Here’s a scenario many NYC business owners face: you already have a working website on a .com domain. You’ve built SEO authority and backlinks. But you also see the value of a .nyc domain. Do you have to choose one or the other? Not at all. You can use a .nyc domain as a branded redirect — keeping your existing website while gaining all the benefits of a .nyc address.
What Is a Branded Redirect?
A branded redirect is simple: when someone types your .nyc domain into their browser, they’re automatically sent to your existing website. The .nyc domain acts as a shortcut — a memorable, brandable URL that points to wherever your website already lives.
You get to use “yourbusiness.nyc” on business cards, social media, and marketing materials while your actual website stays exactly where it is. No migration, no redesign, no SEO disruption.
Why Use a .NYC Redirect?
It’s shorter and more memorable. When you’re telling someone your URL over the phone or at a networking event, every character matters.
It works better in physical marketing. Business cards, flyers, storefront signage, and packaging all have limited space. A .nyc domain fits cleanly.
It signals NYC identity. Every time someone sees your .nyc domain, they register “NYC business.” That geographic branding compounds over time.
It protects your brand. Owning your brand name in the .nyc space prevents competitors from registering it.
It’s future-proof. If you ever decide to move your main website to .nyc, the domain is already registered and associated with your brand.
Types of Redirects: 301 vs 302
301 redirect (permanent). Any SEO value from links pointing to your .nyc domain passes through to your main website. This is what you want for a branded redirect.
302 redirect (temporary). Use only if you plan to build a separate website on the .nyc domain later.
How to Set Up a Branded Redirect
Option 1: Registrar-Level Redirect
- Log into your registrar account
- Find the DNS or domain management settings
- Look for “URL forwarding” or “redirect”
- Enter your destination URL (your existing website)
- Select “301 permanent redirect”
- Save
This is the easiest method and most registrars offer it for free.
Option 2: DNS-Level Redirect with Hosting Provider
Point your .nyc domain’s DNS to your hosting account and configure a 301 redirect in your .htaccess file (Apache) or server config (Nginx). This gives more control over specific page redirects.
Option 3: Cloudflare Page Rules
Add your .nyc domain to Cloudflare’s free tier and create a Page Rule with a “Forwarding URL” 301 redirect. Cost-effective and simple.
Creative Redirect Strategies
Campaign-specific redirects. “summerdeals.nyc” redirecting to yourbusiness.com/summer-sale is memorable and trackable.
Social media link. Use your .nyc domain as your link-in-bio on Instagram and TikTok. Shorter and easier to remember.
Print advertising. Use your .nyc domain as the call-to-action URL in print ads for NYC publications.
Verbal sharing. “Visit us at freshbake.nyc” is cleaner than any long .com alternative.
Tracking Your Redirect Traffic
UTM parameters. Add UTM tags to your redirect destination to track traffic in Google Analytics.
Google Analytics referral data. Traffic from your .nyc domain will appear as referral traffic.
Registrar analytics. Some registrars provide basic redirect analytics in their dashboard.
Common Questions
Will a redirect hurt my SEO? No. A properly configured 301 redirect passes SEO value to your main site.
Can I use .nyc for email even if the website redirects? Yes. Email and website are separate. You can redirect the website while using info@yourbusiness.nyc for email.
How much does a redirect cost? Just the domain registration ($10-40/year for standard). Redirect setup is free with most registrars.
Should I eventually move my main site to .nyc? That’s your call. Many businesses start with a redirect and eventually migrate. Others keep the redirect indefinitely.
Get Started
A .nyc branded redirect is the lowest-risk way to start using a .nyc domain. You keep your existing website, your SEO authority, and add a memorable NYC domain to your marketing.
Browse premium .nyc domains at primedomains.nyc and find the perfect branded redirect for your business.
Prime NYC Domains specializes in premium .nyc domain names for New York City businesses. Visit primedomains.nyc to find your perfect domain.