Domain names

How to redirect domain names properly

If you have more than one domain name you may want to redirect your other domains to your main domain. In this way, if someone types in any of your domain names they will go to your main website.

How you redirect domain names is important. If you get it wrong you could adversely affect your search engine rankings, or make it impossible for people to bookmark pages on your site.

There is one right way to redirect domain names and numerous wrong ways!

If your other domains are with us you do not need to worry, we will look after the redirection.

Set up a 301 permanent redirect

If you administer your own domains you need to log into your control panel (or contact whoever looks after your domains) and set up a 301 permanent redirect on all domains that you wish to point to your main domain.

The redirection must be to http://www.yourdomain.com [your own domain here of course]. 

Once you have set up the redirection, check it! It may take a few hours to be updated, so give it time. When you type one of your other domains into your browser's address bar you should see the address change to that of your main domain name.

Will having lots of keyword-rich domains redirecting to my site help with search engine rankings?

Quite simply - no. This is an urban myth. Only your main domain name can influence your search engine rankings.