Domain Forwarding

Domain forwarding is a process where one domain name automatically redirects visitors to another domain name or URL. This means when someone enters the domain name in their browser or clicks on a link associated with it, they are immediately taken to a different web address.

The Domain Forwarding Process

When you forward your domain to link visitors to an online destination, you typically are using a forwarding only application. This option redirects visitors to a destination of your choosing and keeps the destination URL in the browser address bar. For example, when people type in your domain name, they will be forwarded to an address such as onlinedestination.com and this address will appear in the browser. 

There are good reasons for keeping the “forwarded to” website address in a browser bar. For example, if you are linking your followers to a charity page, you might want the charity web address to appear in the browser for credibility. Or if you are linking them to a promotional page like “yourwebaddress.com/sale” this helps your customer to see that they are visiting a special web page offering promotional specials.

Key Aspects of Domain Forwarding:

• Redirect Types:
  • Permanent Redirect (301): This indicates that the domain has permanently moved to a new URL. It’s the most SEO-friendly option as it passes most of the original domain’s ranking power to the new domain.
  • Temporary Redirect (302): This is used when the redirection is temporary. It tells search engines that the redirection might change in the future, so they shouldn’t update their records.
• URL Masking (Cloaking): In some cases, the forwarding might keep the original domain visible in the browser’s address bar even though the content is being served from a different URL. This is called masking or cloaking.

Common Uses:

• Rebranding: Forwarding an old domain to a new one when a business changes its name.
• Multiple Domains: Directing traffic from several domains to a single primary website.
• Traffic Consolidation: Consolidating traffic from various domains to improve SEO and manage a single web presence.
• Affiliate Marketing: Using a branded domain to direct users to an affiliate link.

Linking Multiple Domain Names

If you have registered multiple domain names for your personal or professional brand, you can link them all to one website. For example, you may register a few variations of your domain name that includes misspellings or even alternate domain extensions (like .bakery in addition to .com). This gives your customers more ways to remember and find your website address, even if they type in your domain name incorrectly. 

Multiple domain names can potentially boost online brand recognition and attract more visitors to your website. Online search engines use geolocation extensions to help customers find businesses that are in their area and closest to them. For example, if someone in Canada searches for a photographer, photography sites ending in .ca will generally rank higher and be easier to find. 

How It Works:

Domain forwarding is usually configured at the domain registrar level. The owner of the domain sets up a forwarding rule, specifying the new destination URL. When visitors type in the original domain name, the server automatically redirects them according to these rules.

It’s a helpful tool for managing web traffic and ensuring that users find the content you’re directing them to, even if they start with the wrong URL.

What is Domain Forwarding Good For?

Domain forwarding offers you value in the following ways:

• Provides you with a constant online address for your personal brand or business that you can link to any online space you choose. 
• Allows you to use your domain name even before your website is completed by linking it to a social media account, blog, or an eCommerce site like Etsy or eBay. 
• Once you have a website, you can link multiple domain names to it to attract more site visitors and attention. 
• You can redirect your domain address to a new online location at any time and for any reason – you are always in control.