While there are many DNS options out there, we find Cloudflare to be one of the most robust options. It allows you to easily connect both your www. and non-www. of your domain and even keep the appropriate path in a permanent redirect. You can even utilize Cloudflare as a DNS manager without changing where your domain actually lives (and it’s free!). Follow these steps to walk through adding your domain into Cloudflare.
Step 1: Create a Cloudflare account.
- Click the cloud icon at the top left to go to the dashboard.
- Click +Add a Site
- Enter the site name and click “Add Site”.
- You’ll be directed to the plan page, where you can choose the option you prefer. If you scroll to the bottom you can select the free option, and then click Continue.
Step 2: Configuring DNS records and changing nameservers
- On the next page, Infinite Sales will scan for existing DNS records.
- Double check that all DNS records have been brought over
- Turn off Proxy (Orange Cloud Icon) wherever available
- Click Continue to change nameservers. Before actually making the change, ensure you save the existing nameservers in case you need to switch back to your existing set up.
- CloudFlare will tell you where the nameservers already exist. (In the video example, it shows a GoDaddy account. You’d need to log in to your GoDaddy account and change the nameservers over to the Cloudflare.)
- Note: it is critical to point to Cloudflare’s nameservers. It’s critical for activating your site successfully. Otherwise Cloudflare cannot manage your DNS and optimize your site.
- Click “Done, check nameservers” to continue
- Skip Quick Start Guide
- Double check that everything is live.
As long as you have input all of the nameservers in the domain registrar, then you’re good to go.