Can domain masking be implemented on a Webflow hosted site or is this something that needs to be addressed by the domain name provider?

Published on

September 22, 2023

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Domain masking, also known as URL masking or URL cloaking, refers to the practice of displaying a different URL in the browser's address bar than the actual URL of the website being visited. This can be useful in certain scenarios, such as when you want to redirect visitors from one domain to another while maintaining the appearance of the original domain.

In the case of a Webflow hosted site, domain masking typically needs to be addressed by the domain name provider rather than within the Webflow platform itself. Here's how the process works:

Register your domain: Purchase a domain name from a domain registrar or use an existing domain name that you already own.
Set up DNS records: Log in to your domain name provider's website and configure the necessary DNS records. This typically involves creating a CNAME or A record that points your domain to the Webflow servers.
Enable domain masking: Check if your domain registrar offers domain masking or URL forwarding options. Most domain registrars provide this feature as part of their domain management tools. Enable domain masking and specify the destination URL (your Webflow website).
Test and configure settings: Once you've enabled domain masking, visit your website using the masked URL to verify that it displays correctly. You may need to adjust settings or wait for DNS propagation to complete before changes take effect.

It's important to note that domain masking does not alter the actual underlying URL structure of your website. It simply masks the URL displayed in the address bar. This means that search engines will still index and display the original URL in search results, potentially affecting SEO. If maintaining SEO is a priority, it's recommended to consider other options such as domain redirection or proper domain configuration to avoid any negative impact.

To summarize, while you can implement domain masking on a Webflow hosted site, it is typically something that needs to be addressed by the domain name provider through their domain management tools. It is important to consider the potential SEO implications and choose the most appropriate solution for your needs.

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