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Google Workspace Multiple Domains: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re managing several domains, then you know how challenging it is to track emails, documents, and collaboration tools across different platforms. But one solution can help to make life a little easier – setting up Google Workspace multiple domains.

Below, we’ll explore how this approach can simplify managing multiple domains. We’ll talk about the different types of domains you can set up on Google Workspace, what the benefits are, and give you a step-by-step tutorial on the whole process. 🧩

Let’s begin! 🙋‍♂️


Types of domains in Google Workspace

Before setting up Google Workspace multiple domains, we need to take a step back to understand the different types of domains you can add to the platform.

Primary domain

When you sign up for Google Workspace, you select a primary domain that serves as your primary web address and email domain.

For example, if your primary domain is “company.com,” your email addresses might look like “sam@company.com” or “info@company.com.”

It’s also the default domain for sharing documents and collaborating within your organization.

Secondary domain

The easiest way to view secondary domains is as additional branches to the main domain.

They’re great for large corporations that own more than one company and want to be able to manage them all in one place. For example, Meta owns both Facebook and Instagram, so it could use Facebook as the primary domain and have Instagram as a secondary domain. Secondary domains are also great for companies with numerous departments.

At the moment, you can add up to 599 secondary domains to your account. Each user connected to one of these secondary domains will also get their own Google Workspace account with all the collaboration tools the platform has to offer.

Alias domain

Google describes an alias domain as “a domain name that can be used as an alternative name for another domain.”

So, using the “company.com” domain example we used above, let’s say you’d also like to receive emails for the domain “co.com.” Instead of setting up secondary domains, you can set up an alias domain for “co.com” and receive emails directed to this domain.

Google allows you to create up to 20 domain aliases, so this could be a good choice for you if you’re a small business owner or solopreneur managing several domains and wanting one central place to access them.

Now that we’re on the same page regarding the different domains you can set up through your Google Workspace account, let’s discuss the benefits.


Google Workspace multiple domains: why register several domains?

  1. You need help with segmentation
  2. Your organization has a global presence
  3. You’re working on a new project
  4. You’re rebranding

1. You need help with segmentation 🧮

As highlighted earlier, managing several user accounts across different platforms can get overwhelming. But with Google Workspace, you can have them all in one place.

Once you’ve registered your domains, you can then create email addresses for different purposes. For example, if you plan to launch a new product, you can set up a separate email address that you’ll share with your team and customers to track all communications regarding the product.

This allows you to create separate email addresses for new product launches, marketing campaigns, webinars, and any other events, instead of using the generic email address (e.g., info@company.com).

2. Your organization has a global presence 🏢

Registering multiple domains can be a game-changer for organizations with a global footprint. Let’s say you’re running a business that sells sports equipment worldwide. You could have “sportsman.com” as your primary domain but also register “sportsman.co.uk” for the UK market and “sportsman.au” for Australia.

Adding these domains to your Google Workspace can help you create email addresses for each domain and have them all in one centralized location.

3. You’re working on a new project 🚧

Let’s say you’ve decided to expand your brand and build a new website. Why have a completely different workspace for your email accounts? Using Google Workspace’s multiple domain capabilities offers you the advantage of seamless integration.

You can add the domain for your new project and use it to manage your various email accounts, file storage, calendars, and other collaboration tools.

4. You’re rebranding 🛵

When you’re in the midst of a rebranding journey, registering multiple domains with Google Workspace can help you manage the transition smoothly.

During this process, you can use secondary or alias domains to reflect the new brand. This can help you maintain a smooth transition, minimize customer confusion, and ensure that your online presence effectively reflects your evolving identity.

If registering several domains with Google Workspace makes sense for you and your needs, here are the steps you’ll need to follow.


Google Workspace multiple domains: 4 steps to register your domains

Step 1: Sign in to your Google Workspace admin console 🕹️

To get started, navigate to admin.google.com.

Then, enter the email address and password associated with your Google Workspace admin account.

Step 2: Add a domain 🛰️

Once you’re logged in, scroll down your dashboard until you find the “Domains” section.

Within the Domains section, click on Add a domain to start the domain setup process.

Google Workspace multiple domains, selecting "add a domain".

At this stage, you’ll need to first enter the domain you want to add to your account. And then select whether you want the domain to be a secondary domain or alias domain.

Google Workspace multiple domains, selecting the type of domain you want to add.

Step 3: Verify domain ownership 🧑‍💻

Verifying domain ownership in Google Workspace.

The third step on our list of setting up Google Workspace multiple domains is verifying your domains.

In a nutshell, this step is all about proving that you own the domain you’re adding.

After you’ve entered your new domain in the admin console (as explained in the previous step), Google will give you three options to verify it:

  • Automatic verification (if you can sign into your domain host)
  • Create a TXT record (if you can edit your domain’s records)
  • Create a CNAME record (if you can edit your domain’s records)

Pick one of these options based on your preference and follow the prompts to complete the verification process.

Step 4: Test the domain 🧪

Testing helps identify and resolve any issues before fully transitioning to the new domain, ensuring a smooth experience for your organization.

To test a new domain added to your Google Workspace admin console, you can:

  • Create test email accounts using the new domain.
  • Send test emails to and from these accounts to ensure emails are delivered without issues.
  • Test other Google services like Google Drive, Calendar, and Meet to ensure they work with the new domain.
  • Involve colleagues to help test functionality and ensure everyone can use the new domain’s services effectively.

Google Workspace multiple domains: final thoughts 🏁

By now, we hope you understand just how much Google Workspace can help you manage your various domains.

🚀 But let’s get a quick recap on some of the standout benefits of choosing this route:

  • You can create email addresses for each domain and for different purposes. This can help you stay organized.
  • If your brand has a global presence, you can add domains for each region and create email accounts for them.
  • When you have new developments, creating separate domains and email accounts can help you continue running your main domain and email smoothly.
  • If you’re currently rebranding or your company is merging with another, creating new domains and accounts can help you start reflecting what you want this new brand to look like.

No matter your needs, setting up Google Workspace multiple domains can help streamline operations and stay ahead in the digital age.

If you want to create new domains for your business (or even a new business), check out our guide on how to choose a domain name!