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Using your own Custom Domain Name

Your Zenfolio website will have a unique web address based on your username, which will appear in this format: https://username.zenfolio.com

Have your own custom domain name, and prefer to use that? We can do that.

Get a Domain Name

Here’s a high-level overview of what needs to happen in order to use your custom domain name with your Zenfolio website: 

  1. Register the custom domain with a domain host.
  2. Point the domain to Zenfolio using DNS records.
  3. Test the domain in the Zenfolio account then set it to the account.


As we take a deeper dive into the process, it may be helpful for you to know what we mean when we say “domain registrar” and “host”. 

Terms and Definitions

Domain Registrar – a registrar is a company that registers domain names (.com, .net, etc…) and manages information about the domain. Registrars may also provide hosting services, but not always. There are many different registrars who offer a range of prices and registration periods.

Host – a hosting company provides space on a server for files to be hosted on the internet. There are many different hosting companies who provide many different types of hosting services and price points.

 

1. Register the Custom Domain

In order to use a custom domain, it must first be registered with a domain registrar, and then hosted by a domain host.

Here are a few examples of a domain host:

After registering the domain with the domain host, it will then need to be pointed to Zenfolio. The changes required to point the domain to Zenfolio are made with your domain host.

Please note that Zenfolio itself is not a domain host so it is not possible to register a domain with us, or transfer a domain to us.

 

Register a new domain through iwantmyname.com through the Zenfolio account

If you haven’t already registered your custom domain with a domain host, there is actually a convenient link within your Zenfolio account that you can use to do so.

Follow these steps to Register a new domain through iwantmyname.com (do this within your Zenfolio account):

  1. If you are not already, log in to your account. Then click on your username in the top right
  2. Click on Account from the dropdown menu
  3. On the left side of the Account Information page, click on Website
  4. Then click on Custom Domain in the menu on the left.
  5. Enter the desired domain in the Check Domain Name search field then click Go. That will direct you to the domain registrar/host iwantmyname.com (where you can then register the domain).

domain_1.png

 

2. Point the Domain to Zenfolio using DNS Records

After you’ve registered a domain with a domain host, you’ll need to point the domain to Zenfolio. This is also done through the domain host.
There are two different ways to configure this; Option A or Option B:
 

Option A:  A-Record & CNAME - Using the Domain just for the Zenfolio account

This is the most common configuration; photographers choose this option if Zenfolio is their only website. 

Here are a few examples of websites using the domain for the Zenfolio account: 

Please CLICK HERE for specific steps on how to set up your domain for your Zenfolio website.

 

Option B: CNAME Only - Using just a Subdomain with the Zenfolio account

Photographers choose this option when they want to use their Zenfolio site for client proofing and selling prints only, while maintaining a custom domain for a separate portfolio website.

Here are a couple of examples of websites using just a subdomain for the Zenfolio account:

In these examples, the store and gallery parts of the domain are the subdomain. This leaves the domain ceceliawebber.com and debralwallace.com available to use with another website. 

 Please CLICK HERE for specific steps on how to point a subdomain to Zenfolio.
 

Please Note that DNS changes are relatively straightforward, however we highly recommend that you thoroughly read the following hints and tips for proper configuration and minimal downtime.


 

 

Tips for using a Custom Domain

Things to do: 

  • Read these instructions fully
  • Contact Customer Support if you have questions
  • Be patient! It can take up to 48 hours for your changes to be live everywhere

Things not to do:

  • Forward/Redirect your domain - will not work with Zenfolio
  • Display the Zenfolio site within an iFrame
  • Use Domain Masking through your domain host
  • Change your NAMESERVERS (you should be using your domain host's default nameservers)









 

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