Setting Up CDN for Webflow Hosted Websites

Step 1: Understand Your CDN Options

Before starting, evaluate different CDNs such as Cloudflare, Amazon CloudFront, and StackPath to see which fits your needs. Consider website requirements, budget, and support. Many CDNs offer free trials to test their service.

Step 2: Create an Account with Your Chosen CDN

Sign up for an account on the CDN provider's website. Provide basic information like your name, email, and password. Confirm your email by clicking the verification link sent to your inbox.

Step 3: Configure Your CDN Settings

Log into your CDN account and set up a new CDN service. Enter your Webflow site URL to create a unique URL that will serve your content.

Step 4: Point Your Domain to the CDN

Log in to your domain registrar’s account and find the DNS settings. Add CNAME and A records based on your CDN's instructions. Point your subdomain to the CDN URL with a CNAME record or use an A record with the provided IP address. Allow time for DNS changes to propagate, which can take from a few minutes to 48 hours.

Step 5: Configure Webflow to Use Your Custom Domain

In your Webflow dashboard, go to the project settings of the site you want to connect to the CDN. Under the Hosting tab, find Custom Domains and enter your domain name. Verify everything is set up correctly, save changes, and publish your site.

Step 6: Test Your Setup

Visit your website to ensure it’s accessed via the CDN. Use tools like GTmetrix or Pingdom to analyze site speed before and after CDN integration, noting improvements in loading times.

Step 7: Monitor Performance and Make Adjustments

Regularly monitor your website’s performance metrics. CDNs often provide analytics to track performance and adjust caching settings. Tweak caching rules based on how dynamic your content is, setting static content to cache longer and updating dynamic content regularly.

By following these steps, you enhance your Webflow-hosted website's performance, ensuring it runs efficiently for a better user experience. Testing and monitoring are key to maximizing the benefits of your CDN service.