Can a Redirected Domain Rank in SEO?

Seeking Advice
1

Is it possible for a domain that instantly redirects to another domain to rank well for SEO?

For example, I have a .net domain that redirects to the .com version of my site. Is there a way for the .net to rank on its own, or would I need to clone the site on .net and host it separately for SEO?

2

If the domain redirects, there’s no content on it—no content means no ranking.

Cloning isn’t the answer; moving content to .net might be. But why do you want to rank the .net over the .com?

3

Wyatt said:
If the domain redirects, there’s no content on it—no content means no ranking.

Cloning isn’t the answer; moving content to .net might be. But why do you want to rank the .net over the .com?

Got it, so I’d need actual content on .net to rank.

The .net is an affiliate of the .com, so I’d like both to rank if possible.

4

@Mark
Honestly, that’s not a great move. Google doesn’t like duplicate sites, so if you’re set on ranking both, the .net site would need its own unique content and design.

5

Why not focus on promoting the .com version? A 301 redirect is usually just to preserve links, not to get both domains to rank.

6

If it’s a redirect, it won’t rank. Simple as that.