is Australia’s trusted country-code domain, offering strong local credibility and SEO benefits but limited international appeal.