Adding Custom Domains to Hail 💻⚙
You can add a custom domain to Hail under ‘Manage Domains’ in the Hail settings menu.
What is a Custom Domain?
A custom domain is a unique branded name that identifies a website. Custom domains, also known as vanity URLs, appear in the address bar at the top of every browser.
Why would you use a Custom Domain?
A custom domain allows you to have brand consistency. Custom domains can give you improved exposure on search engines and are easier to promote (mydomain.co.nz is generally going to be easier for people to remember). You can create also custom sub-domains for easy to share links to specific Hail Publications or Articles - This can make it significantly easier for visitors to reach certain parts of your website.
How to switch your Domain to Hail?
Switching your domain over to Hail is very straightforward on the Hail side.
Head to the ‘Manage domains’ section of your Hail Settings and add your domain - e.g. mydomain.co.nz
Once added Hail will look up the domain’s current DNS settings, list them for you and tell you what they need to be changed to in order for the domain to point to Hail. (Required Data vs Current Data).
Then all you need to do is make those changes with your domain registrar
Note: Some registrars will update the DNS settings on a set schedule each day, so it can take up to 24 hours.
Once that’s done you can tell Hail to associate the domain with your Hail Homepage (or even an individual publication or article if you have multiple domains you want to point to different content).
Most Domain Registrars will help you with how to change the DNS settings.