It’s one of the most fundamental aspects of any business – big or small – but once it’s started, it’s often never revisited. It’s the foundation of your website, a tool for driving digital traffic, and a way to get the most out of your online presence.
It’s your domain name, and it’s more than just the web address people type into a browser to find your website. In fact, it’s a simple and affordable way to protect your business and your brand.
Domain extensions are important
Each domain name is made up of both the website address and an extension, such as “yourcompanyname.co.nz”. The “.co.nz” part of a domain name is the extension, and there is a wide range of extensions available.
Extensions can help support a variety of purposes, such as indicating that a website is affiliated with education (.school.nz), a non-profit organization (.org.nz), or even in what country the company is based (.nz).
The main extensions in New Zealand have always included .nz, .kiwi and .com, but there are over 400 extensions available covering a huge range of topics. Some examples are .law, .florist, .careers, .accountant, and .café. You can find the full list of available extensions here.
When it comes to choosing an extension, selecting one that clearly indicates that your business has strong ties to New Zealand (like .co.nz or .nz) has many advantages, such as:
- Increased visibility by prioritizing .nz websites in localized or specified search results
- Build and maintain consumer trust; Kiwis love to support other Kiwis
- Meaning immediately where the business is based/operates
Secure your brand using extensions
When registering a business domain name, people often only think of registering a single extension, such as in “yourbusinessname.co.nz”. They may not realize that other extensions, such as “yourbusinessname.nz” are still up for grabs, and anyone in the world can register them. After all, domain name registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
In New Zealand, the shorter domain extension of .nz (as opposed to .co.nz) was released in 2014. Since then, many businesses and organizations now register both .co.nz and .nz to increase their visibility and protect their brands.
Why secure both your .co.nz and .nz domain?
From customer loyalty to brand safety, there are many reasons why it makes sense to secure both the long and short versions of your NZ domains.
This avoids customer confusion
If you own one version of your domain name and someone else intentionally or accidentally registers the same domain name – but in the other extension – it can confuse your customers. Registering both will build your customers’ confidence that the website they are visiting that they believe to be yours is, in fact, yours.
It prevents potential risks for your business
Someone else registering your domain name in another extension can also lead to lost revenue, identity theft, and business interruption. Registering both will give you confidence that no other company or person can claim your identity through similar domain names. It’s an easy way to ensure that your company’s reputation and identity are protected.
.nz is one of the most trusted and popular extensions in New Zealand
If you registered your domain name before .nz became available in 2014, you might want to consider recovering it now. According to InternetNZ, 76% of New Zealand consumers search for domains ending in .nz. This has been noticed by Kiwi businesses, as InternetNZ reports that 75% of all New Zealand businesses likely to buy a domain in the next 12 months will choose .nz. In fact, 44% of all New Zealand businesses already have a .nz domain.
It helps keep your brand top of mind
When it comes to customer recognition, the shorter .nz domain name is simpler and easier to remember.
You can’t do much if someone else takes it before you
Managing your domain names is, in general, very important. If a domain name is available – either because the previous owner has not renewed it or because it has not yet been claimed – it can be purchased by anyone, anywhere in the world. world. If someone legally buys a version of your domain name that you previously owned and didn’t renew in time, strict regulations mean there’s not much you can do.
How to start
Domains are an inexpensive, low-maintenance way to protect your business and brand, so don’t wait to secure the ones you want.
.nz and .co.nz domain names are available from 1st Domains, one of New Zealand’s largest accredited .nz domain name registrars, from $28.50/year (and less if you register multiple domains).
You can also check out ExpiredDomains to see domains that haven’t been renewed and bid on them at auction.
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