Parked Domains and When to Use Them
Most users purchase a domain name with the intention of building a website around it, but there are no rules or regulations stating this has to be the case, nor is there a time limit on when you have to use your domain. You can legally purchase as many domain names as you want and hang onto them to use later if you desire. Purchasing multiple domains and leaving them “parked” is becoming a much more common practice.
So why would anyone purchase domain names just to leave them parked? Good question. The reasons for parking domains vary widely but some common explanations include; ensuring that the specific domain name you want is secured while you are still working out the details and kinks of your project. By pre-purchasing a domain and parking it, there is no chance your unique name will be “stolen” by someone else before you launch. The other use for parked domains is the ability to use one as an “alias” for a site that is already up and running.
Curious if parking a domain or two may be a good choice for you? In this article we will provide information about parking domains, how they work, and how to set them up, and then you can decide for yourself. As you know, KnownHost offers a full menu of domain management options, with an easy to use, intuitive user interface that makes managing your domains a breeze.
Advantages and Uses of Parked Domains
Most traditional websites have a single URL or domain name that guides visitors to the site. By typing in the domain name, guests are able to find your site, complete business transactions, leave messages, and share your site with social media. In addition to the single URL model, there is also the option to have an “alias” or parked domain that contains additional URL’s that lead to your main site. It’s pretty obvious that having an “alias” can increase the number of visitors that find your site. Aliases are just one way to use a parked domain. Others include:
- Selling your parked, unused domain names.
- Controlling misspellings of your primary domain.
- Using other Top-Level Domains (TLDs) to boost your primary domain.
- Creating secondary email accounts with an alias that forwards to your primary account.
As we’ve discussed previously, parked domains can also refer to registered URLs that are not linked to any existing website, thus being truly “parked” and awaiting your use when the time is right.
Is Setting Up An Alias Domain Difficult?
Not at all. If your hosting service provides access to a control panel, the set up is pretty simple. You will need to register your alias domain name beforehand in order for it to work properly. Here are the basic steps.
Step 1: Register a Domain
Regardless of which hosting service you use, purchasing and registering a domain is basically the same across the board. Select the name you want, make sure it is available, and then pay the registration fee.
When your new domain is ready for use, you can access the control panel options such as subdomains, add-ons, and aliases. Use the control panel to select and set-up any of these options.
Step 2: New Alias Creation
You have successfully acquired a new domain, now it is time to park it. From the control panel choose the alias option. Then enter the URL for the new domain you want to park and use as an alias. Be sure you indicate to the DNS servers the same web host you are currently using, or if you registered your domain through a third party, you’ll need to update the DNS records to indicate that.
Step 3: Choose Options For Your Parked Domain
You may choose to let visitors to your site know that you have a project in the works by setting up a “Coming Soon” page. You can also redirect your alias to a website that is currently functioning, or you can simply leave your domain parked. You can manage, update, and change redirects through the control panel by adding the URL you want to redirect towards.
We have covered the detailed articles on the setup of the parked domain for cPanel and DirectAdmin control panel,
Parked Domain Wrap-Up
Parked domains are useful for a variety of things in many different situations. Using similar parked domains to all point to the same website is a smart way to increase website traffic. There is also nothing wrong with purchasing a domain for later use or to resell.
From your hosts control panel, you can add, delete and re-route aliases as often as you need to. Managing your parked domains and putting them to work for you only takes a few simple steps.
Get Started With KnownHost!!!
KnownHost offers domain parking facility with web hosting and managed services packages. You can configure the parked domain with KnownHost’s services within seconds. Also, in the domain parking configuration, contact our support anytime if you face any hurdles!