Not ready for a website just yet? A .com domain name can still benefit your business because domain forwarding allows you to establish a memorable and branded web address regardless of where you build your
Check out this quick guide for how it’s done.
If your business has a social media page or online store, you can make it easier to find with a memorable, custom .com web address. This is because with domain forwarding, you can direct a domain name to the online presence of your choice, which can help you reach more people.
What Does “Forwarding” a .com Domain Name Mean?
Domain name forwarding (also called web forwarding or redirecting) is just like forwarding mail when you move - you simply create a rule that tells your domain name provider to send all visitors who type your domain name in a web browser to the online page of your choice. You can update the rule anytime you’d like, so as your online presence evolves and grows, your domain name can move with you.
Some additional benefits you may get from forwarding a .com domain name include:
A memorable web address to use for marketing. A .com domain name is for more than just a website. Help turn customers into repeat customers by giving your online store a memorable .com web address with domain name forwarding.
A consistent web address for your business. Get a custom .com web address that moves with your business, so even if you change which social media or e-commerce sites your business uses, your customers will always be able to find you.
The flexibility to change or update the online destination a .com domain name sends your visitors to at any time.
Did You Know?
Research shows that consumers worldwide believe that .com is a great choice for an online presence.1 Plus, a .com domain name makes it easier for customers to find and recognize a business on social media and e-commerce platforms.
What Are the Different Ways To Forward a Domain Name?
Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of domain name forwarding, let’s break down the different types of forwarding and how each one can affect what your customers see in their web browser.
When working with a domain name retailer, you will likely have two options:
Forwarding Only: When a person types in your business’s custom .com domain name in a web browser, they’re automatically forwarded to a destination web address of your choice. For many businesses, this option meets their general forwarding needs.
Forwarding With Masking: While this option is similar to the “forwarding only” option, there are few additional benefits. Unlike “forwarding only,” “forwarding with masking” helps ensure that your audience will continue to see the custom .com domain name in the address bar rather than another address from your social media or other site. In addition, it lets you customize your business’s title and description to make it search engine friendly.
How Do I Forward a .com Domain Name?
To start, you’ll need to have already registered a .com domain name and determined your destination web address.
Many domain name retailers generally follow a five-step process. Since every retailer’s process may differ, we recommend consulting their help center or searching their site for specific instructions on how to forward a domain name.
TAKEAWAY
You’re now ready to grow your online presence with the help of a .com domain name.
1 Verisign Online Consumer Preferences Study, 2025.
