Domain Name System parking definition
Domain Name System parking refers to registering a domain name without actively using it for a full website. Instead, the domain displays a temporary landing page hosted on a web server. A parked domain typically shows a placeholder page, advertisements, or a "coming soon" message. Domain parking is also commonly used by brands to protect their trademarks by purchasing various variations of their primary domain name, preventing others from misusing similar addresses.
See also: cybersquatting, DNS record, DNS cache, country code top-level domain, DNS query, DNS resolution, DNS client, DNS redirection, DNS cache, DNS record, domain hijacking, domain fluxing
How DNS parking works
- 1.Register a domain name. You purchase and register a domain name through a domain registrar, securing ownership of that web address.
- 2.Point to parking service. Configure the domain's DNS settings to point to a domain parking service's name servers instead of a web hosting server.
- 3.Display placeholder page. The parking service hosts a temporary landing page on your domain, often displaying ads, a "coming soon" message, or basic information.
- 4.Generate revenue (optional). If using monetized parking, the placeholder page shows advertisements, and you earn money when visitors click on them.
- 5.Maintain domain ownership. Keep renewing your domain registration while it's parked until you're ready to develop a full website or sell the domain.
Benefits of DNS parking
- Preserves domain ownership. Parking allows you to hold onto a valuable domain name while you develop your website or business plan, preventing others from registering it.
- Generates passive income. Monetized parking displays advertisements on your parked domain, earning you revenue from visitor clicks even when the site isn't fully developed.
- Maintains online presence. A parked domain shows a placeholder page instead of an error message, signaling that the domain is active and professionally managed.
- Prevents cybersquatting. By parking domains related to your brand, you protect against competitors or bad actors registering similar names to exploit your reputation.
- Provides flexibility. Parking gives you time to decide what to do with the domain — whether to build a site, sell it, or redirect it—without losing the registration.
- Low cost and minimal effort. Domain parking requires no web hosting or development work, making it an affordable way to manage multiple domains until you're ready to use them.
Uses of DNS parking
- Reservation for future use. Users or companies park domains when they intend to develop a website or service in the near future.
- Protection of brand or intellectual property. Companies park domains similar to their primary domain or trademark to prevent others from using them.
- Resale. Buy cheap, sell high. Users use domains as investments — hoping the parked domain will increase in value when the market conditions change.
- Monetization through advertising. Parked domains often display advertising, letting the owner earn revenue when visitors click ads.
- Preventing misuse or abuse. The owner parks a domain to prevent others from registering it and using it for malicious purposes, such as phishing or hosting malware.
- Cybersquatting. An unethical — and sometimes illegal — practice of registering a domain to profit from someone else’s trademark or reputation.
