Domain Configuration
Setting Up Your Custom Domain
Domain configuration is like giving your website its own address on the internet - it's how your users will find and access your site. Whether you're setting up a new domain or configuring an existing one, FlexSite makes it easy to get your website accessible to the world.
Understanding Domain Setup
Your domain is your website's address on the internet - it's what users type in their browser to visit your site. Setting up a custom domain involves connecting your domain name to your FlexSite environment so that when someone visits your domain, they see your website.
This process includes domain verification to prove you own the domain, DNS configuration to point the domain to your environment, and SSL certificate setup that we do automatically to ensure secure connections.
Domain Verification Process
Before you can use a domain with FlexSite, you need to verify that you own it. This is like proving you have the keys to a house before you can move in. The verification process typically involves adding a specific record to your domain's DNS settings or uploading a verification file to your domain.
Once verified, FlexSite can manage your domain and automatically handle things like SSL certificates and DNS updates.
SSL Certificate Management
SSL certificates are essential for secure websites - they encrypt the connection between your users' browsers and your website, protecting sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. FlexSite automatically generates and manages SSL certificates for your domains.
The certificates are automatically renewed before they expire, so you don't have to worry about your website becoming insecure due to an expired certificate.
DNS Configuration
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet's phone book - it translates your domain name into the IP address where your website is hosted. FlexSite provides the DNS records you need to configure with your domain registrar.
These records tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name. Once configured, changes can take a few minutes to propagate across the internet.
Subdomain and Redirect Management
You can also set up subdomains (like blog.yourdomain.com) and configure redirects to send visitors from one URL to another. This is useful for organizing different parts of your website or handling old URLs when you redesign your site.
FlexSite makes it easy to manage these configurations without needing to understand the technical details of DNS and web server configuration.
How to Configure Your Domain
- Access domain settings by navigating to Environment > Domain in the sidebar
- Add your domain by clicking 'Add Domain' and entering your custom domain
- Complete domain verification by following the provided instructions
- Set up DNS records as required by your domain registrar
- Test your domain to ensure it's working correctly