What is alias or parked domain?
Alias or parked domain, It refers to an additional domain name that displays the same website content as your main domain. Instead of setting up a separate site, this type of domain lets you show your existing website under a different domain name.
For instance, if your primary site is yourbusiness.com.au and you also own yourbusiness.net.au, you can configure the .net.au version as an alias or parked domain. Visitors who type in the secondary domain will see the same website without being redirected.
This makes alias domains a great option for securing different domain extensions, catching typos, and running short-term campaigns.
Can an alias or parked domain be used for DNS only?
Yes. While alias domains usually mirror the main website, you can also use them solely for DNS management. In this case, the domain won’t load a website but can still be useful for:
- Configuring business email accounts with providers like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
- Verifying your domain with third-party tools or platforms
- Pointing subdomains to other services or apps
Once the domain is added in cPanel, you can manage all of its DNS records from the Zone Editor. This includes adding A, MX, CNAME, TXT records, and more — all without linking it to any content.
Steps to add an alias or parked domain in cPanel
Follow these instructions to set up an alias domain in cPanel:
1. Log in to your cPanel account.
Head to the Domains section and click on ‘Domains’.
2. Then, Click ‘Create a New Domain’.
3. Type in the domain you want to link. Make sure to tick the option ‘Share document root’ so it uses the same site content. Then click ‘Submit‘.
Before proceeding, ensure that the domain is already registered and is using the same nameservers as your cPanel hosting account.
After these steps, your alias domain will either display your current website or be available for DNS-only usage.
Managing DNS for alias domains
If you only need the domain for email or external services, you don’t need to change anything after adding it. But if you want to edit DNS settings, head over to the Zone Editor in cPanel. There, you can manage all necessary records.
Need a walkthrough? Check out our guide on how to update DNS records via cPanel’s Zone Editor.
Common reasons to use an alias or parked domain
Here are some of the most frequent use cases:
- Owning multiple domain extensions for your brand (e.g.
.com.au,.net.au,.org.au) - Having several domains show the same website content
- Using domains for DNS-only purposes like email or app integration
- Launching short-term marketing or promotional campaigns under different domains
Conclusion
Now that you understand what is alias or parked domain, you can take advantage of this feature to extend your domain presence or manage DNS more effectively. Whether you’re using it to mirror your website or as a DNS-only domain for emails and app configurations, alias domains are easy to set up through cPanel.
Need support?
If you need help setting up an alias domain or managing DNS records, feel free to contact the Network Dynamics support team — we’re here to help.
