Overview
This article guides users through the process of setting up a custom domain for their AdvocateHub, ensuring a branded and memorable URL for their advocates. It covers the importance of using a subdomain, the need for IT department involvement to create a CNAME DNS record, informing Influitive to configure a secure certificate, and the specific steps for configuring the custom domain within the AdvocateHub settings. The article also addresses the handling of root domains and the automatic redirection from the default Influitive domain to the new custom domain.
Information
Utilizing custom domains allows you to create a memorable URL for your AdvocateHub. It makes the experience of visiting more seamless. Allowing advocates to navigate to ‘advocates.yourcompany.com’ or 'vip.yourcompany.com' creates a branded experience.
Once you add a custom domain, there is no need to worry about broken links or bookmarks as any visit to your hub's *.influitive.com URL will be redirected to your custom domain automatically. This includes any links to challenges, discussion topics, forums, invite links, etc.
As a general rule, this custom domain should be a subdomain of your company's domain - e.g. http://hub.mydomain.com (where hub is the subdomain).
Note: When logged in as an administrator, your custom domain will not be visible. You will always see the *.influitive.com domain. Further, advocates will be directed to the *.influitive.com for the login and sign up pages. Once logged in, they will always see your custom domain.
Guide to configuring a custom domain
- Ask your IT department for help
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Once you decide on a custom domain URL, speak with your IT department. They will need to add your AdvocateHub’s URL (<hub>.influitive.com) as the DNS record in the form of a CNAME record.
Important! Never use an A record to set up your custom domain. Only CNAME records are supported. A records or IP records may break if there are server or hosting changes on our end. CNAME will always work.
- Inform Influitive of your newly created custom domain before proceeding.
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To ensure secure transport of information between your advocates and Influitive, we are required to configure a certificate for your new custom domain. We will use a tool called Let's Encrypt to generate this certificate. This will mean that your advocates will be going to https:// customdomain.yourdomain.com.
This is a relatively quick process, but Influitive must be informed first, in order to kick start the process. Please let your CSM, Launch consultant know or contact Influitive Support.
- Configuring the custom domain on your AdvocateHub
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Once Influitive Support has applied the certificate, visit your custom domain settings. Head to Settings > Advocate Program > Custom Domain .
Next, enter your custom domain URL in the text area. Please note that you should not include http:// or www when entering your custom domain URL. An example URL to enter is 'thisisright.yourcompanyhere.com'.
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Please note: it could take up to 24 hours for your custom domain to be active after you add it to your Hub.
Using root domain as a custom domain i.e. myadvocatecommunity.com
The process is a bit different than using a subdomain. Please follow these steps closely to ensure advocates can get to your Hub regardless of whether or not they use mycommunity.com or www.mycommunity.com .
1. Create a CNAME record for the www subdomain with the value: <yourhub>.influitive.com
e.g.: Host: www.awesomenessvip.com / Value: vip.influitive.com
2. Set up a redirect for the naked domain (i.e. the domain without www) so it will always go to the www. version - thus redirect to your Hub correctly.
FAQ
Will existing links and bookmarks to my AdvocateHub break after configuring a custom domain?
No, existing links and bookmarks will not break. Visits to your hub's default *.influitive.com URL will automatically redirect to your custom domain.
Why is it recommended to use a subdomain for my custom domain?
Using a subdomain, such as 'hub.mydomain.com', for your custom domain is recommended because it ensures a cohesive branding experience while maintaining a clear connection to your company's main domain.
What role does the IT department play in setting up a custom domain for AdvocateHub?
Your IT department will need to add your AdvocateHub’s URL as a CNAME record in your domain's DNS settings to point to the custom domain.
How do I inform Influitive about my new custom domain, and why is it necessary?
You should inform your CSM, Launch consultant, or contact Influitive Support about your new custom domain so they can configure a secure certificate for it using Let's Encrypt. This is necessary for the secure transport of information between your advocates and Influitive.
Can I use a root domain as my custom domain for AdvocateHub?
Yes, you can use a root domain, but the process differs slightly from using a subdomain. You'll need to create a CNAME record for the 'www' subdomain and set up a redirect for the naked domain to always go to the 'www' version, ensuring correct redirection to your Hub.