Custom Domain Name (Forwarding Method)

How to assign a Custom Domain Name *Forwarding Method

Digital PTO offers the ability to use your own domain name when you are a member of a Basic or higher Plan. This allows your website to be accessed not only from your original address (schoolname.digitalpto.com) but also from a custom domain like yourschoolspta.com.

This Custom Domain Method uses forwarding as opposed to traditional mapping and is an option for schools that do not have plans that qualify for an actual custom domain name. If you do not have a reason to be using this method (i.e. you are on a Basic Plan or Higher), we would suggest using our BEST PRACTICES DOMAIN METHOD LOCATED HERE.

Please Note: Domain names are registered with a third party provider of your choice and are not a part of Digital PTO. Once you have registered a domain name, we will teach you how to “point” it to us.

Important Info: If you are planning on using custom email with your online forms, please note that many registrars (godaddy, network solutions, etc) will block emails being sent from the same domain as the email address. WE HIGHLY SUGGEST that you use an outside account (Gmail is our favorite) for receiving form submissions. We do not support form submissions to email addresses that are associated with your domain.

Every host has a different method for modifying your domain name, so we have opted to use GoDaddy.com as a reference as it is the most popular registrar out there. If you are not using GoDaddy.com, please contact your registrar for information on how to make the changes below.

Step 1: Purchasing a Domain Name

godaddyhome

If you have not yet registered a domain name for your PTA/PTO, that will be the first step for you. You can use any domain name registrar online, but if you need a suggestion, we like GoDaddy.com.

Please continue to read this before you purchase your domain name. Also, please remember that you do not need to add hosting, we provide that for you at no charge.

Step 2: Go to My Account

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Once you have registered your domain name and confirmed your email and account, log in and click the MY ACCOUNT link up top. This will take you to your account overview page.

Step 3: Click the PLUS next to Domains

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Now you want to expand your domain list by clicking the PLUS to the left of the Domains heading.

Step 4: Click the MANAGE button next to your domain

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If you have more than one domain on your account, you will need to locate the domain you wish to use. Once you see your domain name, click the MANAGE button to the right of the domain name.

Step 5: Click the MANAGE button in the Forwarding section

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Click the MANAGE link in the forwarding row to access forwarding settings.

PLEASE NOTE, do not set up forwarding if you are using any of our other domain methods as this will cause a loop and crash your site.

Step 6: Click ADD FORWARDING Button

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In the Forwarding popup, click the ADD FORWARDING button.

Step 7: Enter your domain name

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Enter your Digital PTO website url in the FORWARD TO Field. Do not include http or www. i.e. samplesite.digitalpto.com

Step 8: Click ADD

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Click the ADD button to record your changes.

DO NOT ADD MASKING WHEN YOU ASSIGN YOUR FORWARD. THIS WILL CRASH YOUR WEBSITE.

Step 9: SAVE your Changes

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Finally click the SAVE button to save your changes. You’re all done now! It will take a few minutes for the changes to take effect, but shortly you will be able to type in your domain name and have it forward to your Digital PTO website.