Many users today build stunning landing pages or websites using Framer and then wonder whether they can connect their already existing WordPress domain to their new Framer site. The short answer is: Yes, you can connect a WordPress custom domain to Framer. However, it’s important to understand the steps and implications before moving forward. This guide will help unravel the process and explain how to link your WordPress-bought domain with your Framer site effectively.
Understanding the Basics: WordPress and Framer
WordPress is primarily known for its powerful content management system (CMS), while Framer is becoming increasingly popular for its no-code design-first website building capabilities. When you purchase a domain through WordPress.com, WordPress acts as the registrar. This means it handles the DNS (Domain Name System) settings, which allows you to redirect your domain to a different hosting provider like Framer.
If you want your Framer-built site to be accessed through your WordPress-acquired domain, you’ll need to configure your DNS records in the WordPress domain settings.
Steps to Connect a WordPress Domain to Framer
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you connect your domain:
- Open Framer and Publish Your Project: Start by completing your website build on Framer. Once done, go to the Publish settings and select Use a custom domain.
- Claim Your Domain: Enter your domain name—e.g.
www.example.com—and Framer will generate a set of DNS records that you’ll need to add to your domain registrar. - Log Into Your WordPress Account: Navigate to your Domains section (on WordPress.com, go to My Site > Upgrades > Domains).
- Edit DNS Settings: Choose the domain you want to connect, click on Manage, and then go to DNS records.
- Add Framer’s DNS Records: Copy the DNS records (usually A and CNAME records) from Framer and paste them into your WordPress DNS management panel. Be careful to replace or remove any existing conflicting records.
- Wait for Propagation: DNS changes may take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate globally.
Once completed, your domain will now direct users to your Framer site, even though it was originally purchased through WordPress.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- WordPress Hosting vs. Domain Only: This setup only applies if you’ve purchased a domain through WordPress.com but are not using their hosting platform actively. If you’re using WordPress for your blog or site, pointing your domain to Framer will disconnect the site unless you set up subdomains.
- SSL Certificates: Framer automatically provides an SSL certificate (HTTPS). Once your domain is connected and DNS is configured properly, Framer’s certificate system will activate for your custom domain. No need to buy a separate SSL certificate.
- Email Services: If you have email configured through WordPress or another provider (like Google Workspace or Zoho), make sure your email-related DNS records (MX, SPF, etc.) are not deleted when updating your A and CNAME records.
Use Cases for Connecting Framer Instead of WordPress
There are several reasons why users might choose to create a site on Framer and just use WordPress for the domain:
- Design Flexibility: Framer offers visual customization without needing coding expertise.
- Fast Prototyping: For landing pages, portfolios, or one-pagers, Framer allows for quicker turnaround time.
- Less Maintenance: Framer-hosted sites don’t require regular plugin or theme updates, unlike WordPress sites.
So, if your needs are more design-centric and less content-intensive, Framer might be your ideal platform, with WordPress simply acting as your domain registrar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, connecting a WordPress custom domain to a Framer site is not only possible but often quite straightforward. By adjusting your DNS settings and allowing some time for the changes to take effect, you can seamlessly redirect traffic from your WordPress-bought domain to your beautifully crafted Framer website.
Whether you’re launching a sleek portfolio, a product showcase, or a brand home page, Framer gives you the design power, and WordPress provides the domain credibility. Learn the process once and enjoy the freedom to build websites exactly the way you envision them.