Setting your root domain as the default domain in Webflow

To redirect all traffic to your website to your root domain (https://yourwebsite.co.uk) on SSL hosting, you'll need a DNS provider that allows you to point root domains to a CNAME or ANAME record.

Providers such as GoDaddy (which we're using) don't provide this service, so for this guide, I'm going to show you how to use Cloudfare to get your root domain working without the www. 

E.g https://watb.co.uk

Step 1. Change your Nameservers

Head on over to https://www.cloudflare.com and set yourself up an account. Once you've entered your domain name and some details, you'll be asked to choose a plan. The free plan works perfectly well for what we need.

You'll get a summary of your current DNS records for your domain, just check they're all good and proceed to the next screen.

This is were you'll see the new nameservers you'll want to use. Copy those and head over to your domain name provider to change your current nameservers.

As we're using GoDaddy, it's pretty straight forwards. Also, Cloudfare have instructions for most providers if you get stuck. Just click the "I need help changing my nameservers"

Once you're all done, Cloudfare will automatically check to see if the change has been made, if not it will check again in 24hrs until it recognises the update.

Step 2. Update your DNS settings

Now it's time to update your DNS records. 

Within your Cloudfare Dashboard, you'll want to head over to the DNS tab. From here, you'll want to add two records.

This part is really important, be sure to switch the orange cloud under status to just DNS (greyed out). You must turn off the orange cloud for this to work!

Add a CNAME Record

• Add a CNAME record
• Set the host to @
• Set the value to: proxy-ssl.webflow.com

Add another CNAME record

• Add a CNAME record
• Set the host to www
• Set the value to: proxy-ssl.webflow.com

Sweet, all done. Now some final changes in your Webflow dashboard.

Step 3. Set the default domain

Now, go back to the custom domain section of your project’s Hosting tab and click the home icon next to the root domain to set it as the default domain (hover over the domain name to see the icon).

Step 4. Verify the domain and publish the site

To verify that your DNS settings are correct, and that your domain is correctly pointing to Webflow, click check status under each of your domain names.

The final step is to simply publish your website. You should see your new custom domain in the publish dialog.

It may take up to 48 hours before changes are successfully made from your DNS host.

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Wanting to learn more about Webflow? Check out our free guide "Everything you need to know about Webflow".