How Can Forwarding Domain Names Help Your Business?

If you're looking for a way to direct traffic to your website, you may want to consider forwarding domain names. So-called "Web forwarding" involves redirecting multiple Web addresses to a single website. While forwarding domain names is not necessary for everyone, there are several ways Web forwarding can be used to benefit an online business.

Forwarding Misspelled Domain Names

By forwarding domain names, you can take advantage of the frequent spelling errors made by the majority of Internet searchers. For example, someone searching for janesbagels.com might mistakenly search for Web addresses such as janesbagles.com or jansbagels.com. By anticipating these erroneous Web addresses and registering several domain names accordingly, you can begin forwarding domain names that allow you to cast a wider net.

Forwarding Lengthy Domain Names

Web addresses that are lengthy and difficult for visitors to remember have a tendency to hinder website traffic. Choose a concise, "catchy" domain name that's relevant to your business and redirect it to your website by using Web forwarding.

Forwarding Alternate Domain Names

When you register a domain name such as janesbagels.com, it's often a smart move to register similar Web addresses with alternate extensions such as janesbagels.net and janesbagels.org – before your competitor does. Web forwarding helps you ensure that these Web addresses are leading to the same place – your website.

Forwarding Old Domain Names

Forwarding domain names can be helpful for business owners who want to move their websites without losing traffic -- visitors who type in your old Web address will be redirected to your new website. In the same way, if someone else's website includes a link to your old domain, those who click will be forwarded to your new website.

Forwarding Subdomain Names

If you are using free Web hosting services, your website likely has a subdomain, which tends to appear less professional than a top level domain. Web forwarding can help you support your brand – simply register a relevant top level domain and redirect it to the subdomain provided by your free Web hosting company.

Before you begin forwarding domain names to your website, you may want to consider masking your Web forwarding. Masking keeps your website's domain hidden and allows visitors to see only the Web address they typed into their browser. This can be helpful if you'd rather visitors not know they're being sent to a different website.