How can I set up a custom domain in Webflow and ensure that the URL properly redirects to the new domain?

To set up a custom domain in Webflow and ensure proper URL redirection, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect the Custom Domain in Webflow
1. In your Webflow project, go to the Project Settings.
2. Click on the Hosting tab.
3. Scroll down to the "Custom Domain" section.
4. Click on the "Add Custom Domain" button.
5. Enter your custom domain like "www.yourdomain.com" and click on "Add Custom Domain".
6. Webflow will generate a set of DNS records that you need to add to your domain registrar or DNS provider.

Step 2: Configure DNS Records
1. Access your domain registrar or DNS provider where your domain is currently registered.
2. Locate the DNS management settings.
3. Add the DNS records provided by Webflow. These usually include an A record and a CNAME record.
- The A record typically points to Webflow's IP addresses (currently 34.193.69.252 and 34.193.204.92).
- The CNAME record is usually named "www" and points to the Webflow subdomain (e.g., proxy-ssl.webflow.com).
4. Save the DNS records.

Step 3: Verify DNS Configuration
1. Go back to Webflow's Project Settings.
2. In the "Custom Domain" section, click on the "Check Status" button next to your custom domain.
3. Webflow will verify if the DNS records have propagated correctly.
4. If the verification is successful, Webflow will display a green checkmark.

Step 4: Enable SSL and Redirects
1. In Webflow's Project Settings, click on the "SSL/TLS" tab.
2. Make sure SSL is enabled. If not, click on the "Enable SSL" button.
3. Scroll down to the "Redirects" section.
4. Add any desired redirects (e.g., non-www to www or vice versa) by specifying the source and destination URLs.
5. Click on the "Save Changes" button to apply the redirects.

Step 5: Test and Monitor
1. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take up to 24-48 hours.
2. Once the changes have propagated, test accessing your custom domain to ensure it properly redirects to the new domain.
3. Monitor for any issues or broken links during and after the transition.

By following these steps, you can set up a custom domain in Webflow and ensure that the URL properly redirects to the new domain. Remember to regularly check the SSL settings and redirects in Webflow's Project Settings to ensure they remain up to date and functioning correctly.