Changing the domain name of your Everloved website can be an important step if you want a more personalized web address or need to rebrand your online presence. This process may seem daunting at first, but by following a clear, step-by-step approach, you can efficiently update your domain without losing traffic or search rankings.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of changing your Everloved website domain name, from preparation to execution and post-change considerations.
Understanding Domain Names and Everloved Websites
A domain name is the address where visitors find your website on the internet, such as yourname.everloved.com or a custom domain like yourname.com. Everloved websites typically allow customization either by subdomain or by connecting a custom domain you own.
Changing your domain name means either switching your subdomain on Everloved or pointing a new custom domain to your existing site. This requires coordination between Everloved’s platform settings, domain registrars, and possibly DNS configurations.
Note: Changing a domain name is different from changing website content. It mainly affects the address visitors use to access your site.
Why Change Your Everloved Domain Name?
There are several reasons you might want to change your domain name on Everloved. These include:
- Rebranding: Updating your website to reflect a new name or identity.
- Personalization: Creating a domain that is easier to remember or share.
- Professionalism: Using a custom domain to enhance credibility.
- SEO Improvement: Choosing a domain with better keywords for search engines.
Step 1: Plan Your New Domain Name
Before making any changes, carefully select the new domain name. Consider the following factors:
- Relevance: The domain should clearly reflect the purpose or name of your Everloved website.
- Availability: Check if the domain is available using domain registrar tools.
- Length: Shorter domains are easier to remember and share.
- Extension: Choose between popular extensions like .com, .net, or specialized ones.
Tip: Use trusted domain registrars such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains to check availability and purchase your new domain.
Step 2: Purchase or Secure Your New Domain Name
Once you have decided on the domain name, you need to register it if you haven’t already. This involves:
- Finding a reputable domain registrar.
- Searching for your desired domain name to confirm availability.
- Completing the purchase process and setting up an account.
- Understanding renewal policies and domain privacy options.
Keep your login credentials safe and note down any verification emails or codes sent during registration.
Step 3: Backup Your Everloved Website Data
Before changing the domain name, it is essential to back up your website data. Although Everloved hosts your site, you may want to safeguard your content in case of any issues during the domain switch.
Backup options include:
- Downloading any images, documents, or media you’ve uploaded.
- Saving text content and notes externally.
- Taking screenshots of important pages or settings.
Important: While Everloved stores your site data, having a local backup ensures you can recover content if needed.
Step 4: Access Your Everloved Account Settings
Log into your Everloved account and navigate to the website or memorial page you want to update. The domain name settings are typically found under the “Website Settings” or “Domain” section.
Look for options such as:
- Change Subdomain – for default Everloved subdomains.
- Connect Custom Domain – for using your own purchased domain.
Step 5: Changing the Subdomain on Everloved
If you want to change your Everloved subdomain (e.g., from oldname.everloved.com to newname.everloved.com), follow these steps:
- Go to your Everloved website dashboard.
- Open Settings > Website Settings.
- Look for the Subdomain field.
- Enter your preferred new subdomain name.
- Click Save or Update.
Wait for a few minutes to allow the DNS changes to propagate. Your website will then be accessible at the new subdomain.
Note: Changing subdomains might temporarily affect site accessibility. Inform your visitors about the change.
Step 6: Connecting a Custom Domain to Your Everloved Website
For enhanced professionalism, you may want to use a custom domain (e.g., yourname.com) instead of an Everloved subdomain. Follow these detailed steps:
Configure DNS Settings at Your Domain Registrar
Log into your domain registrar’s account and locate DNS or Nameserver settings. You will need to create records that point your domain to Everloved’s servers.
| Record Type | Host/Name | Value/Points To | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Record | @ (root domain) | Everloved’s IP address (check their documentation) | 1 Hour |
| CNAME Record | www | yourname.everloved.com | 1 Hour |
Important: The exact IP address or hostname required may vary. Check Everloved’s official support for the latest DNS configuration details.
Add Your Custom Domain in Everloved Settings
After configuring DNS, return to your Everloved dashboard and:
- Go to Settings > Website Settings > Custom Domain.
- Enter your purchased domain name (e.g., yourname.com).
- Save the changes and verify ownership if prompted.
SSL Certificate Setup
To keep your website secure and ensure visitors see the “https://” prefix, enable SSL for your custom domain. Everloved typically supports automatic SSL via Let’s Encrypt, but confirm this in your settings.
Tip: Never skip SSL setup, as it protects your visitors’ data and improves search engine ranking.
Step 7: Test Your New Domain
Once the domain change is implemented, test your website thoroughly:
- Access it via the new domain or subdomain.
- Check that all pages load correctly.
- Verify that images, links, and forms work as expected.
- Ensure SSL is active and the site is secure.
Use different browsers and devices to confirm consistent performance.
Step 8: Redirect Old URLs to the New Domain
To preserve SEO value and avoid broken links, set up redirects from your old domain or subdomain to the new one.
If you are switching from one custom domain to another, work with your domain registrar or Everloved support to implement 301 redirects.
Why redirects matter: They tell search engines that your content has permanently moved, preserving search rankings and guiding visitors seamlessly.
Step 9: Update External Links and Profiles
After changing your domain, update all external references to your website to avoid broken links:
- Social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Email signatures
- Business cards and printed materials
- Online directories and memorial listings
- Friends and family who share your site
Step 10: Monitor Website Performance and Analytics
Keep an eye on your website traffic and user engagement after the domain change:
| Tool | Purpose | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics | Track visitor numbers and behavior | Update domain settings and monitor traffic drops or spikes |
| Google Search Console | Monitor search indexing and errors | Submit new sitemap for new domain and check crawl errors |
| Uptime Robot | Check website uptime and downtime | Set alerts for any site outages |
Maintaining these tools helps you quickly identify problems and ensure your website remains accessible and visible.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Changing your Everloved website domain name can present a few challenges. Being prepared will ease the process.
| Challenge | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Domain Not Propagating | DNS changes can take time to update globally | Wait 24-48 hours; use tools like DNS Checker to monitor |
| SSL Not Working | SSL certificate not issued or configured | Contact Everloved support or enable SSL in settings |
| Old Links Broken | No redirects set up | Implement 301 redirects from old domain to new domain |
| Loss of Search Ranking | Search engines indexing old domain only | Submit new sitemap to Google Search Console; use redirects |
Additional Tips for a Smooth Domain Name Change
- Communicate Early: Inform your audience about the upcoming change ahead of time.
- Keep Both Domains Active: If possible, maintain the old domain with redirects for a few months.
- Update Email Addresses: If your domain change affects your email, set up forwarding or new mailboxes promptly.
- Check Mobile Responsiveness: Verify your site works well on smartphones and tablets under the new domain.
Summary Checklist: Changing Your Everloved Domain Name
| Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plan and select new domain name | ☐ |
| 2 | Purchase/register new domain | ☐ |
| 3 | Backup website data | ☐ |
| 4 | Access Everloved settings | ☐ |
| 5 | Change subdomain or connect custom domain | ☐ |
| 6 | Configure DNS at domain registrar | ☐ |
| 7 | Enable SSL certificate | ☐ |
| 8 | Test new domain thoroughly | ☐ |
| 9 | Set up redirects from old domain | ☐ |
| 10 | Update external links and profiles | ☐ |
| 11 | Monitor website analytics and performance | ☐ |
Getting Support
If you encounter any difficulties during your domain name change, Everloved’s support team is available to assist. Reach out via their Help Center or contact forms.
Additionally, your domain registrar’s customer support can help with DNS and domain management questions.
Remember: Patience and careful attention to detail ensure a successful domain transition without disrupting your visitors’ experience.
Conclusion
Changing the domain name of your Everloved website can greatly enhance your site’s identity and accessibility. While the process involves multiple technical steps, breaking it down into manageable stages simplifies the task.
By planning ahead, securing your new domain, updating Everloved settings, configuring DNS properly, and monitoring the site after the change, you can maintain a seamless online presence. Always back up your data and communicate changes to your audience to minimize disruption.
Follow this comprehensive guide to successfully update your Everloved website domain name and provide your visitors with a better, more memorable web experience.
