Linking an existing domain to Webflow is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few simple steps. Whether you purchased your domain from another registrar or already have an existing domain, Webflow provides an easy way to connect it to your website. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of linking your existing domain to Webflow.
Step 1: Accessing your Project Settings
The first step is to log in to your Webflow account and navigate to the project dashboard. Once you are on the dashboard, select the project you want to link your domain to.
Next, click on the “Project Settings” button located at the bottom left corner of the dashboard. This will open up the project settings menu.
Step 2: Adding your Domain
In the project settings menu, locate and click on the “Hosting” tab. Here, you will find various options related to hosting and domains for your Webflow project.
Scroll down until you find the “Custom Domains” section. In this section, click on the “Add Custom Domain” button.
Substep 2.1: Entering your Domain Name
- Enter your existing domain name in the provided field (e.g., www.yourdomain.com).
- Note: Make sure that you enter your domain name correctly without any typos or extra spaces.
- Note: If you have a subdomain (e., blog.com), enter only the subdomain part in this field (e., blog).
Substep 2.2: Selecting SSL Options
- Webflow offers two SSL options: “Default SSL” and “Custom SSL.”
- Default SSL: This option provides a free SSL certificate from Webflow, which is recommended for most users.
- Custom SSL: If you have your own SSL certificate, you can choose this option and follow the additional steps provided by Webflow to set it up.
Step 3: Configuring DNS Settings
After adding your domain in Webflow, you need to configure the DNS settings with your domain registrar. DNS settings are used to point your domain to the Webflow servers.
In the “Hosting” tab of the project settings menu, you will find detailed instructions on how to configure DNS settings with popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. These instructions will guide you through the process of adding DNS records such as A records and CNAME records.
Note:
- A Records: A records are used to point your root domain (e., yourdomain.com) or subdomains (e.com) to the IP address provided by Webflow.
- CNAME Records: CNAME records are used to point subdomains (e.com) to the Webflow hosting infrastructure.
Step 4: Verifying Domain Connection
Once you have configured the DNS settings with your domain registrar, wait for the changes to propagate across the internet. This process can take up to 48 hours, although it usually happens much faster.
To check if your domain is successfully connected to Webflow, go back to the “Custom Domains” section in the project settings menu. You should see a green checkmark indicating that your domain is connected.
Step 5: Publishing your Website
After successfully linking your existing domain to Webflow, it’s time to publish your website. Navigate to the project dashboard and click on the “Publish” button located at the top right corner.
Webflow will automatically generate a temporary subdomain (e., yourproject.webflow.io) for you to preview and test your website before it goes live on your custom domain.
Note: It’s important to thoroughly test your website on the temporary subdomain before publishing it live on your custom domain.
Final Thoughts
Linking an existing domain to Webflow is a crucial step in launching your website. By following these steps and configuring DNS settings, you can seamlessly connect your domain to Webflow’s powerful hosting infrastructure. Remember to double-check all the information you enter during this process and be patient as DNS changes can take some time to propagate.
Now that you know how to link an existing domain to Webflow, you can confidently take control of your online presence and create stunning websites with ease!