An alias domain is a handy tool that lets you point a different domain name to a specific resource on your primary WordPress website. Instead of building a whole new site, you simply configure the alias domain to redirect visitors to your existing WordPress site, which can be a smart way to maximize your online presence without extra hassle.
In WordPress, alias domains have plenty of practical uses. One of the most popular is creating targeted landing pages for marketing campaigns. Imagine launching a new product and having a memorable, dedicated domain just for that – easy to remember, easy to share.
Another common use for alias domains is geo-targeting in eCommerce. You can set up microsites with localized versions of your main website, helping you connect better with regional audiences.
Instead of having to set up an entirely new website for either of these purposes, you can simply use a plugin like Domain Mapping System to manage multiple domains in a single WordPress install.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up an alias domain and pointing it to a specific page in WordPress. Whether you’re looking to create a high-converting landing page or a region-specific microsite, this tutorial has got you covered.
What is an Alias Domain?
An alias domain is a separate domain name that points to the same website as your primary domain. With an alias domain, you can use different URLs without creating separate WordPress installations.
Alias Domain Vs Primary Domain
Unlike your primary domain, which is the main web address, an alias domain simply directs visitors to the same content on your primary site.
In short, when an alias domain is set to point to your main website, it displays the same content as your primary domain. It’s the same website with different URLs, offering a seamless experience for your visitors..
Alias Domain vs. Simple Redirects
When you hear about alias domains, you might wonder: why not just use a simple redirect instead of setting up a separate domain that points to the same website on your primary domain?
Alias domains are preferred over simple redirects because they allow you to have multiple domain names that appear as independent URLs but still serve the same content.
For example, if you set up a 301 redirect like this:
yourwebsiteredirect.com > yourwebsite.com, when a user visits yourwebsiteredirect.com, they’re automatically (and permanently) redirected to yourwebsite.com. The URL in the browser changes to yourwebsite.com, making it clear to the visitor that they’ve been redirected.
But with an alias domain, the experience is different. If you configure an alias domain to point to a specific page or website, visitors are taken to that page, but the URL remains as the alias domain. This means the alternate URL stays visible in the browser’s address bar, offering a seamless experience that can enhance trust and strengthen your brand’s presence.
Setting Up an Alias Domain for a Page in WordPress
Setting up an alias domain for a specific page on your WordPress site might sound complicated initially but it’s a fairly easy process. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to get your alias domain up and running.
Prerequisites for setting up an alias domain.
- An account at a domain name registrar.
- Access to your web hosting control panel.
Step 1: Choose and register your alias domain name
The first thing you need is to register a domain name that will act as your alias domain. This is fairly straightforward if you have an account at a domain registrar, such as namecheap.com or domain.com. You’ll go through all the hoops and hops until your domain name is registered.
What you choose for the domain name is up to you and your goals for setting up an alias domain. During registration, you’ll provide the necessary details and pay a small fee, which usually covers one year of ownership.
Step 2: Configure DNS settings for the alias domain
With the newly purchased domain all set, the second step is to configure DNS settings for it. DNS (Domain Name System) is what connects your domain name to the web server where your website files are hosted.
- Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard and locate the DNS management section.
- Add a new DNS record: You’ll need to create an A Record for your alias domain that matches the A Record of your primary domain. . For example, if your primary domain is yourdomain.com and your alias domain is example-yourdomain.com, you would create a matching A Record for both domains.
This video explains how to configure DNS:
Step 3: Add the alias domain to your WordPress hosting account
You have your DNS configured. In this step, you’ll link the alias domain to your WordPress hosting account
- Access your hosting control panel: This could be cPanel, Plesk, or a custom panel provided by your hosting service.
- Locate the ‘Domains’ or ‘Addon Domains’ section: Here, you’ll add your alias domain.
- Enter the alias domain details: Input your newly registered alias domain. Depending on your hosting provider, there might be options to set it as a redirect or park it. Read about supported hosting providers in our documentation.
Most hosting providers allow you to specify whether the alias should point to the entire site or just a specific resource, such as a directory. The hosting company must allow you to map the alias domain to the same root folder as your WordPress site.
For this guide, we want to target a specific page, and we’ll need to map the alias domain to a specific page, such as a landing page – this is where the plugin or custom configuration on the site itself takes over.
Step 4: Map the alias domain to a specific page on your WordPress site
With your alias domain added to your hosting account, you can now map it to any page you want on your WordPress website.
There are a few ways to do this:
- .htaccess Redirect: You can add a redirect rule to your site’s .htaccess file. For example:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^example-yourdomain.com [NC]
RewriteRule ^$ https://yourdomain.com/yourcustom-page/ [L,R=301]
- Control Panel Redirect: You can set up a page-level redirect using your hosting control panel or another dashboard tool.
- Domain Mapping System Plugin: The safest and easiest method is to use the Domain Mapping System plugin. This allows you to map the alias domain to a custom page on your website without messing with configuration files like .htaccess or control panel settings. Plus, it helps you manage multiple alias domains and subdomains with ease.
Step 5: Test the alias domain to ensure it’s working correctly
The final step is to test if everything works fine. Enter your alias domain into a web browser and check if it correctly redirects to the specific page on your WordPress site. Ensure that the page loads properly and that any links, images, or scripts are functioning as expected.
If you encounter any issues, revisit the steps above to ensure everything was set up correctly. Common problems include DNS settings not being fully propagated (which can take up to 48 hours) or incorrect redirect rules.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Alias Domains
DNS propagation delays
One of the most frequent issues with setting up alias domains is DNS propagation delays. When you adjust DNS settings for your alias domain, it can take some time for the changes to fully take effect. This delay can be caused by various factors, including DNS cache or ISP caching rules.
To monitor and troubleshoot propagation delays, use a service like a DNS propagation checker.
Incorrect redirects
If you manually configure a redirect to point your alias domain to a specific page on your WordPress site, there’s a higher chance of running into errors. These incorrect redirects can be frustrating and tricky to resolve.
To reduce the risk of such issues, use a plugin like the Domain Mapping System. It automatically maps your alias domain to the correct page, minimizing the chance of redirect errors and simplifying the process.
Conclusion
Setting up an alias domain in WordPress can enhance your site’s flexibility and reach without the need for additional installations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively map an alias domain to a specific page, creating targeted experiences for your audience. Whether you’re launching a marketing campaign or catering to different regions, alias domains offer a seamless and efficient way to manage multiple URLs under one main site.
