Connecting a domain to your website might seem tricky at first, but it doesn’t have to be, especially with platforms like Webflow that make it straightforward. Recently, while working on a client’s website using Webflow, I took notes on the process to help break it down for you.
First off, when you’re connecting your domain, you’ll dive into your web platform’s settings. Webflow, for example, has a handy production schedule built right in. This schedule keeps your website updates organized and ensures everything rolls out smoothly without disrupting your site’s availability.
One thing to watch out for are the potential hiccups that can come with connecting your domain. Sometimes, it’s all about making sure your DNS settings—those technical bits that link your domain name (like www.yourwebsite.com) to where your website lives—are set up correctly.
Webflow makes this whole process easier by guiding you through each step. You can manually add your custom domain within Webflow and follow their prompts to verify your ownership and set up the necessary DNS records.
Verifying ownership usually means heading over to your domain registrar’s website backend. There, you’ll find the DNS settings section where you can add specific records to prove you own the domain. It’s a security step that ensures only you can make changes to your domain’s settings.
Updating these DNS records involves adding or tweaking things like TXT and CNAME records. The TXT record is like a verification stamp, while the CNAME record helps associate subdomains (like www) with your main domain. These updates make sure your domain points to the right place where your website is hosted.
Navigating your domain registrar’s backend can be a bit of a maze, but once you find the DNS settings, it’s just a matter of following the instructions—Webflow or your registrar will guide you through updating the TXT and CNAME records.
Updating the TXT record means putting in a verification text provided by Webflow. This text shows you’re authorized to manage the domain’s settings. Updating the CNAME record, on the other hand, links your subdomains (like www) to your main domain, ensuring everyone gets to your site without any detours.
Once your DNS records are updated and saved in your domain registrar’s backend, you can hop back to Webflow to verify the connection. This final check ensures everything’s talking to each other correctly and your Webflow-hosted site is linked up with your custom domain.
With everything verified, the last step is to hit publish in Webflow. This makes your site live on your custom domain, ready for visitors to find and explore. Just make sure all your settings look good before you hit that button to avoid any surprises.
In a nutshell, connecting your domain to your website with Webflow is a step-by-step process that ensures a secure and reliable connection.