Domain mapping is the process of directing visitors from one site to another. It allows you to easily point domains you own to your primary hosting account.There are many use cases for domain mapping as we’ll see later.
- Redirecting a URL vs. Domain Mapping
- Allows You to Map Custom Domains to a Multisite Network
- Reduces Your Development Costs
- Protects Your Brand
- Allows You to Create a Blog Network
How to Get Started With Domain Mapping
Domain mapping offers numerous advantages over redirecting a URL. Here’s a basic overview of how to map your domains:
- Setup WordPress multisite: Install WordPress and add define(‘WP_ALLOW_MULTISITE’, true); to your wp-config.php just above the /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */ line. Then save and upload the file back to your server. This enables the multisite feature.
- Configure DNS for custom domains: This step assumes you’ve already purchased a custom domain. The next step is to change their name servers to point to your hosting account. Note that this can take 48 to 72 hours to propagate.
- Add the domains to your hosting: You’ll need to add your domains to your hosting account. Go to your cPanel and click the Aliases or Parked Domain icon (they’re both the same). Then simply enter your custom domain URL to add it to your account.
- Map a subsite to a custom domain: Login to your WordPress and add a new network site (Sites > Add New). You’ll need to give new sites a subdomain or subdirectory name when you first add them. From there, click the Edit link and add your custom domain to the Site Address field to map it. Then click Save Changes.
Once the process is complete, visitors to your custom domain will be taken to the subsite you mapped it to. Then it’s just a matter of repeating the steps above to map additional custom domains.
Keep in mind that even if your primary domain has an SSL certificate, you’ll need to install it on each custom domain to encrypt data transfers.
Conclusion
Domain mapping enables you to map custom domains to subdomains or subdirectories. One use case is for branding purposes as you can map domains of any trademarks you own to a subsite.
Setting up domain mapping can be difficult the first time. Follow the steps outlined above or check out this domain mapping guide for more in-depth instructions.
Eastlink Cloud Pvt. Ltd.
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone:166001-95985
Mail:info@eastlinkcloud.com
