Managing Multiple Domains for Webflow Projects

Step 1: Understanding Domain Basics

A domain is your website's address on the internet, directing users to your content. You can use multiple domains to guide different audiences to specific parts of your site, which is crucial for branding and marketing. Each domain can lead to the same Webflow project, and managing these properly is key to a cohesive online presence.

Step 2: Purchasing Your Domain

Purchase your domains from registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Once purchased, gain access to the domain registrars dashboard to handle settings, including DNS records.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Domains in Webflow

Log into Webflow and open the necessary project. Go to Project Settings by clicking the gear icon. Under the Hosting tab, enter your domain in the Custom Domains section, then click on Add Custom Domain. Repeat this for each additional domain you wish to link.

Step 4: Configuring DNS Settings

Log into your domain registrar account and find the DNS settings, often labeled as DNS Management or Domain Settings. Configure the following:

- Point an A record to the IP address Webflow provides within your Hosting tab.
- For a subdomain, set a CNAME to point to your Webflow project’s subdomain.

Save these changes, keeping in mind DNS propagation may take up to 48 hours.

Step 5: Setting a Default Domain

Choose a default domain in the Webflow Hosting tab under Default Domain. Select your preferred domain from the list and click Set as Default. Visitors accessing through any linked domain will be redirected to this one.

Step 6: SSL Certificates

Enable SSL for security. In the Hosting tab, ensure SSL is enabled. Webflow will automatically provide SSL certificates for all connected domains, but it may take a little time after DNS propagation to activate them.

Step 7: Testing Your Setup

Test each domain by typing it into a browser to ensure they all lead to your Webflow project. Make sure non-default domains reroute correctly to the default domain, and verify SSL is active by looking for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar.

Step 8: Keeping Track of Analytics

Set up Google Analytics to monitor each domain’s performance. Log in to Google Analytics, create a property for each domain, and add tracking codes in Webflow’s Integrations tab. Regularly check your dashboard to analyze traffic, user behavior, and domain performance.

Conclusion

Efficiently managing multiple domains in Webflow enhances your digital strategy. By incorporating these steps, you link and manage domains successfully, set a default, configure DNS, ensure SSL protection, and track analytics effectively.