If you own multiple domain names — for example a .com and a .co.th version of the same brand — Domain Pointers in DirectAdmin let you connect those extra domains to your existing hosting account without paying for a separate hosting plan. This guide explains what Domain Pointers are, how they differ from Addon Domains, and which mode to use for the best SEO outcome.
What Is a Domain Pointer?
A Domain Pointer (sometimes called a Parked Domain or Domain Alias) is a secondary domain name that points to your primary hosting account. When a visitor types the pointed domain into their browser, the server either redirects them to the primary domain or serves the same website content — depending on the mode you choose.
Domain Pointers are useful when you want to:
- Protect your brand by owning multiple TLDs (e.g., .com, .net, .co.th)
- Redirect an old domain to a new one after a rebrand
- Prevent competitors or typosquatters from registering similar names
Domain Pointer vs. Addon Domain — What Is the Difference?
These two features are often confused but serve different purposes:
Addon Domain
An Addon Domain is a fully independent website hosted under the same account. It has its own document root (folder), its own files, its own database, and its own web content. Visitors to an addon domain see a completely separate website. Use an addon domain when you want to run multiple distinct websites on one hosting plan.
Domain Pointer
A Domain Pointer is not an independent site — it simply points to your existing primary domain. There is no separate document root. Either the visitor is redirected (Parked/301 mode) or they see the same content as the primary domain (Alias mode). Use a domain pointer when you want multiple domain names to lead to the same website.
Parked (301 Redirect) vs. Alias — Which Mode Should You Use?
Parked Mode — 301 Permanent Redirect
In Parked mode, anyone visiting the pointed domain is automatically redirected to your primary domain with a 301 (permanent redirect) HTTP status. The URL in the browser changes to the primary domain. This is the recommended setting for SEO because:
- All link equity (SEO value) transfers to the primary domain
- Search engines index only the primary domain — no duplicate content issues
- Visitors always end up on your canonical URL
Alias Mode — Domain Mirror
In Alias mode, the pointed domain serves the exact same content as the primary domain without redirecting. The URL in the browser stays as the pointed domain. This can create duplicate content problems for SEO because two different domain names serve identical pages. Avoid using Alias mode unless you have a very specific technical reason and know how to handle canonicalization manually.
SEO Recommendation: Always use Parked (301 Redirect) mode for domain pointers. This consolidates all SEO signals onto your primary domain and avoids duplicate content penalties. Alias mode is rarely the right choice for typical websites.
How to Add a Domain Pointer in DirectAdmin
Before adding a domain pointer, make sure the domain's DNS A record is pointed to your hosting server's IP address. You can find your server IP in the DirectAdmin account details or by asking AsiaGB support.
- Log in to DirectAdmin and navigate to Domain Pointers under the Domain Management section.
- In the Source Domain field, enter the secondary domain you want to point (e.g.,
mybrand.co.th). - In the Destination field, confirm or select your primary domain.
- Choose the mode: select Parked (301 Redirect) for SEO-safe behaviour.
- Click Add to save.
- Allow a few minutes for the configuration to propagate. Test by visiting the pointed domain in a browser — it should redirect to your primary domain.
DNS must point to your server first. If the domain's A record does not point to your hosting server's IP, the pointer will not work correctly. Update the DNS at your domain registrar and allow up to 24 hours for propagation before testing.
Summary
- Domain Pointer — makes a secondary domain point to your primary site (no separate files or database).
- Addon Domain — runs a completely separate website on the same hosting account.
- Parked (301) — redirects visitors and passes SEO value to the primary domain. Use this.
- Alias — mirrors content without redirecting. Can hurt SEO. Avoid unless necessary.
- Always point the domain's DNS A record to the server IP before adding a domain pointer.
Host Multiple Domains on One Plan
AsiaGB hosting supports addon domains and domain pointers — manage all your websites and domain names from a single DirectAdmin account.
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