How to Enable Domain Forwarding and Masking Using GoDaddy.com

Domain forwarding means that when you type a Web address into a Web browser, you're automatically forwarded to a page on a different domain. Ordinarily the true Web address shows up in the browser's address bar, and the address you typed disappeared. Domain masking means that the address, or URL, in the address box stays the same. You don't know that you went to a domain with a different name. If you don't like your Web address and you just registered a much nicer domain name with GoDaddy, you can make it so that readers can type in your new domain name and be forwarded to your old site, but without your having to move all the pages over to GoDaddy's servers -- and without their seeing the old name.

Instructions

1

Launch a Web browser and navigate to your original website online. Highlight the URL -- the Web address -- in the address bar. Press "Ctrl" and "C" simultaneously to copy the entire URL.

2

In a new tab or window, go to GoDaddy.com and log into your account. Hover your cursor over the "Domains" tab. Select "My Domains" in the drop-down list that appears just below the tab. You'll be taken to the Domain Manager. Here, you'll see a listing of all the domains you own. Check the box by the domain name you want to use for the website you visited in Step 1. New options become available on the overhead toolbar. Click the "Forwarding" button on the toolbar.

3

Check the box that says "Enable Forwarding" in the window that appears. Below it is text reading "Forward to:" and a text box where you can input a link. Position your cursor inside the text box and press "Ctrl" and "V" simultaneously to past the link you copied earlier into the box. Select the radio button next to "301 Moved Permanently." This is so search engines know that the site has moved to a different location permanently and can send all your visitors to the new location.

4

Click the "Masking" tab. Check "Enable Masking." Whatever you enter in the "Masked Title" area appears in the top of the your browser window in the title area whenever you or your visitors go to your site. Under "Masked Description Meta Tag," fill in what you would want to read on a search engine result about your site. Under "Masked Keyword Meta Tag" fill in the relevant keywords for your site. Click OK. Give the site some time to adjust the new settings, as it's not going to be an instantaneous change.

5

Open a new tab or window and type in your new domain name. Your original website appears, with your new domain displayed in the address bar.