About Squiggle

1. Is Squiggle 100% Australian owned?
This is a common question and it is good to see so many Australian's supporting Australian businesses. Yes Squiggle is 100% Australian owned and operated. We always strive to offer the best service possible at competitive rates.

2. What are Squiggle's prices?
Squiggle offers a range of services to cover all your business needs including graphic design, website design, domain registration, hosting and much more, and our prices are competitive. Please see our prices page for more information.

3. What is a domain name?
A technical term for the ‘address’ of a particular website on the internet, the domain name tells your browser where to look to access the pages you want to see. The domain name for this website, for example, is “squiggle.net.au”. Some domain names end in fewer dots and letters than others. For example, the domain name mysite.com has fewer components than mysite.com.au.

Dot Com domains (.com) was the first domain style to be introduced, and is considered a Top Level Domain or TLD as it features only one suffix. Top level domains also cover any other domain name form that only has one suffix – for example; .net, .info, .biz, and so on.

Second Level Domains or 2LDs are domain names that contain another level of qualification to this. For example; .com.au is a second level domain style as it contains an additional suffix after the .com. - for example .com.au, .net.au and so on. Second level domains are no less effective or desirable than top level domains. In some cases they can actually be MORE desirable as the additional suffix can help to say something about your business, such as where in the world you are located.

4. How do I register a domain name?
All you have to do is go to our reseller page and lodge a search in the Domain Search box. You will then be advised whether or not the domain is available. If it’s available, you can continue with your order. If it’s not available, please search again or contact Squiggle for advice.

5. Are there any ongoing or hidden fees?
No, once you have registered your domain name with Squiggle it is yours, providing you pay the renewal every period it is due.

6. How much does a domain name cost?
Each registrar or reseller determines its own prices and policies for domain name registrations. In addition, most registrars and resellers offer additional services, such as Web site hosting and website site development, that may be of interest to you.
Please see our prices page for more information.

7. What if the name I want isn't available?
Don't be put off. There are lots to choose from. If you want an international name, try using ".net", ".org" or ".biz" instead of ".com". If you want an Australian domain there are many alternatives to choose from - ".net.au", ".org.au" and ".id.au". If you still can't find the name you want, call Squiggle and we'll be happy to suggest some for you.

8. What are valid characters and valid lengths for domain names?
.au names can contain the English-language letters A through Z, and the digits 0 through 9. You can also use hyphens, but hyphens cannot begin or end your domain name. Spaces and special characters (such as !, $, &, ë, and so on) are never permitted. The minimum length is 3 characters, and the maximum length is 63 characters (excluding the "http://www" portion).

9. Can I register a brand name?
If it is your brand name then yes. However, it is your responsibility to make sure that you do not infringe the rights of any other company or individual. If you register a brand-name or company name which belongs to another company as a domain name, we reserve the right to cancel the registration. Furthermore, you will be liable for any costs incurred as a result of the registration.

10. How long does my domain name take to approve?
Domains are approved automatically as soon as your order is submitted online. However, some domain names do require manual processing and these will normally be processed within 24 working hours.

Automated registration only applies to the following domain names:
.com | .net | .org | .info | .biz | .co.nz | .net.nz

24 hour approval applies to the following domain names:
.co.uk | .me.uk | .com.au | .net.au | .org.au | .id.au | .acn.au

11. How many domain names can I register?
The policy for registering domain names has changed. An Australian business may now register a derivative of their business name or create separate domains for their associated products. They may even wish to register the profession in which they practice. Also, an Australian individual can register an .id.au domain name. As long as the domain name is a part of the Registrants name or a derivative they may register as many as they like!

12. Who can register .com.au domain names?
To own a .com.au or .net.au domain name, you must be an Australian registered company or a business with a registered business number (ABN, BRN, BN). The licence requirements for a .com.au and .net.au domain name require your business to be registered for business in Australia. This means registering your business or company name with one of the official government authorities, eg ASIC or the Department of Fair Trading in your State. Or you can obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the ATO. The domain name you order should be an exact match, acronym or abbreviation of the supplied business registration, or it should bear a close and substantial connection to the domain name.

13. How do I connect my domain to my created website?
To connect your domain name to your website, you must have a web hosting service to which you can upload your website. Squiggle offers affordable web hosting services that we can set up and get running for you easily. Click here to order our hosting service.