I have heard of people who purchase multipe extensions for the same domain name (for example: domain.com, domain.net, domain.org) and then either code them all identically or use redirects back to the main site. Do you do this? Is it a good idea?

I have multiple TLDs for some of my domains, but not for my personal or "hobby" sites. For anything where I want to point related TLDs at different servers, I'll buy multiple "versions" of the domain - usually .com and .net, and very occasionally .org.

For my "business" domains, I'll buy the .com and .net, then use the .com as the primary site and the .net as either the support or the backup site (or, in one case, the staff site). One domain has the front-facing site using one TLD, another TLD is used as Linux nameservers, and a third TLD used as the Windows nameservers.

One of my domains has the top three TLDs displaying the same content. I bought all three TLDs to make sure someone else didn't set up a similar site on the .net or .org. I've only got one domain set up like that, though.

I only own the .com for my personal site, and for one other "hobby" site of mine.

Redirect of this sort may bring more traffic on your web site IMO.

I agree with Lesli about getting multiple TLDs for your business if they are available. Redirecting to the mail site could help increase traffic to the main and you could also use the other sites (.net) for storage of files or records.

If they are available I say go for it. I've rarely seen where if a .com was free then a .net with the same name was taken but it can happen.

Chris

It's always a good idea to grab all of them as soon as you can. The best scenario is to redirect the all other TLDs to your main .com site.

Unless it is very impressive domain name or your own company name, I don't think it is a good idea to buy multiple extension domain name.