How do I set up a domain name for use in Genkgo?

You are going to connect a domain name that is under your own management to the Genkgo software. Genkgo doesn’t recommend this, but if the domain name is already managaged internally or by an third party, there might not be another option. The domain needs to be verified in order to make it suitable for use in combination with Genkgo software (e.g. to send e-mails). Verifying the domain is your own responsibility.

Before you start

NB: changing the DNS settings of the domain is not without risk. Because the domain isn’t under Genkgo management, Gengko cannot provide active support on this topic. Questions about the domain name or its settings can be directed to the party that hosts the domain.

Step 1: Verifying the domain name

Before the domain name can be verified, a few actions in the DNS settings are required. If these actions are carried out correctly, the domain can be verified by Genkgo. If you are also going to publish a Genkgo website on the domain (step 2), you need to carry out these actions too. We recommend that you do this a few days in advance to leave enough time to obviate any problems.

  1. Go to the settings in the Admin (the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen);
  2. Click on ‘domains’ under ‘Options’;
  3. The main part of the screen displays an overview of all connected domains;
  4. Domains that need verification have a red status icon and a link ‘verify now’. Click on ‘verify now’ behind the domain you want to verify;
  5. You will now see a series of steps. Follow the steps.
  6. Click on ‘perform verification now’.

The system will now check whether the changes were made correctly. Repeat the steps above for each domain you are going to use.

NB! Depending on the TTL of the domain, there may be a delay in the activation of your changes. You might have to click ‘perform verification now’ later on again. Ask the hosting party of your domain for more information about the TTL of DNS.

Publishing website on domain name

When the Genkgo website is ready to be published, you can publish it on your own domain name. This means that, when users go to http://www.yourdomainname.nl, the will find the website that Genkgo supplies to your organization.

Before you follow the instructions below, the verification of the domain name (step 1: Verifying the domain name) must be completed.

Notify Genkgo beforehand of the (sub)domain(s) you are going to use. Genkgo will prepare the software according to this information (for example requesting a SSL certificate).

Notify Genkgo after you have followed the instructions below.

An A record (“A” stands for Address) is used to make the website accessible on the domain name. This type of record connects the (sub)domain to a server (in this case Genkgo’s web server) by means of an IP-address. The A record can be added in the domain management environment of your hosting provider. If you don’t know how to find this, please contact your hosting provider.

Settings for main domain

  • Name: yourdomainname.nl
  • Type: A
  • Value: 46.21.156.36

Instellen voor www

  • Name: www.jouwdomeinaam.nl
  • Type: A
  • Value: 46.21.156.36

Redirecting www.yourdomainname.nl can also be done with a CNAME record instead of an A record.

Publish website on subdomain

You may already have a website that you want to keep connected to the main domain. Some organization only use a Genkgo members website or dedicated event website. In that case, you can publish the website on a subdomain. The method to do this is equal to that of the main domain. Only the name of the A record should be the name of the desired subdomain.

Notify Gengko about the subdomain you are going to use timely. Genkgo will prepare the software according to this information (for example requesting a SSL certificate).

For example:

Settings for subdomain

  • Name: yourdomainname.nl
  • Type: A
  • Value: 46.21.156.36