Ever wish you could send visitors from one web address straight to another without any headaches? That’s exactly what domain forwarding lets you do—and if you’re using Bluehost, you might be wondering how to make it happen.
Whether you’re rebranding, consolidating websites, or just want to make navigating easier for your audience, knowing how to forward a domain is essential. In this article, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions plus helpful tips to smoothly set up domain forwarding on Bluehost.
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How to Set Up Domain Forwarding on Bluehost: A Complete Guide
Setting up domain forwarding (also called domain redirecting) with Bluehost is a straightforward process that lets you guide visitors from one domain to another of your choice. Whether you’re rebranding, consolidating websites, or just want to make sure users find your newest site, understanding how to set up Bluehost domain forwarding is key.
Below, you’ll find clear instructions, practical tips, and answers to the most common questions—all tailored to help you get your domain pointing exactly where you want it.
What is Domain Forwarding and Why Use It?
Domain forwarding essentially means redirecting visitors from one web address to another. Let’s break it down:
- Example: If you own
myoldsite.comand want visitors to automatically reachmynewsite.com, you set up domain forwarding.
Common Uses for Domain Forwarding
- Rebranding your business or website
- Migrating from one domain to another
- Securing multiple domains that route traffic to your main site
- Creating memorable or shorter links that redirect visitors to longer, more complex URLs
Having a redirect in place ensures you don’t lose valuable visitors, SEO ranking, or brand recognition when transitioning between domains.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Domain Forwarding on Bluehost
You can manage domain forwarding from the Bluehost control panel, typically using cPanel’s redirect functions. Here’s a simplified process:
1. Log In to Your Bluehost Account
- Go to your Bluehost dashboard and enter your credentials.
2. Access the Domain Management Section
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Domains” section.
- Click on “Redirects” under the Domain submenu, or locate the dedicated Redirects tool in cPanel.
3. Choose the Type of Redirect
There are two main types of domain forwarding:
- Permanent (301 Redirect): This tells browsers and search engines that the redirect is permanent. It helps transfer SEO (search engine optimization) value to the new site.
- Temporary (302 Redirect): This indicates the original URL may return in the future. Use this only for short-term changes.
For most cases, choose a 301 Permanent Redirect.
4. Set Up the Domain Redirection
- Select the type of redirect (301 or 302) as described above.
- Choose the domain you want to forward from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the destination URL—the domain where you want visitors to be sent.
- Optionally, select “Redirect with or without www” to catch all variations.
- Save your changes.
5. Test Your Redirect
- Open a new browser window and type in the original domain. It should seamlessly take you to the new or destination URL.
Important Points and Options in Domain Forwarding
When setting up forwarding, keep these aspects in mind to ensure your redirect functions smoothly:
- Forwarding Path: Decide if you want all URLs (like
myoldsite.com/page1) to redirect to their counterparts (mynewsite.com/page1), or just the root domain. - Forward with or without www: Catch all traffic whether users type
wwwor not. - HTTPS Considerations: Make sure both domains have SSL certificates so web browsers do not show security warnings.
- Forwarding to Non-Root URLs: You can forward a domain to a subdirectory or specific page on your new website.
- Email Forwarding: If you had custom email addresses attached to your old domain, you’ll need to set up separate email forwarding.
Benefits of Bluehost Domain Forwarding
- Retain SEO Value: Redirects allow you to transfer much of your search engine ranking to the new domain.
- Enhance User Experience: Visitors never feel lost—reaching your active site, no matter what domain they use.
- Brand Protection: Forward alternate, misspelled, or similar domains to your main URL, protecting your brand.
- Flexible Marketing: Use unique campaign domains that redirect users to special landing pages.
Challenges and Things to Watch Out For
Domain forwarding is useful but can have pitfalls if not managed well:
- Redirect Loops: Avoid redirecting a domain to itself, directly or indirectly.
- Multiple Redirects: Too many redirects can slow down website loading and hurt user experience.
- Losing Email Access: Domain forwarding applies to web traffic, not email. Plan ahead for any email addresses associated with an old domain.
- Search Engine Updates: Search engines take time to update indexes, so traffic patterns may briefly fluctuate.
Best Practices for Domain Forwarding on Bluehost
To make the most of your domain redirects:
- Choose 301 Permanent Redirects whenever possible for SEO continuity.
- Update your internal links to point directly to the new site to avoid unnecessary hops.
- Monitor traffic and search rankings after redirecting to spot any unexpected drops or issues.
- Maintain SSL certificates on both domains for a secure browsing experience.
- Communicate changes to your audience, especially if you’re rebranding or relocating your main website.
Practical Tips and Advice
- Plan Your Redirects: For large sites, map out which pages will forward to which new pages in advance.
- Check Everything: Always test the redirects from multiple devices and browsers.
- Update Third-Party Listings: Don’t forget to update your site URL on social media, directories, and Google My Business.
- Monitor Emails: If your customers contact you through email addresses associated with the redirected domain, set up forwarding or notify them of new addresses.
- Backup Your Website: It’s wise to backup your site before making significant domain changes.
Cost Tips for Domain Forwarding
- Domain Registration: Keeping both the old and new domains registered will incur annual fees for each.
- No Additional Cost for Redirects: Bluehost includes domain forwarding/redirect options with most hosting plans at no extra charge.
- SSL Certificate Costs: If you want HTTPS on both domains, make sure both have active SSL certificates. Bluehost offers free SSL on many plans, but verify for both domains.
Troubleshooting Common Domain Forwarding Issues
- Redirection Not Working: Double-check your destination URL and that the correct redirect type (301/302) is selected.
- Mixed Content Warnings: Ensure your SSL certificates cover both domains to avoid browser security alerts.
- SEO Drop: It’s normal for rankings to fluctuate briefly, but make sure you aren’t using a 302 (temporary) redirect if you intend a permanent change.
- Endless Redirect Loops: Ensure your original and destination URLs don’t point to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to buy extra services to forward my domain with Bluehost?
No. Domain forwarding is generally included in Bluehost’s hosting plans at no additional cost. However, you do need to own both the source (forwarding) and destination domains.
2. Will setting up a domain forward affect my website’s SEO?
If you use a 301 permanent redirect, most SEO value will transfer to your new website. Always prefer 301 over 302 redirects for lasting domain changes.
3. Can I forward just specific pages to new URLs, or only the whole domain?
Yes! Bluehost allows you to forward entire domains or specific pages and paths. This means you can customize which URLs go where if you’re restructuring your site.
4. Does forwarding my domain also forward my email accounts?
No. Domain forwarding only affects website visitors. Email forwarding requires separate configuration to ensure old email addresses continue to work.
5. How long does it take for the redirect to start working?
Most domain forwards take effect almost immediately upon setup. However, due to browser or DNS caching, some visitors might not see the changes for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
In Summary
Domain forwarding is a powerful tool for managing web traffic, rebrands, and SEO on Bluehost. By following the simple steps outlined above—accessing your dashboard, choosing the right redirect type, and carefully entering your new destination—you’ll keep your audience connected and your brand moving forward.
Remember, smart planning, careful testing, and following best practices ensure a smooth transition for both you and your visitors. If you encounter any hiccups along the way, Bluehost’s support and your control panel provide the resources you need.
Ready to take control of your web traffic? Setting up domain forwarding with Bluehost is the reliable, user-friendly solution to keep your digital presence strong and connected.