Host Mapping / How to use your own domain

In addition to the default url - e.g. yourname.fluidgalleries.co - that you are given when you create a new Fluid Galleries website, you can connect and use your own domain name - e.g. www.yourdomain.com.

Follows these steps to connect your domain:

1. Purchase a Domain

If you don't yet have a domain name - eg yournamephotography.com - you will need to visit a domain registrar company such as GoDaddy to purchase one.

2. Add your domain to Fluid Galleries

1. Login to Fluid Galleries, and click on Settings in the top menu.
2. Scroll to to the Sitename area on the settings screen. Your Default Website Url will be sitename.fluidgalleries.co. Write down your Default Website URL as you will need it in later steps.
3. Scroll to the Host mapping area. Enter the domain name that you would like to connect to your Fluid Galleries website. These are examples of valid host mappings :
   • www.yourdomain.com
   • www.yourdomain.co.uk
   • portfolio.yourdomain.com

   This is an example of an incorrect host mapping, since there is no www or subdomain preceding the domain name:

   • yourdomain.com

3. Make DNS Changes

If you are not familiar with creating/editing DNS records, you may need technical assistance with these changes. Please contact your domain registrar/hosting company directly; they will know how to assist you with the following steps.

1. Go to your domain registrar's website, login, and go to your domain/DNS control panel. Make sure you are editing the DNS records for the domain you would like to connect to your Fluid Galleries website.
2. Create a CNAME record and enter your Default Website Url as the host.
3. Redirect your naked domain (yourdomain.com - without www or subdomain) to the address you are using for your Fluid Galleries website (the address you entered in the Host Mapping box). Note : It is important that you redirect your naked domain, rather then creating another CNAME record for your naked domain. You google ranking may be penalized for having 2 records on a single domain leading to the same end-point.