Connecting Your Domain on Wix Ecommerce
Learning Objectives
- Connect a domain to your Wix ecommerce site
- Configure DNS settings and name servers correctly
- Enable SSL certificates for site security
Introduction
Your domain name is how customers find and remember your online store. Getting it connected properly to your Wix ecommerce site is crucial for looking professional and building trust. This chapter walks you through connecting your domain, sorting out the technical DNS bits, and securing everything with an SSL certificate. Once you're done, your store will have that polished, professional look customers expect.
Lessons
Connecting Your Domain to Wix
You can either buy a new domain through Wix or connect one you already own from another provider.
Step 1: Log into your Wix account and head to your dashboard.
Step 2: Click on 'Settings' then select 'Domains'.
Step 3: Choose either 'Connect a domain you already own' or 'Get a new domain'.
Step 4: If connecting an existing domain, enter your domain name and click 'Connect'.
Step 5: Follow the verification steps Wix provides.
If you buy directly through Wix, most of the technical setup happens automatically. This saves you from dealing with DNS records manually.
Configuring DNS Settings and Name Servers
DNS settings tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.
For domains bought elsewhere:
Step 1: Go to your domain provider's control panel (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
Step 2: Look for DNS settings or name server options.
Step 3: Change your name servers to Wix's name servers:
- ns12.wixdns.net
- ns13.wixdns.net
Step 4: Save the changes and wait up to 48 hours for propagation.
Alternative method using DNS records:
If you prefer to keep your current name servers, you can point specific DNS records to Wix instead. Wix will show you the exact IP addresses to use in your domain settings.
This is the bit most people find tricky. Take a screenshot of your original settings before making changes, just in case you need to switch back.
Setting Up SSL Certificates
SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your customers and your site. For ecommerce, this isn't optional.
Step 1: In your Wix dashboard, go to 'Settings'.
Step 2: Click on 'Domains' and find your connected domain.
Step 3: Look for the SSL status next to your domain name.
Step 4: If it shows 'Pending', wait for Wix to automatically generate your certificate.
Step 5: Once active, test it by visiting your site with 'https://' at the start.
Wix provides free SSL certificates for all connected domains. The whole process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours once your domain is properly connected.
Practice
Try these exercises to cement your understanding:
- Check your current domain's SSL status by looking for the padlock icon in your browser
- Visit your site using both 'http://' and 'https://' to see if redirects work properly
- Use an online DNS checker tool to verify your domain is pointing to Wix correctly
FAQs
How long does it take for my domain to connect?
Usually between 24-48 hours, though it can happen much faster. The technical term is "propagation" and it's just the internet updating its records everywhere.
What if I already have email set up with my domain?
Connecting your domain to Wix might affect existing email setup. Check with your email provider first, or consider moving to Wix's email service.
Can I use a subdomain instead of my main domain?
Yes, you can connect subdomains like 'shop.yourdomain.com' instead of your main domain. The process is the same.
Why isn't my SSL certificate working?
Make sure your domain is fully connected first. SSL certificates only work once the domain connection is complete. If you're still having trouble after 24 hours, contact Wix support.
What happens if I change my mind and want to move away from Wix?
You can always change your DNS settings back to point elsewhere. Keep those original settings we mentioned screenshotting earlier.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System): The internet's address book. It translates friendly domain names like 'yourstore.com' into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to find websites.
Name servers: Special computers that handle DNS lookups for your domain. When you change these to Wix's name servers, you're telling the internet that Wix manages your domain's settings.
SSL certificate: A digital security certificate that encrypts information between your customer's browser and your website. You'll see it as the padlock icon in the address bar.
Domain propagation: The time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the entire internet. Think of it as the internet updating its address book everywhere.
Wrap-up
You now know how to connect any domain to your Wix ecommerce site, whether you're buying new or bringing one from elsewhere. The DNS configuration might seem technical, but following these steps will get you there. Most importantly, your SSL certificate will keep your customers' data secure and build the trust essential for online sales.
Next up, we'll look at setting up professional email addresses using your new domain to complete your brand's professional appearance.
Ready to take your online business further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more detailed ecommerce training.