How to Set Up a Custom Domain for Your Directory

Want to make your directory look professional and boost its SEO? Setting up a custom domain is the way to go. Here's how you can do it in four simple steps:

1. Register a domain: Choose and purchase a domain name that fits your brand.
2. Set it up in Directify: Add your domain in the platform's settings.
3. Configure DNS: Update your domain's DNS records, including the A and CNAME records.
4. Verify the connection: Check that everything is working and secure with SSL.

Why bother with a custom domain? It improves brand recognition, gives your directory a polished look, and enhances your search engine rankings. Whether you're on Directify's Single Plan ($19/month) or Unlimited Plan ($49/month), connecting a custom domain is simple and effective.

Follow the steps above, and your directory will be ready to impress visitors and search engines alike.

Before You Start

What You'll Need

Make sure you have the following:

• A Directify account with custom domains enabled
• A registered domain name
• Admin access to your domain registrar

Understanding DNS

Log in to your domain registrar, update the necessary DNS records, and allow time for the changes to propagate [1].

Once that's done, you can move on to registering your domain.

[1] Directify lets users connect a custom domain to their directory website.

Setup Steps

1. Domain Registration

First, make sure your domain is active by checking its status with your registrar. Also, note down the domain's expiration date to avoid any interruptions.

2. Configure Domain in Directify

Go to the Domain Settings section in Directify. Click on Add Custom Domain, type in your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com or www.yourdomain.com), and save the changes. Directify will validate the domain automatically.

Next, you'll need to update your DNS records.

3. Update DNS Records

Log in to your registrar's dashboard and update the DNS settings:

• Set the A record to point to Directify's IP address.
• Add a CNAME record for www to link it appropriately.

Keep in mind, DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to fully propagate.

4. Verify Connection

Once the DNS changes are propagated, check the status in Directify. Open your domain to confirm everything is working:

• Look for the SSL padlock in the browser to ensure the connection is secure.
• Verify that your website content is displaying correctly.

If you encounter any issues, double-check your DNS entries for errors or wait a bit longer for full propagation.

How to Setup Custom Domains and Subdomains

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Fix Common Problems

If your custom domain isn’t connecting, try these steps:

• Check your DNS records: Ensure your A and CNAME records match the values provided in Directify. Double-check that the domain name is entered correctly.
• Allow time for changes: DNS updates can take up to 48 hours to fully process. Be patient while the changes propagate.

For more help, explore answers to common DNS and domain-related questions.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about custom domains.

How Many Domains Can You Use?

With the Single plan, you can use one custom domain. The Unlimited plan lets you connect multiple domains, with each domain linked to a specific directory.

Do Custom Domains Impact Search Engines?

Yes, custom domains can improve your SEO. Directify includes tools designed to help search engines find and index your directory effectively, such as:

• Personalized SEO pages (pSEO)
• XML sitemaps
• Rich snippets

To make the most of these features, update your sitemap in the Directify dashboard and select a domain that aligns with your brand.

Next Steps

To get started, choose a plan that fits your needs:

• Single Plan: $19/month, supports one domain
• Unlimited Plan: $49/month, supports multiple domains

Once you've selected a plan, confirm your domain mapping in Directify to move forward.

Get Your Directory Ready
Make your directory work harder for you by focusing on these key areas:

• Set up pSEO pages and an XML sitemap to improve search engine rankings
• Use the theme system to customize your directory's look and feel
• Enable paid submissions to generate revenue from your platform

For detailed guidance on DNS setup, refer to Directify's documentation.