Understanding Domain Names & DNS Records in Captivation Hub

Setting up your domain name correctly is essential for ensuring that your websites, funnels, and membership areas function properly in Captivation Hub. This guide explains how domain names, DNS records, and subdomains work together, and how to configure them correctly.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is the web address users type into a browser to access your website or funnel. You can purchase a domain:

• Directly through Captivation Hub
• From third-party providers like GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Google Domains

If you purchase a domain outside of Captivation Hub or Cloudflare, you will need to manually add DNS records to connect it.

Step 1: Adding a Domain to Captivation Hub

1. Go to Settings > Domains in Captivation Hub.
2. Click Add Domain and enter the domain name you purchased.
3. If your domain was purchased outside Captivation Hub or Cloudflare, you need to update DNS records manually in your domain provider's settings.

Step 2: Configuring DNS Records for Your Domain

For your domain to work correctly with Captivation Hub, you must set up two essential DNS records:

1️⃣ A Record (For the Root Domain)

• Name: @ (or your domain name)
• Content: 162.159.140.166

2️⃣ CNAME Record (For the WWW Version)

• Name: www
• Content: sites.ludicrous.cloud

📌 Why are these needed?
These records ensure that your domain properly connects to Captivation Hub's servers for use with funnels and websites.

Step 3: Understanding Subdomains vs. Slugs

You can set up multiple subdomains or slugs to manage different parts of your website or funnels.

• Subdomains – A subdomain is a prefix before your domain (e.g., shop.yourdomain.com or test.yourdomain.com).

  • This requires an additional CNAME record for each subdomain.
  • Example:
    • Name: test
    • Content: sites.ludicrous.cloud

• Slugs – A slug is the part of the URL that comes after the domain (e.g., yourdomain.com/funnel1).

  • Captivation Hub automatically prevents duplicate slugs.
  • If a slug is already in use, the system will add random numbers to differentiate it.

📌 Recommendation: Instead of creating multiple subdomains, use slugs for different funnels and websites.

Step 4: Setting Up a Branded Domain (Optional)

Branded domains allow you to customize URLs for branding purposes.

• Branded domains must be a subdomain (e.g., links.yourdomain.com).
• You cannot use your main domain for branding because it would conflict with your primary DNS records.

To set up a branded domain:

1. Add a CNAME record in your DNS provider:
   • Name: links (or another preferred subdomain)
   • Content: brand.ludicrous.cloud
2. Add this subdomain under Settings > Domains > Branded Domains in Captivation Hub.

Step 5: Setting Up a Custom Domain for Your Membership Area

If you want your membership site to have a custom URL:

• You must use a subdomain (e.g., members.yourdomain.com).
• Create a CNAME record:
  • Name: members
  • Content: clientportal.ludicrous.cloud
• Add the subdomain under Settings > Memberships > Custom Domain in Captivation Hub.

📌 Recommendation: Use members.yourdomain.com for a professional and easy-to-remember membership site URL.

Step 6: Redirecting the WWW Version of Your Domain

When adding a domain in Captivation Hub, you will see an option to redirect the www version of your domain.

• Always enable this setting to ensure users can access your site whether they type yourdomain.com or www.yourdomain.com.
• This prevents conflicts and ensures your domain resolves correctly.

📌 Note: When selecting your domain for a funnel or website in Captivation Hub, always choose the non-www version if redirection is enabled.

Troubleshooting Common Domain Issues

❌ Issue: My domain is not working after adding it to Captivation Hub.

✔ Solution: Double-check that you have added both the A record and the CNAME record in your DNS settings.

❌ Issue: My funnel URL has random numbers added at the end.

✔ Solution: This happens when a slug is already in use. Change the slug to something unique.

❌ Issue: My membership area or branded domain is conflicting with my main domain.

✔ Solution: Ensure you are using subdomains for these and not your primary domain.

Conclusion

Setting up domain names and DNS records correctly ensures smooth functionality for your funnels, websites, and membership areas in Captivation Hub. Follow these steps to connect your domain, configure subdomains, and avoid conflicts.