FirstSite domain guide
How to Connect Your Domain to FirstSite
Already own a domain such as yourcompany.com? You can connect it to your FirstSite website in a few simple steps.
What You'll Need to Do
You do not need to transfer your domain to FirstSite.
FirstSite will show you the exact DNS record or records to add to your domain. For many domains, this is a CNAME record.
Don't worry if you don't know what a CNAME is. FirstSite will give you the exact information to copy for your hostname.
A CNAME record will look like this:
| Type | Name | Target |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | {project-name}.webapp-project.com |
This is an example. Your hostname and the records required for it may be different. Always use the records shown in your FirstSite Domain Settings.
For example, if FirstSite shows:
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
| Type | Name | Target |
|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | my-cafe.webapp-project.com |
That's the main change you need to make.
Step 1: Publish Your FirstSite Project
Make sure your FirstSite project has been successfully published.
Your project needs to be published before you connect your domain.
Step 2: Add Your Domain in FirstSite
Open your project's Domain Settings.
Enter the hostname you want to connect, such as:
www.yourcompany.com
Then select Connect.
FirstSite will then show the DNS record or records required for that specific hostname. You don't need to create or work out the destination address yourself.
Step 3: Copy Your DNS Records from FirstSite
FirstSite will show you the DNS record or records for your connected hostname.
Copy every Type, Name, and Valueshown in your project's Domain Settings. Use the Copy buttons to copy the values.
For example, a CNAME target may look like:
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
Your target may be different. The records shown by FirstSite for your connected hostname are the authoritative instructions.
Step 4: Open Your Domain Provider's Settings
Sign in to the company where you manage your domain.
Look for something called:
- DNS
- DNS Settings
- Manage DNS
- DNS Records
- Zone Editor
Can't find it? Search your domain provider's help centre for:
"How to add a CNAME record"
Step 5: Add the DNS Records
Choose Add Record or similar.
For each record shown in FirstSite, select the matching record type. If FirstSite shows a CNAME, select:
CNAME
Then enter the values shown by FirstSite:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Type | CNAME |
| Name / Host | www |
| Target / Value | Paste the value you copied from FirstSite |
For example, if FirstSite shows this CNAME record:
Name / Host
www
Target / Value
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
Then save the record.
If FirstSite shows additional records, add those too. Do not replace the records shown for your hostname with this example.
Step 6: Wait for Your Domain to Connect
You're done with the DNS settings.
It can take some time for changes to update across the internet.
Once your domain has been verified and activated, your FirstSite website will be available at:
https://www.yourcompany.com
FirstSite will show you when your domain is active.
What About yourcompany.com Without www?
Your CNAME connects:
www.yourcompany.com
If you also want someone who enters:
yourcompany.com
to reach your website, set up a redirect with your domain provider:
yourcompany.com → www.yourcompany.com
Your domain provider may call this:
- Domain Forwarding
- URL Redirect
- Web Forwarding
Having Problems?
Here are the most common things to check.
The domain isn't working yet
If you've just made the change, give it some time. DNS changes are not always immediate.
I don't know what to put in "Target"
Don't create the target yourself.
Copy the target shown in your FirstSite Domain Settings.
It will look like:
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
I already have something under www
You may already have a DNS record using www.
Don't delete records unless you know what they are used for. If you're unsure, contact your domain provider or FirstSite support before making changes.
My provider asks for TTL
You can normally leave this at the provider's default or automatic setting.
I added https://
Remove it.
Your target should look like:
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
not: https://my-cafe.webapp-project.com
The domain works but isn't secure yet
Your secure HTTPS connection may still be activating.
FirstSite handles the SSL setup for your connected website. You normally don't need to purchase a separate SSL certificate.
What Is a CNAME?
You don't need to understand CNAMEs to connect your domain.
But if you're curious, a CNAME is simply a DNS record that tells the internet where your website is located.
In this case, you're telling the internet:
www.yourcompany.com → your FirstSite website
FirstSite gives you the destination. You just copy it into your domain provider.
Do I Need to Transfer My Domain to FirstSite?
No.
Your domain stays with your existing domain provider.
You're simply changing one setting so that your domain points to your FirstSite website.
Quick Summary
To connect your domain:
- Publish your FirstSite project
- Open Domain Settings, enter your hostname, and select Connect
- Copy every DNS record shown by FirstSite
- Open your domain provider's DNS settings
- Add the DNS records shown by FirstSite
- Enter each Name / Host and Value exactly as shown
- Save and wait for the domain to become active
For example:
www.yourcompany.com
my-cafe.webapp-project.com
That's it.
Ready to build your website?
Start with FirstSite, then connect your domain when your project is ready.
Start Building →