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Custom Domains Overview

While Tented doesn’t yet support direct custom domain hosting, you can use DNS redirects to point your own domain to your tents. This allows you to maintain your brand identity while leveraging Tented’s powerful hosting infrastructure.

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How DNS Redirects Work

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Basic Concept

Domain Redirect Process:
  1. Your Domain: landing.yourcompany.com
  2. DNS Record: Points to Tented’s servers
  3. Tented Hosting: Your tent is hosted on Tented
  4. Branded URL: Visitors see your domain
Benefits of DNS Redirects:
  • Maintain brand identity with your domain
  • Professional appearance for your landing pages
  • SEO benefits from branded URLs
  • Easy to remember and share

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Technical Implementation

DNS Configuration:
  • CNAME Record: landing → tented.ai
  • A Record: Point to Tented’s IP address
  • SSL Certificate: Automatically provisioned by Tented
  • Global CDN: Fast loading worldwide
Redirect Types:
  • 301 Redirect: Permanent redirect (SEO-friendly)
  • 302 Redirect: Temporary redirect
  • Frame Redirect: Display your domain with Tented content
  • JavaScript Redirect: Client-side redirect

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Setting Up Custom Domains

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Prerequisites

Domain Requirements:
  • Own a domain name
  • Access to domain DNS settings
  • Ability to modify DNS records
  • Domain registrar account access
Tented Requirements:
  • Active Tented account
  • Published tent ready for redirect
  • Understanding of DNS concepts
  • Technical setup capability

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Step-by-Step Setup

1. Choose Your Subdomain:
  • Select a subdomain (e.g., landing, campaign, promo)
  • Ensure it’s available and not conflicting
  • Consider your brand and marketing needs
  • Plan for future subdomains
2. Configure DNS Records:
  • Log into your domain registrar
  • Navigate to DNS management
  • Add CNAME record: subdomain → tented.ai
  • Or add A record pointing to Tented’s IP
3. Configure Tented Settings:
  • Navigate to tent settings
  • Add custom domain configuration
  • Enter your subdomain
  • Verify DNS propagation
4. Test the Redirect:
  • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
  • Test the redirect in browser
  • Verify SSL certificate is working
  • Check mobile and desktop access

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DNS Configuration Examples

GoDaddy DNS Setup:
  1. Log into GoDaddy account
  2. Go to “My Products” → “DNS”
  3. Add CNAME record:
    • Name: landing
    • Value: tented.ai
    • TTL: 3600
Namecheap DNS Setup:
  1. Log into Namecheap account
  2. Go to “Domain List” → “Manage”
  3. Add CNAME record:
    • Host: landing
    • Value: tented.ai
    • TTL: Automatic
Cloudflare DNS Setup:
  1. Log into Cloudflare account
  2. Select your domain
  3. Go to “DNS” tab
  4. Add CNAME record:
    • Type: CNAME
    • Name: landing
    • Target: tented.ai
    • Proxy: Proxied (orange cloud)

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Multiple Subdomains

Campaign-Specific Subdomains:
  • q4-sale.yourcompany.com
  • product-launch.yourcompany.com
  • holiday-promo.yourcompany.com
  • webinar-signup.yourcompany.com
Department-Specific Subdomains:
  • marketing.yourcompany.com
  • sales.yourcompany.com
  • support.yourcompany.com
  • partners.yourcompany.com

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Advanced Configuration

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SSL Certificate Management

Automatic SSL:
  • Tented automatically provisions SSL certificates
  • Supports wildcard certificates for subdomains
  • Automatic renewal and management
  • No additional configuration needed
Custom SSL:
  • Upload your own SSL certificate
  • Configure certificate chain
  • Set up automatic renewal
  • Monitor certificate status

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CDN Configuration

Global CDN:
  • Automatic global content delivery
  • Optimized for fast loading worldwide
  • Image and asset optimization
  • Mobile-optimized delivery
CDN Settings:
  • Configure cache policies
  • Set up cache purging
  • Monitor CDN performance
  • Optimize delivery settings

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Troubleshooting Custom Domains

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Common Issues

DNS Propagation Delays:
  • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
  • Check DNS propagation status
  • Clear DNS cache on your computer
  • Use different DNS servers for testing
SSL Certificate Issues:
  • Verify DNS is pointing correctly
  • Check certificate provisioning status
  • Ensure domain is accessible
  • Contact support if certificate fails
Redirect Not Working:
  • Verify DNS configuration
  • Check for typos in domain setup
  • Test with different browsers
  • Clear browser cache and cookies

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Testing and Validation

DNS Testing Tools:
  • Use nslookup or dig commands
  • Check DNS propagation with online tools
  • Verify CNAME records are correct
  • Test from different locations
SSL Testing:
  • Use SSL testing tools online
  • Verify certificate validity
  • Check certificate chain
  • Test HTTPS accessibility

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Best Practices

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Domain Strategy

Subdomain Planning:
  • Plan your subdomain structure
  • Use consistent naming conventions
  • Consider future expansion needs
  • Document your domain strategy
Brand Consistency:
  • Maintain brand identity across domains
  • Use consistent messaging
  • Ensure visual consistency
  • Align with brand guidelines

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Performance Optimization

DNS Optimization:
  • Use low TTL values during setup
  • Increase TTL after setup is complete
  • Monitor DNS performance
  • Use reliable DNS providers
CDN Optimization:
  • Leverage Tented’s global CDN
  • Optimize images and assets
  • Monitor loading performance
  • Test from different locations

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Future Custom Domain Support

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Planned Features

Direct Domain Hosting:
  • Host tents directly on your domain
  • No redirects needed
  • Full domain control
  • Advanced DNS management
Advanced DNS Management:
  • Custom DNS records
  • Advanced routing options
  • Load balancing capabilities
  • Geographic routing
Domain Management Tools:
  • Built-in domain management
  • DNS configuration interface
  • Domain health monitoring
  • Automated domain setup

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Migration Planning

Preparing for Direct Hosting:
  • Document current redirect setup
  • Plan domain structure
  • Prepare for migration
  • Test migration process
Backup Strategies:
  • Keep redirect setup as backup
  • Document all configurations
  • Test rollback procedures
  • Maintain domain access

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Security Considerations

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Domain Security

DNS Security:
  • Use DNSSEC for DNS security
  • Monitor DNS for changes
  • Set up DNS monitoring alerts
  • Protect DNS credentials
SSL Security:
  • Monitor certificate expiration
  • Use strong SSL configurations
  • Enable HSTS headers
  • Regular security audits

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Access Control

Domain Access:
  • Limit domain management access
  • Use strong authentication
  • Monitor domain changes
  • Regular access reviews
Backup Access:
  • Maintain backup domain access
  • Document recovery procedures
  • Test emergency access
  • Keep credentials secure

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Getting Help

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Support Resources

Documentation:
  • Comprehensive setup guides
  • Troubleshooting documentation
  • Best practices guides
  • Video tutorials
Community Support:
  • User community forums
  • Expert user assistance
  • Shared experiences
  • Problem-solving discussions
Technical Support:
  • Direct support tickets
  • Live chat assistance
  • Phone support for enterprise
  • Emergency support procedures

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