Domain Forwarding

[millenniumtraders]

Hello,

I have been having a problem with getting Google to answer this question so I thought I should ask it here.

Recently our company purchased several domain names that are similar to our domain name [URL removed by moderator]. For example we purchased [URL removed by moderator]. The reason we did this was simple, many people do not know how to spell our domain name correctly and we believe there is a potential of 10-15% of our business lost because of it.

I know that, for example, if you type in www.gooogle.com it will automatically take you to www.google.com. I believe this is done by using something like Go Daddy’s “Domain Forwarding” option. However I have read on message boards and such that using Domain Forward is looked down upon and considered bad by Google. If it is how else am I suppose to do this? I do not wish to decrease the ranking of our site or get it banned by Google for doing this. I do not see what could be wrong about it but I am simply concerned.

Also, we own several other domains that are not similar to our domain but similar to our industry e.g. [URL removed by moderator]. If I were to use the “Forward Domains” option on this domain would we get punished for it?

One last thing should I use what is called Domain Masking with the Forwarding Domains tool on Go Daddy?

Thanks for your help guys.

[edited by: tedster at 6:35 pm (utc) on Aug. 8, 2006]

[tedster]

"Domain Forwarding" and "Domain Masking" are not technical terms. I have seen everything from a meta-refresh to a frameset called domain forwarding. When it comes to doing business on the web, technical precision can be as important to your success as making sure that your physical world outdoor posters are not printed in water-soluble ink.

Owning multiple domains is a common business situation. The search engine issue (and it's not just Google) is not having more than one url resolve to the same content. What you need to do is have a 301 [permanent] redirect point from every additional domain to the main domain, and therefore not resolve more than one web address to the exact same content. No matter which domain is typed in by the visitor, the address will change to your primary domain, the same as you see when you type in too many "o"s for Google.

If your hosting service/registrar cannot or will not oblige you on this 301 redirect request, there are many who will. I suggest you find one and take your business there.