What are the initial steps to take when connecting a custom domain if the domain registrar is Google Domains?
When connecting a custom domain to your Webflow site and your domain registrar is Google Domains, the initial steps are important to ensure a seamless integration. This process involves configuring DNS settings and ensuring that your domain correctly points to Webflow's servers. Here is a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the steps involved:
1. Access Your Google Domains Account:
– Begin by logging into your Google Domains account at https://domains.google.
– Use your Google account credentials to access the domain management dashboard.
2. Select Your Domain:
– Once logged in, navigate to the "My Domains" section.
– Click on the domain name you wish to connect to your Webflow site. This action will take you to the domain's management settings.
3. Navigate to DNS Settings:
– In the domain management settings, locate and click on the "DNS" tab. This section allows you to manage the Domain Name System (DNS) records for your domain.
4. Add A Records:
– In the "Custom resource records" section, you need to add A records. A records are essential because they map your domain to Webflow's IP addresses.
– Click on the "Add" button to create a new A record.
– Enter the following details:
– Name: Leave this field blank or enter "@" to represent the root domain.
– Type: Select "A" from the dropdown menu.
– TTL: Set the Time-To-Live (TTL) to 3600 seconds (1 hour).
– Data: Enter Webflow's IP addresses. As of the latest update, Webflow uses the following IP addresses:
– 75.2.70.75
– 99.83.190.102
– You will need to add two separate A records, one for each IP address.
5. Add CNAME Record:
– A CNAME (Canonical Name) record is required for the "www" subdomain, which is a common practice for website accessibility.
– Click on the "Add" button to create a new CNAME record.
– Enter the following details:
– Name: Enter "www".
– Type: Select "CNAME" from the dropdown menu.
– TTL: Set the TTL to 3600 seconds (1 hour).
– Data: Enter "proxy-ssl.webflow.com". This value points the "www" subdomain to Webflow's proxy server.
6. Verify DNS Changes:
– DNS changes can take some time to propagate across the internet. It is advisable to wait at least an hour, although propagation can take up to 48 hours in some cases.
– You can use online tools such as DNS Checker (https://dnschecker.org) to verify that your A and CNAME records have been updated correctly.
7. Connect Domain in Webflow:
– Log into your Webflow account and open the project you wish to connect the custom domain to.
– Go to the "Project Settings" and navigate to the "Hosting" tab.
– In the "Custom Domains" section, click on the "Add Custom Domain" button.
– Enter your custom domain (e.g., "example.com") and click "Add Domain".
8. Set Default Domain:
– After adding your custom domain in Webflow, you will see it listed under the "Custom Domains" section.
– Set the default domain by clicking the "Make Default" button next to your preferred domain (usually the root domain without "www").
9. Publish Your Site:
– Once the domain is connected and verified, go back to your Webflow Designer.
– Click on the "Publish" button in the top-right corner.
– Ensure that your custom domain is selected in the publish options.
– Click "Publish to Selected Domains" to make your site live on your custom domain.
10. SSL Configuration:
– Webflow provides free SSL certificates for custom domains. In the "Hosting" tab of your project settings, ensure that the "SSL" option is enabled.
– This will secure your site with HTTPS, providing encryption and improving security.
11. Troubleshooting Common Issues:
– If your domain is not connecting correctly, double-check the DNS records in Google Domains to ensure they match the required settings.
– Verify that there are no conflicting records that might interfere with the connection (e.g., old A or CNAME records pointing to different servers).
– Clear your browser cache and DNS cache to ensure you are viewing the most recent version of your site.
12. Monitor and Maintain:
– Regularly monitor your site's performance and DNS settings to ensure continued connectivity.
– Keep an eye on Webflow's status page and Google Domains for any updates or maintenance announcements that might affect your site.
By following these steps meticulously, you can successfully connect your custom domain from Google Domains to your Webflow site, ensuring a professional and seamless web presence.
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