Setting Up Custom Domains

Using your own custom domain name (like www.yourname.com) helps establish your professional brand and makes your website easier for clients to remember and find.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Access to your domain registrar account (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains)
• Your custom domain name purchased and ready
• Access to your KofC Agent Sites admin panel

Step 1: Add Your Custom Domain

First, you’ll configure your custom domain in the admin panel.

1. Log in to your admin panel
2. Navigate to Settings or Site Settings
3. Find the Custom Domain section
4. Enter your domain name (e.g., www.example.com)
5. Click Save

Include www

We recommend using the www version of your domain (e.g., www.yourname.com) for better compatibility and easier setup.

Domain Status Indicators

After saving your custom domain, you’ll see a status indicator:

• Pending: DNS configuration is being processed
• Active: Your domain is successfully configured and working
• Error: There’s an issue with your DNS configuration (see troubleshooting below)

Step 2: Configure DNS Settings

Next, you’ll need to configure your domain’s DNS settings. The instructions below use GoDaddy as an example, but the process is similar for other domain registrars.

For GoDaddy Users

Part A: Create a CNAME Record

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → Domains
3. Select the domain you want to use
4. Click the DNS tab
5. Look for the DNS Records section

If a www CNAME record already exists:

1. Click the Edit icon (pencil) next to the existing CNAME record
2. Change the “Points to” value to your default domain (displayed in your admin panel)
3. Keep TTL at default or set to 1 hour
4. Click Save

If no www CNAME record exists:

1. Click the Add button (or Add New Record)
2. Select CNAME as the record type
3. Set the following values:
   • Name: www
   • Value/Points to: Your default domain (shown in the admin panel, e.g., yoursite.pages.dev)
   • TTL: 1 hour (or default)
4. Click Save

Part B: Set Up Domain Forwarding

This step ensures that visitors who type your domain without “www” are redirected to the www version.

1. Still in your GoDaddy account, click the Forwarding tab (or Domain Forwarding)
2. Click Add in the Domain section
3. Configure the forwarding:
   • Forward to: https://www.yourdomain.com (your domain with www and https)
   • Forward type: Permanent (301)
   • Settings: Forward only (not Forward with masking)
4. Click Save

For Other Domain Registrars

The process is similar for other registrars. You’ll need to:

1. Create a CNAME record:

   • Host/Name: www
   • Points to/Value: Your default domain from the admin panel
   • TTL: 3600 (1 hour) or automatic

2. Set up forwarding or create an A record:

   • Forward your root domain to https://www.yourdomain.com
   • Or create an A record for your root domain (contact support for IP address)

Common Registrar Help Links:

• Namecheap: Search for “How to set up CNAME record” in their help center
• Google Domains: Navigate to DNS settings in your domain management
• Cloudflare: Use their DNS management interface
• Network Solutions: Access DNS management in your account

Step 3: Verify Your Configuration

After configuring your DNS settings:

1. Wait 5-15 minutes for DNS propagation (can take up to 48 hours in rare cases)
2. Check your admin panel for the domain status to change to Active
3. Visit your custom domain in a web browser to verify it’s working
4. Test both yourdomain.com and www.yourdomain.com

DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. If your domain doesn’t work immediately, be patient and check back later.

Troubleshooting

My domain shows “Error” status

Possible causes and solutions:

1. Incorrect CNAME value

   • Double-check that you entered the exact default domain shown in your admin panel
   • Make sure there are no trailing periods or spaces

2. DNS hasn’t propagated yet

   • Wait 24-48 hours for full propagation
   • Clear your browser cache and try again

3. Conflicting DNS records

   • Check that you don’t have other CNAME or A records for www
   • Remove any conflicting records

4. Domain forwarding not set up

   • Make sure you completed Part B (domain forwarding)
   • Verify the forwarding is using HTTPS and www

My domain works with www but not without

This is normal if you only completed the CNAME setup. Make sure you’ve set up domain forwarding (Part B above) to redirect the root domain to www.

Changes aren’t taking effect

1. Clear your browser cache

   • Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
   • Clear cached images and files

2. Try a different browser or device

   • This helps confirm if it’s a caching issue

3. Check DNS propagation

   • Use a tool like whatsmydns.net to see if your DNS changes have propagated globally
   • Enter your domain and check CNAME records

SSL/HTTPS certificate issues

If you see security warnings:

1. Wait for the SSL certificate to be automatically provisioned (can take up to 24 hours)
2. Make sure you’re using the www version of your domain
3. Contact support if the issue persists after 24 hours

Removing a Custom Domain

If you need to remove your custom domain:

1. Go to Settings → Custom Domain in your admin panel
2. Clear the custom domain field
3. Click Save
4. Your site will revert to using the default domain

Before Removing

Make sure you update any business cards, email signatures, or marketing materials that reference your custom domain before removing it.

Best Practices

Domain Selection

• Choose a domain that’s easy to spell and remember
• Keep it short and professional
• Use .com if available (most familiar to users)
• Consider including your name for personal branding

Maintenance

• Renew your domain before it expires
• Keep your registrar account information up to date
• Document your DNS settings for future reference
• Test your domain periodically to ensure it’s working

Email Considerations

• Your website domain and email domain can be different
• If you want email at your custom domain, you’ll need to set that up separately with your registrar or email provider
• Be careful not to overwrite email-related DNS records (MX records) when setting up your website

Need Help?

If you’re having trouble setting up your custom domain or have questions about DNS configuration, visit our support page for assistance.