Use Your Own Domain with DNS Forwarding

Overview

Subdomains are immediately available once you register your GotPhoto account. Enter your favorite subdomain name under: "yourname.gotphoto.com." This will be your website's web address. If you want to use your domain, you must set up DNS forwarding with your domain provider. In this article, we'll review the steps needed to do this.

Setup

⚠ Important: Please set up the forwarding only if the domain is not created as an independent website. A domain forwarding to an external website will not work. This functionality can only be used if no stand-alone website is under the domain. A stand-alone website is if you have an entire website hosted on that domain, with its content, pages, and functionality.

Although setting up your domain might vary depending on your provider, the steps are very similar. Depending on which part you would like to forward, you have to proceed with the following steps:

A. I want to forward my main domain, e.g., www.yourdomain.com

1. Log in to the control panel in your web hosting provider and proceed to the domain settings.
2. Set up an A Record to the IP 52.30.220.0
3. Create the subdomain www
4. Create a CNAME to the address secure.gotphoto.com for this subdomain.
5. In your GotPhoto admin area, go to Online Shop [ Classic Interface: Settings] → Domain & Integration → Connect your domain and enter your main domain:
   

B. I want to forward a subdomain (use case), e.g., shop.yourdomain.com

1. Log in to the control panel in your web hosting provider and proceed to the domain settings.
2. Create the desired subdomain.
3. Create a CNAME to the address secure.gotphoto.com for this subdomain.
4. In your GotPhoto admin panel, go to Settings → Domain & Integration → Connect your domain and enter your subdomain.

It can take up to 24 hours for the forwarding to become active.

Helpful search engine search terms for the FAQ/help of your provider: 

• DNS-Forwarding, CNAME, A-Record

Too technical? Contact your domain provider's support. They will likely be able to help you with this standard procedure.

Enabling SSL Certificate

After correctly setting up your CNAME and A Record, you should mark your personalized domain secure through an SSL Certificate. You can do this free of charge in GotPhoto by going to Domain Integration on your Settings tab and clicking Enable SSL Certificate.

The Takeaway

Elevate your brand by customizing your shop web address with your own domain. This article guides you through the setup process, ensuring seamless integration and the option to enable a free SSL certificate for added security.