Domain Names as Assets: 5 Things You Haven’t Considered

Domain names have emerged as surprisingly valuable assets that can significantly impact a company’s bottom line.

When Melbourne-based CarSales.com.au sold for a reported $12 million in 2009, or when Insurance.com.au fetched over $1.2 million in 2015, it became clear that these digital properties represent far more than just web addresses.

For small to medium businesses, even industry-specific domains can be worth tens of thousands of dollars—yet many business owners fail to properly account for these assets in their financial and succession planning.

1. Registration and Ownership Details Matter

Many business owners register domain names under personal email addresses or names, creating confusion about whether the domain is a personal or business asset. This can create complications during business transitions or estate settlements.

2. Renewal Dates Can Be Critical

Domain names require regular renewal, typically annually. If renewal dates are missed after the owner’s passing or during business transitions, valuable domains can expire and potentially be purchased by competitors or domain squatters.

3. Domain Portfolios May Have Hidden Value

Some businesses accumulate multiple domains over time — alternative spellings, different TLDs (.com, .net, .org), or defensive registrations to protect their brand. This portfolio may have collective value that exceeds the sum of individual domains.

Business owners underestimate the combined value of their domain portfolio. These digital assets should be professionally valued as part of comprehensive estate planning, especially for businesses with significant online presence.

4. Domain Names Are Transferable Assets

Domain names can be bought, sold, and transferred like physical property. Their value can range from a few dollars to millions, depending on factors like keyword relevance, brevity, and memorability.

Many business owners don’t realise that their domain names are tangible assets with real market value. There have been cases where a domain name was worth more than some physical business assets, yet it wasn’t properly accounted for in business succession plans.

5. They Should Be Included in Your Will

If you own valuable domain names, they should be explicitly mentioned in your will or business succession plan. Without proper documentation, your digital assets might become difficult for your beneficiaries to access or transfer.

“Domain names can fall through the cracks in estate planning because they exist in the digital realm,” says David Kaplan, a “domainer” and co-founder of Willed, an online end-of-life and estate planning service. “Including specific instructions for your domain names in your will ensures your digital assets are protected and transferred according to your wishes.”

Planning Ahead

Taking inventory of your domain names, documenting login credentials, establishing clear ownership, and including these assets in your estate planning can save your heirs or business successors significant headaches and potential financial loss.

By treating domain names as the valuable business assets they are, you ensure these digital properties remain protected during business transitions and estate settlements.

***************
David Boyd

Building a Business Website in Australia? Read This First

Launching a new website for your business is a big deal, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you’re a local café, a tradie going solo, or a small team ready to scale, having an online presence in 2025 isn’t optional. It’s how people find you, trust you, and decide if they want to work with you.

But here’s the thing: rushing to get something online without understanding the basics can lead to expensive mistakes. You might end up with the wrong domain name, unreliable hosting, or a site that doesn’t reflect your brand, and that can slow you down before you even get started.

This guide walks you through the essentials of setting up a site that actually works for your Aussie business — from picking the perfect domain name to making sure your site is fast, secure, and ready to go live. If you’re serious about getting found online and making a solid first impression, you’re in the right place.

It All Starts With the Domain Name

Before you even think about colours, content, or logos, you need to lock in your domain name — because it’s not just your address on the web, it’s your digital identity. Choosing the right one is a crucial first move, especially for Australian businesses where your domain can signal trust, locality, and professionalism right out of the gate.

Your domain name is often the first thing potential customers see, whether it’s printed on a business card, linked in an email, or typed into a browser. A clean, easy-to-remember domain builds credibility. A confusing, long, or irrelevant one? Not so much.

That’s why it pays to spend a little time thinking through your options before locking it in. Ideally, your domain name should match your business name or come close. And if you’re targeting Australian customers, securing a .com.au or .au version is a smart move — those local extensions help show you’re a trusted, Aussie-based business.

Now, when it comes to buying and understanding how to register a domain name in Australia, the process is simpler than many people expect. You don’t need to be a tech expert. All it takes is choosing a reliable domain registrar (like an accredited Aussie provider), checking if your desired name is available, and going through a short verification step if you’re registering a .com.au or .au domain (which usually requires an ABN, ACN, or similar business ID).

One common mistake? Waiting too long. Domain names get snapped up fast, especially short, brandable ones. Even if you’re not ready to build the site yet, it’s smart to register your domain early so you’ve got it secured.

Once that’s sorted, you’re ready for the next big step: hosting your site.

Choosing the Right Hosting for Your Needs

With your domain locked in, the next step is finding the right home for your website. This is where web hosting comes in — and no, it’s not all the same.

Your hosting provider is the behind-the-scenes engine that keeps your site live and running smoothly. If you pick a dodgy one, you could end up dealing with slow load times, outages, or support that disappears the second something breaks. And let’s be honest — when your website is down, so is your business.

For Aussie businesses, choosing a hosting provider with servers in Australia is a big plus. Local hosting means faster speeds for your local audience, better data privacy compliance, and access to local support teams who understand your time zone (and don’t keep you on hold at 2am).

You’ll also want to consider what type of hosting suits your business best:

• Shared hosting is great for small sites just getting started — it is the affordable option if you’re concerned about the costs of a good hosting service.
• VPS hosting offers more control and performance if you’re expecting higher traffic or running more advanced tools.
• Managed WordPress hosting is ideal if you want speed, security, and support without getting your hands dirty with backend stuff.

And don’t forget security features. Look for things like free SSL certificates, daily backups, and proactive threat monitoring. These aren’t just “nice to have” anymore — they’re baseline essentials.

In short, your hosting isn’t just a technical choice — it’s a business decision. Think long-term. A reliable provider will save you time, headaches, and potentially a ton of money down the road.

Content That Connects With Your Audience

Now that your domain and hosting are sorted, it’s time to think about what your website actually says. This is where a lot of Aussie businesses drop the ball — because it’s easy to assume that just having a few pages up is enough. But content isn’t filler. It’s the voice of your brand, and it needs to resonate with the people you want to reach.

At a minimum, your site should have a few core pages that clearly explain who you are and what you do:

• A Home page that grabs attention fast and makes people want to stick around
• An About page that builds trust (especially for small businesses and sole traders)
• A Services or Products page that’s clear and conversion-focused
• A Contact page that makes it easy to reach you

But it’s not just about structure — it’s about tone. If you’re serving local clients, don’t be afraid to sound like a real Aussie business. Be friendly, clear, and confident. Speak to your audience like you’d speak to a customer walking through your door. Avoid jargon. Show personality. That’s what turns a visitor into a customer.

And let’s not forget SEO. Your content should naturally include keywords your audience is searching for — without overdoing it. Talk about your location, your services, and the problems you solve. That helps search engines understand what your site’s about, and it makes your content more helpful for actual humans too.

Bottom line? Your content needs to do more than fill space. It needs to reflect your business, answer questions, and help visitors feel like they’re in the right place.

Design and Usability Matter More Than You Think

So you’ve got a solid domain, reliable hosting, and content that speaks your brand. Now let’s talk about how it all looks — because when someone lands on your site, it takes just seconds for them to make a judgment. First impressions online are brutal, and design plays a huge role in whether someone sticks around or bounces.

Clean, simple design always wins. That doesn’t mean your site has to be boring — it just means it should be easy to read, navigate, and use. Cluttered pages, confusing menus, or outdated graphics can make your business look less trustworthy, even if you’re the best in your field.

And if your site isn’t mobile-friendly? Forget it. More than half of Aussies browse on their phones, and Google prioritises mobile usability in search rankings. Responsive design isn’t a “nice-to-have” — it’s a non-negotiable.

Navigation should be intuitive too. Visitors shouldn’t have to click through five pages just to find your phone number or opening hours. The goal is to remove friction and make it easy for people to do what they came to do — whether that’s book an appointment, buy something, or just get in touch.

If you’re not a designer, don’t stress — there are plenty of high-quality WordPress templates that look great right out of the box. Better yet, consider working with a local web designer who understands how Aussie users interact with sites and can tailor your layout to match.

Remember, good design isn’t just about looking pretty. It builds trust, keeps visitors engaged, and helps drive real business results.

Launching Smart With SEO and Analytics in Place

You’re almost there — the site looks sharp, the content’s on point, and everything feels ready to go. But before you hit that “publish” button, there are two final steps that can make or break your launch: SEO and analytics.

First up, SEO — search engine optimisation. You don’t need to be an expert, but setting up the basics will help your site get found by the right people. Make sure each page has a unique title tag and meta description. Use headers properly (H1 for page titles, H2s for subheadings) and sprinkle in relevant keywords where they make sense — especially those tied to your services and location.

Also: image optimisation. Give your image files meaningful names (not just “IMG_9321.jpg”) and add alt text so they’re accessible and search-friendly. Little details like these help search engines understand your content, and they contribute to better rankings over time.

Now onto analytics. This is the part most small businesses skip — but it’s seriously valuable. Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console before you launch. These tools give you real-time insights into how people are finding your site, what they’re clicking on, and where they’re dropping off.

With that data, you’re not just guessing what’s working — you’ll know. That means you can improve your content, adjust your SEO strategy, and make changes that actually move the needle.

Launching a website isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point. The more prepared you are from day one, the easier it is to grow, improve, and stay ahead of your competition.

Conclusion

Getting your business online is a huge milestone — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to get your domain name right, choosing a local hosting provider you can rely on, and building a site with clear content, smart design, and solid SEO, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.

Think of your website as your digital storefront. It should reflect the same level of professionalism and care that you bring to your work every day. And just like in the real world, first impressions matter, trust is earned quickly, and performance counts.

Whether you’re a one-person show or a growing team, the steps you take before launching your website can make all the difference. Slow down, plan it out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help — because when your site does its job right, it becomes one of the most powerful tools your business has.

***************
LP

DNS Best Practices: Enhancing Your Website’s Performance and Visibility

Have you ever wondered how typing a website name in your browser gets you to the right destination?

The answer lies in the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts as the internet’s phonebook, translating easy-to-remember domain names (google.com) into the IP addresses (8.8.8.8) that computers use to communicate.

It would be much harder to get around on the internet without DNS. For your website to load quickly and do well in search engines like Google, you must ensure that your DNS is set up correctly.

This blog post will discuss the best DNS techniques for improving the speed and reliability of your website’s performance and visibility.

Why DNS Performance Matters for Your Website?

DNS performance directly impacts how fast your website loads and how users feel about it.

If the DNS resolution process is slow, pages will take longer to load, which will make users annoyed and cause more of them to leave quickly.

Search engines like Google also consider page speed a key ranking factor.

Thus, your DNS settings not only make your visitors happy but also increase your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Best Practices for DNS Configuration

Use Multiple DNS Servers

Multiple DNS servers ensure people can still access your website, even if one fails.

This redundancy increases uptime, dependability, and trust with users by making it less likely that the system will go down during busy times.
Strikingly pointed out that setting up different DNS servers is necessary for a smooth and uninterrupted online presence.

Enable DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions)

DNSSEC makes the DNS search process safer and helps protect your site from DNS spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks. DNSSEC ensures that

DNS responses are real, improving your website’s image and trustworthiness.

Choose a Reliable DNS Provider

When selecting the DNS Provider, it’s important to consider dependability, security, and customer service. A good DNS service will ensure that your website is always available, cutting down on downtime and improving the user experience.

Security is also critical. A vital DNS service can protect you from threats like DDoS attacks and DNS spoofing.

Also, helpful and quick customer service can be beneficial, especially when fixing technology problems that might affect how well your site works.

Regularly Monitor DNS Performance

Continuous DNS monitoring helps ensure your DNS records are configured properly and up to date.

Tools like Catchpoint DNS monitoring offer real-time checks, allowing you to detect and resolve issues before they impact user experience.

Regular DNS record lookups ensure your site remains fast and efficient, helping to prevent outages or performance dips.

Implement DNS failover solutions

DNS failover solutions protect your website from downtime and service interruptions.

When a DNS server goes down or suffers significant traffic, a failover system instantly transfers users to a backup server, assuring uninterrupted service.

This helps to avoid costly downtime and ensures that your site is always accessible, even if servers fail or there is an unexpected rush in demand.

To set up a successful DNS failover system, select a DNS provider with several server locations worldwide and a proven track record of reliability.

Health checks and automated failover rules can help ensure smooth transitions between servers during an outage.

Use anycast routing for DNS

Anycast routing is a strategy in which numerous servers in various geographic regions use the same IP address. This approach enhances DNS performance by directing user queries to the nearest server, which reduces latency and increases overall website speed.

In addition to improving performance, Anycast routing increases reliability by dispersing traffic over different servers, reducing the danger of server overload.

This system also includes built-in security against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assaults. Traffic is distributed across multiple nodes, making it more difficult for attackers to target a single point of failure. Using Anycast routing ensures faster DNS resolution and higher website reliability.

Prevent DNS spoofing and cache poisoning.

DNS spoofing and cache poisoning are significant cyber risks that can cause users to visit malicious websites or intercept important data.
These attacks occur when hackers manipulate DNS records to fool visitors into visiting a false website. To prevent these attacks, one recommended security practice is to enable DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), which adds a layer of verification to the DNS search process, guaranteeing that responses are from authentic sources.

Regular DNS checks and monitoring for anomalous behaviour can also aid in the early detection and prevention of these attacks. To defend your website from DNS-based cyber threats, be sure that your DNS provider uses robust encryption and upgrades its security measures regularly.

The Function of DNS in SEO and Visibility

Fast DNS resolution is critical to enhancing your website’s search engine rankings. Google prioritizes websites with quick load times, and DNS performance is essential in determining site speed.

A well-optimized DNS guarantees that desktop and mobile users can quickly reach your website, improving the user experience across all devices. Slow DNS settings might cause page load delays, lowering your SEO rankings. Optimising DNS settings improves website accessibility and increases your chances of ranking better in search engine results pages.

Conclusion

DNS is essential for assuring your website’s performance, security, and visibility. Best practices such as deploying multiple DNS servers, activating DNSSEC, and routinely checking DNS performance can dramatically enhance your website’s speed and stability.

Fast DNS resolution is also important for improving SEO ranks, as search engines like Google favor websites that load quickly. Furthermore, installing security measures such as DNS failover systems and Anycast routing can help protect your website from downtime and cyber attacks.

Optimizing and safeguarding your DNS improves the overall user experience and increases your website’s chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

***
Allen Donald

How to Create an Affiliate Marketing Website: Step-by-Step

Affiliate marketing is a popular method of earning passive income online. You can build a profitable online business by promoting products or services on your website and earning commissions from sales or leads. However, the first step in your journey is to create an affiliate marketing website. But how do you get started?

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right niche to setting up your site and driving traffic. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge needed to launch your successful affiliate marketing website and start earning passive income. Let’s dive in!

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where businesses reward affiliates (partners or individuals) for driving increased traffic or sales to their products or services.

It’s a popular method for companies to expand their reach and boost sales without upfront costs, as affiliates are only paid when specific actions (like a purchase or lead generation) are completed.

Key Concepts in Affiliate Marketing

Merchant (Advertiser): The business offering a product or service.

Affiliate (Publisher): The individual or company promoting the merchant’s product or service.

Affiliate Link: A unique tracking URL provided to the affiliate that is used to track sales or traffic.

Commission: The earnings an affiliate receives for generating a sale or lead.

Conversion Rate: The percentage of visitors who done the particular desired action (e.g., purchase) after clicking an affiliate link.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

Affiliate Joins a Program: An affiliate signs up for a merchant’s affiliate program.

Promotion: The affiliate promotes the merchant’s products through various channels, such as blogs, guest posts, social media, or email marketing.

User Clicks Affiliate Link: A potential customer clicks on the affiliate link.

Tracking and Conversion: The merchant tracks the link’s activity and rewards the affiliate when a sale or specific action occurs.

Payment: The affiliate gets a commission based on the agreed terms.

Why is a Professional Affiliate Website Important?

Having a proper website integrated with affiliate management software for your affiliate marketing efforts can significantly increase your probability of success:

First Impressions Matter

A professional website makes a strong first impression that will make visitors more likely to trust your recommendations and return for more content.

Credibility and Trust

High-quality design and content establish credibility, crucial for convincing visitors to follow your affiliate links and make purchases.

SEO Benefits

A well-structured website improves search engine rankings, driving organic traffic to your site, which is key to successful affiliate marketing.

User Experience

A professional website ensures a smooth and intuitive user experience, making it easier for visitors to navigate, find information, and take desired actions.

Branding

A professional website helps build a consistent brand image, which differentiates you from competitors and fosters loyalty among your audience.

Monetisation Opportunities

With a professional website, you can explore additional revenue streams, such as selling ad space, creating sponsored content, or offering digital products.

Analytics and Insights

A professional website lets you track performance metrics, helping you understand what works and what needs improvement to optimise your affiliate marketing strategy.

How to Build an Affiliate Marketing Website Step by Step?

Creating an affiliate marketing website involves several key steps, from planning to execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Niche

Your niche is the specific topic or area you’ll focus on for your affiliate marketing website. It’s crucial to choose a niche that you love and are passionate about, and that has a market demand. The better specific your niche, the easier it will be to build a loyal audience.

Tips for Choosing a Niche

Passion: Pick something you’re interested in; it will keep you motivated.

Market Demand: Use tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to research if there’s an audience for your niche.

Competition: While some competition is good, avoid oversaturated markets unless you can offer something unique.

2. Pick a Domain Name and Hosting Service

Your domain name is the online identity or address of your website (e.g., www.yoursite.com). It should be memorable, relevant to your niche, and easy to spell. Once you’ve chosen a domain name, register it and find a reliable hosting service.

Choosing the right web hosting service is very important for your website’s performance and success. You need a hosting provider with speed, reliability, and excellent customer support.

Hostinger is one of the best in the market, trusted by millions of clients.

It provides affordable plans, high-speed performance, and robust security features. Additionally, with Hostinger, you can create a website using their AI builder without incurring any additional costs in your plan.

Steps to Get Started

Register Your Domain: Choose and register your domain name through a service like Hostinger.

Select a Hosting Plan: Hostinger offers various plans depending on your needs. Their shared hosting is excellent for beginners.

Set Up Your Website: Use Hostinger’s AI builder to design your site easily.

3. Design Your Website

Your website’s design is crucial for user experience and conversion rates. A well-designed website builds trust and encourages visitors to click on your affiliate links.

Key Elements of a Good Website Design

Responsive Design: Ensure your website looks responsive and accessible on all devices, including mobile phones, as over half of affiliate traffic comes from mobile devices.

Fast Loading Speed: A slow website can deter visitors. Choose a hosting service like Hostinger, which offers fast load times.

Easy Navigation: Make it easy and trouble-free for visitors to find what they want.

Professional Appearance: Use high-quality images and a clean layout.

4. Create Quality Content

Quality content is the base of any successful affiliate marketing website. Your content should provide value to your audience, solve their problems, or answer their questions.

Types of Content to Create

Product Reviews: Detailed reviews of products within your niche.

How-To Guides: Step-by-step guides that help your audience solve specific problems.

Listicles: Lists of top products or tips related to your niche.
Comparison Posts: Compare similar products and highlight their pros and cons.

Tips for Writing Quality Content

Be Honest: Always give your genuine opinion; your audience will appreciate it.

Focus on SEO: Use relevant keywords, but avoid keyword stuffing.

Include CTAs: Encourage readers to click on your affiliate links with clear calls to action.

Leverage AI Content: AI-driven content creation is utilised by 79.3% of affiliate marketers, as per Authority Hacker survey.

5. Sign Up for Affiliate Program

Once your website has some content, it’s time to sign up for affiliate programs. Choose programs that match your niche and offer suitable products or services your audience will find valuable.

Popular Affiliate Programs

Amazon Associates: Ideal for beginners, offering a wide range of products. Amazon Associates holds almost half of the affiliate market share, as per Ninja Tables.

ShareASale: A diverse network with various products and services.

ClickBank: Focuses on digital products like eBooks and software.

CJ Affiliate: Offers products from big brands with high commission rates.

6. Add Affiliate Links to Your Content

Once you have signed up for affiliate programs, you can include affiliate links to your content. Be strategic about where you place these links to increase the chances of clicks and conversions.

Best Practices for Adding Affiliate Links:

Contextual Placement: Place links where they naturally fit within the content.

Avoid Overlinking: Don’t overwhelm your readers with too many links; it can be off-putting.

Use Call-to-Action Buttons: Highlight your affiliate offers with buttons to draw attention.

7. Optimise for Search Engines (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) optimises your website to rank higher in search engine results. Higher rankings mean higher traffic, which can lead to more affiliate sales.

Basic SEO Tips

Keyword Research: Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to find relevant keywords for your content.

On-Page SEO: Optimise your titles, headings, and meta descriptions with your target keywords.

Content-Length: Longer, in-depth articles often perform better in search rankings. According to Backlinko analysis, long-form content typically earns 77.2% more links than shorter articles.

Internal Linking: Link to other relevant pages on your site to improve navigation and SEO.

8. Promote Your Website

Creating your affiliate website is just the beginning; promoting it is crucial for attracting visitors and generating affiliate sales.

Effective Promotion Strategies

Social Media Marketing: Share your valuable content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Email Marketing: Create an email contact list and send newsletters with your latest content.

Guest Blogging: Write guest posts or blogs on other websites to drive traffic back to yours.

Paid Advertising: Consider using Google Ads or Facebook Ads to promote your site.

9. Monitor and Optimise Performance

After launching your affiliate marketing website, it’s essential to track its performance and make improvements as needed.

Tools for Monitoring Performance

Google Analytics: Track visitor behaviour and identify popular content.

Search Console: Monitor your website rankings and performance on search engines.

Affiliate Dashboard: Check your affiliate program’s dashboard to track clicks and conversions.

Ways to Optimise

A/B Testing: Experiment with different layouts, content, and calls to action to see what works best.

Content Updates: Update your content regularly to keep it relevant and valuable.

Improve SEO: Continuously work on your SEO to rank higher in search results.

10. Scale Your Website

Once your affiliate marketing website is high and running successfully, you can scale it to increase your income. Scaling involves expanding your content, exploring new niches, or diversifying your income streams.

Strategies for Scaling

Add More Content: Expand your website by adding new articles, reviews, and guides.

Explore New Niches: Consider starting another affiliate site in a different niche once established.

Monetize with Other Methods: Besides affiliate marketing, explore ads, sponsored articles, or selling your own products.

Conclusion

Creating an affiliate marketing website is a rewarding venture that can generate passive income if done correctly. By choosing a reliable web hosting provider and following the steps given, you can easily build a professional and functional site. Remember, success in affiliate marketing requires patience, steady effort, and a focus on giving value to your audience. Your affiliate earnings will reflect your hard work as you continue to optimise your site and grow your traffic. Start today, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your affiliate marketing goals.

***

Layla Mayer