Benefits and Best Practices of Domain Forwarding
Ever typed a web address and landed somewhere unexpected? That’s not always a mistake - it’s a strategy businesses use to guide visitors where they want them to go. But how does it work, and how can you use it to your advantage?
What is Domain Forwarding?
Domain forwarding, also known as URL redirecting, is a technique in domain management that directs traffic from one domain to another. This practice is essential for maintaining brand consistency, preserving website traffic, and enhancing marketing flexibility.
Want a deeper dive into how redirection works? Check out our guide on how URL forwarding works.
Benefits of Domain Forwarding
Before you start redirecting your website, let’s look at why domain forwarding can be a game-changer for your online presence.
1. It keeps your brand strong and recognisable
With website redirection, you can make sure that no matter what version of your domain people type - whether it’s a typo, a different extension, or an old URL - they always land on your main website. This keeps your brand looking consistent and professional.
Want a deeper dive into how redirection works? Check out our guide on how URL forwarding works.
2. You don't lose visitors when changing domains
Redirecting your old site to the new one makes sure you don’t lose visitors who still use the previous link. Instead of hitting a dead end, they’ll automatically land on your new homepage.
A 301 redirect is the best way to ensure a smooth transition without losing search rankings. Want to know how to set it up? Here’s a simple guide on 301 redirects and why they matter.
3. It makes marketing links easy to remember
If you’re running a promotion, it’s much easier to share a short, catchy web address rather than a long, complicated URL. By setting up a custom domain that forwards to your campaign landing page, you make it easier for customers to remember and visit your site - boosting engagement and conversions.
4. You can manage all your domains in one place
Got multiple versions of your domain? Maybe you own the .com, .net, or country-specific versions of your website. Instead of managing separate websites, you can point them all to one main site, making things simpler for you and your visitors.
Securing multiple domain names helps you protect your brand and market space. Not sure how? Here's why owning multiple domains can be a smart move.
Smart tips to set up website redirects the right way
Not all website redirects work the same way. If you’re moving your website to a new domain permanently, use a 301 redirect - this tells search engines to send visitors to the new link while keeping your Google rankings intact. If it’s only a temporary move, a 302 redirect is the better choice.
1. Avoid redirect loops that slow down your site
Have you ever clicked a link and ended up stuck in an endless loading loop? That happens when multiple redirects send visitors from one link to another, making your site slow and frustrating to use.
Always check that your redirects go straight to the final page - no unnecessary steps in between!
2. Keep your brand looking consistent
Your website name is part of your brand, and using different domains should never confuse your audience. Make sure all forwarded domains match your brand’s look and feel so that users always know they’ve landed in the right place.
3. Regularly check if your redirects are working
A broken redirect means lost visitors! Test your redirects from time to time to ensure they’re working as expected. If a link stops working, fix it fast to keep your traffic flowing smoothly.
4. Be careful with masking - it can hurt SEO
Some websites use domain masking to show one web address in the browser while displaying another website’s content.
While this may seem useful, search engines don’t like it, and it can make your website harder to rank. It’s best to use transparent redirects so visitors (and search engines) can clearly see where they are going.
Things to watch out for when forwarding your domain
While domain forwarding offers several advantages, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of:
Domain forwarding has its perks, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid problems:
1. It can affect your search rankings
If not set up properly, forwarding can create duplicate content issues, which might hurt your SEO performance. Using the right type of redirect and keeping an eye on your site's ranking can help prevent this.
2. It might confuse visitors
If users land on a different website than they expected, they may wonder if they’re in the right place. Clear branding and transparent redirects make sure they don’t feel lost.
Make domain forwarding work for you
Domain forwarding might seem like a small technical tweak, but when done right, it can boost your brand, retain visitors, and simplify your online presence. ust remember to set them up correctly, monitor performance, and avoid common pitfalls. Now that you know the best practices, is your domain strategy working as it should? 🚀