Domain Management
Step-by-step process for managing domains for your GetSite websites
Overview
The GetSite domain management workflow provides a comprehensive process for purchasing, transferring, and connecting domains to your websites. This guide walks you through the different domain options and how to set them up properly.
Domain Management Options
GetSite offers several options for connecting domains to your websites:
Free Subdomain
Use a free subdomain on getsite.online
Purchase New Domain
Buy a new domain through GetSite
Transfer Existing Domain
Move your domain from another registrar to GetSite
Link External Domain
Connect a domain managed elsewhere to your GetSite website
Free Subdomain Workflow
The quickest way to get your website online is with a free subdomain:
Access Free Subdomain
Navigate to app.getsite.ai/domains/get and log in to your account.
Select Website
Choose which website you want to connect to a free subdomain.
Choose Subdomain Name
Enter your preferred subdomain prefix (e.g., “mybusiness” for mybusiness.getsite.online).
Check Availability
Verify that your chosen subdomain is available.
Confirm Selection
Review your choice and confirm to activate the subdomain.
Wait for Propagation
Allow some time for DNS propagation (usually very quick for subdomains).
Test Your Website
Visit your new subdomain to ensure your website loads correctly.
Purchasing a New Domain Workflow
To buy a new domain through GetSite:
Access Domain Purchase
Navigate to app.getsite.ai/domains/buy.
Search for Domain
Enter your desired domain name in the search box.
Review Available Options
Browse the list of available domain options with different TLDs (.com, .net, etc.).
Select Domain
Review Pricing
Check the initial purchase price and renewal fees.
Configure Domain Settings
Enter domain registration information: - Registrant contact details - Administrative contact details - Technical contact details - Privacy protection options
Complete Purchase
Proceed to checkout and complete payment for the domain.
Connect to Website
After purchase, select which website to connect to this domain.
Configure DNS Settings
Set up any additional DNS records if needed (MX records for email, etc.).
Wait for Propagation
Allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation to complete.
Verify Connection
Visit your new domain to verify that your website loads correctly.
Transferring an Existing Domain Workflow
To transfer your domain from another registrar to GetSite:
Prepare for Transfer
At your current domain registrar: - Unlock the domain for transfer - Disable privacy protection temporarily - Verify your contact information is correct
- Obtain the authorization code (EPP/transfer code)
Access Domain Transfer
Navigate to app.getsite.ai/domains/transfer.
Enter Domain Information
Provide your domain name and the authorization code.
Review Transfer Details
Confirm the transfer price and renewal terms.
Complete Transfer Request
Proceed with the transfer request and complete payment.
Respond to Verification
Watch for a verification email from either your current registrar or GetSite, and approve the transfer.
Monitor Transfer Progress
Check the transfer status in your GetSite dashboard (transfers typically take 5-7 days).
Connect to Website
Once the transfer is complete, connect the domain to your website.
Configure DNS Settings
Set up or verify DNS records for your website and email.
Verify Connection
Test your domain to ensure everything is working correctly.
Transfer Requirements
Most domains must be registered for at least 60 days before they can be transferred. Additionally, you can’t transfer a domain within 15 days of a renewal.
Linking an External Domain Workflow
To connect a domain managed at another registrar to your GetSite website:
Access Domain Linking
Navigate to app.getsite.ai/domains/link.
Enter Domain Information
Provide the domain or subdomain you wish to link.
Select Website
Choose which website you want to connect to this domain.
Note DNS Instructions
GetSite will provide specific DNS records that need to be added at your domain registrar: - A record(s) to point to GetSite’s servers - CNAME record(s) for www subdomain - Any additional required records
Access DNS Settings
Log in to your domain registrar and access the DNS management section.
Add Required Records
Create the DNS records exactly as specified by GetSite.
Save DNS Changes
Save the changes at your domain registrar.
Return to GetSite
Go back to the GetSite domain linking page.
Verify Connection
Click “Verify” to check if the DNS records have been correctly set up.
Wait for Propagation
Allow 24-48 hours for DNS propagation to complete.
Test Your Website
Visit your domain to ensure your website loads correctly.
Managing Domain Settings
Once your domain is connected, you can manage various settings:
Access Domains Dashboard
Navigate to app.getsite.ai/domains.
Select Domain
DNS Management
Add or modify DNS records: - A records for IP addresses - CNAME records for subdomains - MX records for email - TXT records for verification - SRV records for services
HTTPS Configuration
Manage SSL certificates and HTTPS settings.
Domain Renewal
Check expiration date and configure auto-renewal settings.
Website Connection
Change which website is connected to this domain if needed.
Subdomain Management
Create and manage subdomains for different websites or sections.
Transfer Out
Generate transfer authorization code if you need to transfer away.
Best Practices
Domain Selection
When choosing a domain name:
- Keep it short and memorable
- Avoid numbers and hyphens if possible
- Consider multiple TLDs for brand protection
- Think about keywords relevant to your business
- Check for trademark issues before purchasing
DNS Management
For optimal domain configuration:
- Document all DNS changes you make
- Set reasonably low TTL values during initial setup (300-900 seconds)
- Increase TTL values after configuration is stable (3600+ seconds)
- Create both www and non-www versions of your domain
- Set up proper redirects between www and non-www
- Configure SPF and DKIM records if using email
Security Considerations
To protect your domain:
- Enable domain privacy to hide personal information
- Use strong passwords on your registrar account
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
- Lock your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers
- Keep contact information current for important notifications
- Set up auto-renewal to prevent accidental expiration
Related Information
- Domain Management Features - Detailed feature documentation
- Website Creation Workflow - Process for creating websites
- Additional Packages - Information about domain purchases