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[title]Did you know that Melbourne has its own domain extension? Here at Time Out Melbourne we are feeling sheepish to admit that we did not. Alas we do now, and we think it’s pretty cool!
Let’s rewind. Back in the early stages of the internet when computers were as big as bollards, if you were starting a new business it was easy to get the web address you wanted and achieve cut through as there were fewer websites overall.
Fast forward to today and name availability is scarce. As a result, URLs are becoming longer and more complicated, businesses are giving up name recognition, and registering a domain name feels more like a chore than the exciting beginning of a journey which it most certainly is.
In great news for Melburnians and those wanting to create a new domain – whether it's to create a portfolio of your work, a new business, side hustle or personal pursuit – there are city domains including .melbourne (pronounced dot Melbourne) that have a wide range of names still available, and you’re more likely to secure your first-choice web address and capture an entire industry with these domain names. With a .melbourne domain name, savvy businesses have the opportunity to dominate an entire market segment within their local area. For example, www.comics.melbourne will let every Melbourne comic book aficionado know where to visit.
Plus, a .melbourne domain lets you align your site to one of Australia’s biggest cities, target a local audience and lets the internet and its users know where you’re based.
Unlike older and clunkier domain options, now is the time to get a memorable, short and on brand .melbourne domain while they’re still available, which can lead to higher recall and increased engagement with your audience.
And it’s no problem if you already have a website! Instead of overhauling your entire site, use .melbourne domain name as an easy-to-remember redirect. Opt to use a shorter, snappier web address for marketing materials or campaigns while keeping your existing site.