Using a custom domain on Webflow can give your website a professional and personalized touch. It allows you to have a unique web address that reflects your brand or business. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of setting up and using your custom domain on Webflow.
First, make sure you have a custom domain registered. If you don’t have one yet, there are many domain registrars where you can purchase a domain name, such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
Once you have your domain ready, follow these steps to use it on Webflow:
Step 1: Sign in to your Webflow account and navigate to the project where you want to use the custom domain.
Step 2: Click on the “Settings” tab in the left sidebar.
Step 3: Scroll down until you find the “Hosting” section. Here, you will see a field labeled “Custom Domain.”
Step 4: Enter your custom domain in the field provided. For example, if your domain is “example.com,” type it exactly as “example.com” without any prefixes like “www.”
Step 5: Once you’ve entered your custom domain, click on the “Save Changes” button.
After saving your changes, Webflow will provide you with some DNS records that need to be added to your domain registrar’s settings. These DNS records are essential for connecting your custom domain to Webflow’s servers.
You’ll typically find options for managing DNS records in the control panel of your domain registrar’s website. Look for something like “DNS Management,” “DNS Settings,” or “Domain Settings.” If you’re unsure how to access these settings, consult with your registrar’s documentation or support.
Note: Keep in mind that DNS changes may take some time to propagate globally. It can range from a few minutes to several hours. Changes made to DNS records may not be immediately reflected, so be patient.
Here are the DNS records you need to add:
- Type: A Record
- Host: @ (or leave it blank)
- Points to: 75.2.60.5
- Type: CNAME Record
- Host: www
- Points to: proxy-ssl.webflow.com
Once you’ve added these DNS records, save the changes in your domain registrar’s settings.
Now, it’s time to verify that your custom domain is connected correctly. To do this:
Step 1: Go back to Webflow and click on the “Check Status” button next to your custom domain field under Hosting.
Step 2: Webflow will perform a check and display the status of your custom domain connection. If everything is set up correctly, you will see a success message indicating that your custom domain is connected.
Congratulations! Your custom domain is now successfully connected to Webflow. You can start using it as the primary address for your website.
Remember that any changes you make in Webflow, such as publishing or unpublishing pages, will automatically reflect on your live website using the custom domain.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the setup process or while connecting your custom domain, here are a few things you can check:
DNS Propagation
As mentioned earlier, DNS changes may take some time to propagate globally. Be patient and wait for the changes to take effect. If it’s been several hours and your custom domain is still not working, double-check your DNS records for any errors.
Clearing Cache
Sometimes, your browser or internet service provider may cache old DNS information, causing your custom domain not to load correctly. To resolve this, clear your browser cache or try accessing your website from a different device or network.
SSL Certificate
Webflow provides SSL certificates for all custom domains connected to their hosting. However, it may take some time for the SSL certificate to be issued and activated. If you see a security warning when accessing your website using HTTPS, give it some time, and the issue should resolve automatically.
In Conclusion
Using a custom domain on Webflow adds professionalism and authenticity to your website. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily set up and use your custom domain on Webflow. Remember to ensure proper DNS record configuration and allow sufficient time for DNS propagation.
Now that you have your custom domain connected, enjoy the benefits of having a personalized web address that aligns with your brand or business!