Summary: This step-by-step guide walks you through the critical process of connecting your registered domain to your Sites website by adjusting DNS A records, adding the domain to site settings, and setting it as primary to ensure a smooth, secure launch.
Before You Begin
- Hosting: Tithely handles the hosting for all Sites.
- Domain Registration: You are responsible for registering your domain with a third-party provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Hover, Google Domains).
- Domain Management: You are responsible for managing your domain and its DNS settings.
- Email: Tithely does not provide email hosting; set up custom emails (e.g., via Google Workspace) before disconnecting from an old provider.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Adjust A records in DNS Settings
1. Log in to your domain registrar's DNS management area.
2. Point A record for "@" to: 52.35.132.113
3. Point A record for "www" to: 52.35.132.113 * Note: If a CNAME record exists for "www," delete this and then add the A record.
Step 2: Add Your Domain to Site Settings
1. Click on Sites from your main navigation.
2. Select Settings from the left menu.
3. Select Domains.
4. Click Add Domain and Enter your domain name(s).
5. Click Save Domain.
Note: The URL must be 'www.churchname.com', removing all special characters. (I.e. /, -,\)
Step 3: Set Your Domain to Primary
1. Click the more button () to the right of your domain in the Site Settings.
2. Click Make Primary. [Your site is now launched! 🎉]
3. Test your domain (open it in a new browser tab) to confirm it successfully redirects to your new site.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- My Site Says It’s Not Secure (Not HTTPS): Ensure both A records are set properly and delete any AAAA records. If you use Cloudflare, make sure the A records are set to DNS only and not proxied.
- Help! My Website Is Not Live Yet: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to fully propagate. Confirm all 3 steps (Adjust A records, Add Domain, Set Primary) were completed.
- Can You Change My DNS for Me? No, but you can contact your domain provider's support team with the provided copy-and-paste message: "Can you please help me edit our DNS settings: 1. Point A record for “@” to: 52.35.132.113 2. Point A record for “www” to: 52.35.132.113..."
- How do I find out where my domain is registered? Use tools like whois.net or mxtoolbox.com/DNSLookup.aspx.