One of the most exciting aspects of creating a Podpage is establishing your official domain name to showcase your new podcast website. This guide provides detailed information on the process of setting up your custom domain with Podpage, ensuring a seamless connection between your podcast and its online presence.
Preliminary Steps
Purchase a Domain Elsewhere:
Podpage does not sell or host domain names. Purchase your domain from a registrar such as Google Domains, GoDaddy, etc.
Note: You won't transfer your domain to Podpage; instead, you'll point it to your Podpage.
Setting Up Your Domain:
Changing domain settings can be complex, but Podpage is here to assist. Even technical individuals encounter challenges, so don't worry if you face difficulties.
Patience is key, as domain mapping changes may take 2-12 hours to propagate across the internet.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Find Your DNS Settings on Your Registrar
Access DNS settings on your registrar's platform. Refer to specific instructions for popular registrars:
2. Add Podpage's DNS Records
Retrieve the necessary DNS information from Podpage to be added to your domain's DNS settings:
Typically, you will need to add A records pointing to the Podpage servers and CNAME records for your domain (e.g., www.example.com). Refer to Podpage's instructions for specific entries.
3. Wait for Propagation
Allow 2-48 hours for the domain name to start displaying your Podpage. This waiting period is important as changes propagate across the entire domain system globally. Remember to recheck your setup after this period.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: 'Connection Not Private' Error
A 'connection not private' error generally points to SSL certificate issues or misconfigurations in domain forwarding settings.
Ensure that your forwarding URL uses HTTPS, and configure SSL correctly for both source and destination domains.
Propagation delays (up to two hours) may also cause temporary privacy errors right after domain updates. Wait for the changes to propagate and check again.
Issue 2: Domain Redirects to the Wrong Page
If your domain redirects to an old or unintended page after making changes, review your current forwarding settings.
Disable any active domain forwarding configurations on your registrar's dashboard or DNS management platform.
Wait for the new DNS settings to propagate, which may take anywhere from minutes to hours.
Forwarding to a Specific Page
If you need to forward your domain (e.g., www.example.com) to a specific page on your Podpage site, this can be done via your registrar’s domain forwarding settings. Note that forwarded domains will display the destination URL in the browser (e.g., www.yoursite.com/page), which may have SEO implications.
Importance of SSL and DNS Configuration
Properly configuring your SSL certificate and DNS settings is critical for avoiding errors and improving SEO and user trust.
Ensure SSL certificates are enabled for your custom domain.
Accurately apply necessary DNS records (e.g., CNAME, A records) on your registrar's platform.
Perform regular checks to confirm correct configurations.
Additional Resources & Tips
Watch Podpage's official video tutorial for a step-by-step domain setup guide.
Contact your domain registrar's support for assistance with advanced DNS settings or propagation issues.
Periodically check your domain’s status to ensure that configurations are up to date and functioning properly.