Connect domain to Netlify

[abettermap]

Maya successfully set up Netlify with GH in #5, just need to set up domains now. I added some relevant info to the setup doc, but this might take a little more coordination.

I'm thinking that all deployed URLs except those on master (aka staging/dev/review) can keep their defaults. We just need a final decision on what the prod URL will be, but I think map.languagemapping.org did not have any objections?

I believe the team has full control over DNS through Google Domains, so setup should be straightforward.

[fiddleHeads]

Oh, right. I was trying to remember what URL we'd talked about. Yes, I think map.languagemapping.org is good.

[abettermap]

@fiddleHeads if you want to give this a try on your own (assuming you have access to Google Domains for the languagemapping.org domain), it's worth a shot and we could cross "domain setup" entirely off our list. We don't have much to lose since it's not in production yet, and I was able to do it in about 10 seconds on my portfolio site.

If you want to try then start from that same Google Doc, which we will update if this process works. And for your Netlify Custom domain settings, there should ultimately be two entries:

1. languagemapping.netlify.app as the Default subdomain. This should already be there, nothing to change.
2. map.languagemapping.org as the Primary domain. This you must add by clicking the Add domain alias button.

I faked a screenshot that should be identical to what yours will look like:

Holler if you get stuck or have questions!

[fiddleHeads]

Okay, I'm stuck. How are Google Domains and Netifly connected? What am I supposed to name the Namer Server on Google Domains? I also don't have the option for adding an alias domain in Netlify, just a custom domain. Is this the same thing? Thanks for your help.

[abettermap]

I'm not awesome at DNS but I'll try to get you un-stuck! Without seeing your Google Domain setup though, I'm not sure what stuff looks like since you've got it set up with your existing WP site. How about we forget about my instructions follow the ones from the providers?

New Steps

Let's scrap my other instructions for now. Follow these instead.

1. Netlify, Part 1

I copied the relevant parts from the following sources in case you want a full reference: assign custom domain and external domains and subdomains.

1. To assign a custom domain, go to your site's Settings › Domain management section.
2. To add a custom domain, select Add custom domain at the bottom of the Custom domains panel.
3. Enter your domain name.
4. Select Verify.
5. You will be asked to confirm that you are the owner of the domain, so select Yes, add domain.
6. In the Custom domains pane again, select Check DNS configuration next to the custom domain to open customized details about the DNS records you need to configure. (I think the remaining steps will be in Google Domains, outlined below...)

2. Google Domains

1. Read Netlify's short subdomain instructions, which are general and not Google-specific.
2. Follow the How to create an A or CNAME record section here and for Step 6 you should only need the b. steps.

To answer your questions

How are Google Domains and Netifly connected?

Your domain is registered (or at least managed?) through Google Domains but it needs to point to Netlify's nameservers so that when someone visits map.languagemapping.org it directs them to the correct destination. Sorry, crappy explanation, but Netlify explains things better in their docs.

What am I supposed to name the Namer Server on Google Domains?

I don't think this actually applies to our setup. The CNAME step above should be the only thing to complete in Google. My original instructions assumed we would use Netlify DNS like I did on other sites, but it's not what we want here since the domain is also being used for your WP site.

I also don't have the option for adding an alias domain in Netlify, just a custom domain.

Yes and no, but I think my screenshot/s were just misleading since I already had a primary domain set up. You won't have an alias though, so if the button says Add custom domain then that's the one you want. The new steps I outlined above should cover this now.

[fiddleHeads]

Attempted this again with the new documentation, and I'm stuck again. I got to step 6 under the Netlify steps and there's nothing regarding CNAME, only creating an A record. See screenshot below.

so when I get to Google Domains, I'm not sure what to use for the input when I create a CNAME record. Also, where am I specifiying the URL to be maps.languagemapping.org? Thanks.

[abettermap]

Gahh domains are the worst. So complicated!

I'm not sure without seeing your screen, but one thing that stands out is root domain. I don't think we want that, but rather a subdomain instead. This is what Netlify recommends (well they recommend Netlify DNS but we can't use that because it's shared with your WP site), specifically with a CNAME, so maybe this clarifies it and so does this?

[fiddleHeads]

Hi Jason. Was going to ask to set up a call, but I'm thinking we should probably wait until Ross has set up the organizational MapBox account, right?

[abettermap]

Oh because the MB token will change? No I think that’s independent enough from Netlify and domains that we can proceed whenever. I’m available this afternoon or any day this week except Wednesday through lunch-ish. Let me know what works for you.