The Domain Name System (DNS), often referred to as the internet's address book, is a fundamental component of online connectivity.
Unfortunately, many companies underestimate the power of DNS redirection as a strategic technique to transform the way you manage and optimize your online presence.
As a managed IT service provider (MSP), many companies rely on Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) to manage their IT infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore six compelling reasons you should consider harnessing the potential of DNS redirection, based on our experience.
From enhancing website performance to strengthening security and even driving marketing initiatives, understanding these benefits can empower you to navigate the digital space.
Whether you're a seasoned IT director or a curious digital explorer, by the end of this article, you’ll discover how DNS redirection can be a game-changer for your online endeavors.
1. Improve website security.
DNS redirection is used to protect your website and users from malicious activity. For example, you can use DNS redirection to block access to phishing sites or malware downloads that use spoofed domain names. You can also use it to redirect users to a more secure version of a website (e.g., from http to https).
Admittedly, DNS redirection is just a small component of website protection. With the advent of application proxies and multi-layered zero-trust policies, cybersecurity professionals have other techniques with a higher chance of protecting your data.
Despite not being an end-all-be-all security function, DNS redirection is still useful as an extra layer in a zero-trust security plan.
RELATED: How Can I Improve My Business Network Security?
2. Manage website traffic.
Despite the revenue it can bring, getting considerable website traffic is a headache if your website can’t handle the wave of visitors. Luckily, you can use DNS redirection to manage website traffic by sending web visitors queuing subdomains or to a temporary maintenance page when the website is down.
3. Conduct A/B testing.
DNS redirection can be used to split traffic between different versions of a website or application for A/B testing.
When you create different versions of a web page with different URLs and redirect some of the visitors to each version, you can compare the performance of each version based on the metrics you want to optimize, such as conversions, engagement, or satisfaction.
By directing a portion of your users to a new version, you can evaluate its performance and user engagement before making it the default.
4. Redirect users to a user-specific landing page.
You can also use DNS redirection to give your website visitors a more personalized user experience. It’s possible to use DNS redirection to funnel users into a domain based on their location, language, device, or other criteria.
For example, you can easily show a different landing for your Asia-based users vs. your Northern American user base. Each landing page's unique content designed for that particular market will improve conversion rates.
5. Redirect visitors to a new domain or subdomain.
If you’ve undergone a website redesign or a change in your organization name, you can easily direct visitors to the new website with DNS redirection.
Small changes - such as an easier-to-remember or more relevant domain name - are much more convenient to implement. You minimize downtime and ensure users can still access your content and services if you migrate to a different platform or hosting provider.
If your website also changes owners, you can use DNS redirects to preserve your brand identity and SEO ranking if you switch to a new domain name.
6. Run more efficient marketing campaigns.
DNS redirection can funnel users for marketing or testing purposes. For example, you can use DNS redirection to send users to a landing page with a special offer or a survey before they reach your main site.
It makes tracking the performance of your marketing campaigns and conversion rates more convenient - especially if you have unique landing pages for different customer types.
For example, you can create multiple versions of your landing page with different headlines, offers, or designs and redirect your visitors based on where they come from (e.g., email, social media, ads) or what they are interested in.
Ready to start implementing DNS redirection for your business?
In conclusion, redirecting your DNS can have many benefits for your website and online presence. It can improve your site's speed, reliability, scalability, SEO, and, most importantly, cybersecurity. It can help you avoid downtime, website errors, and cyberattacks.
However, redirecting your DNS is not trivial and requires careful planning and execution. You should always back up your data, test your redirects, and monitor your site performance before and after the change.
If you are not confident in doing it yourself, you can always hire professionals to do it for you. Redirecting your DNS is a worthwhile investment that can boost your online success and reputation.
As an IT company with multiple years of experience helping clients manage their IT infrastructure, we want every company to be completely prepared to maintain their network. Consult with our IT experts today to implement DNS redirection immediately and efficiently.
Or feel free to check out the following resources:
- Who Should Manage Your Domain Name?
- [VIDEO] Look-Alike Domain Name Impersonation: How to Protect Your Business