Launch on a custom domain

This article explains how to make your White Fuse website available at your preferred custom domain (e.g.  myorganisation.org). 

1. Get a new custom domain name

If you don't already have a custom domain name then you need to register one. Popular companies that offer domain registration services include 123- reg, theukdomain.uk and Ionos. Once purchased, all of these providers will let you manage your domain settings. 

2. Get access to your existing domain settings

If you already own the domain that you wish to use, you'll need to get access to the domain settings. If you can't access your domain name account you need to track it down. Here are the steps to take:

• Go to Whois lookup service and type in your domain. This will tell show you the name of the person to whom your domain is registered and the business that handles the registration. 
• Get in touch with this person or the company and ask them for access details or to help you arrange a transfer.

3. Transfer your domain registration

If you registered your domain through a different website builder such as SquareSpace or Wix and you intend to cancel your contract with that provider then you may need to transfer your domain to a different registrar (such as 123-reg.co.uk) before you can proceed. This is relatively easy and your current provider should have instructions on how to do this.

4. Send us details of your custom domain

Once you've got access to your domain settings, log in to your website and click the Launch button in the admin toolbar at the top of your website. Enter the full name of the custom domain you wish to use. We will then set up your website so that it is ready for the new domain and give you specific instructions on what to do next. 

5. Add your CNAME records

Once we have prepared your website for the new domain, we will provide you with a set of CNAME records. You will need to log in to your domain name account and add these to your DNS settings. This typically includes one record to point your www domain to your White Fuse website, and several records to authenticate White Fuse as an authorised email sender from your domain.

6. Forward your bare domain (optional but recommended)

To ensure visitors are always directed to the right place, we recommend setting up a domain forward or redirect from your bare domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) to the address that hold the new website (e.g. www.yourdomain.com). While doing this, please remove any old A or CNAME records relating to your bare domain to avoid your previous website still showing up. Your domain provider will be able to provide you guidance on how to do this.

7. Confirm the records and launch

Once you have added the CNAME records, please let us know so we can check they have been added correctly. If they are configured correctly, the change should take effect almost immediately and your temporary address will forward automatically to your custom domain. Please bear in mind that domain changes can occasionally take a short while to ripple through browser and network caches.