Quick Answer
What does Cloudflare do for your domain?
Cloudflare sits between your visitors and your domain to help improve performance and add protective layers such as DDoS mitigation and SSL handling. Once your domain’s nameservers point to Cloudflare, Cloudflare can manage DNS and apply its available optimization and security settings.
Improving Speed, Security, and Control Over Your Domain
You may already have a domain connected to your site, but performance and security often depend on how DNS is managed.
Cloudflare adds a layer between your domain and your visitors, helping improve load speed and protect against common threats.
Without proper setup, you may miss out on performance gains and security features.
This guide shows you how to connect and configure Cloudflare, review DNS records, update nameservers, and migrate branded domains.
Nameservers Are Required
Changing your domain’s nameservers is what allows Cloudflare to manage DNS. If the nameservers are not updated correctly, Cloudflare cannot manage your DNS or apply its performance and security settings.
Cloudflare Setup at a Glance
Before You Begin
Review your current domain and DNS setup before changing nameservers so important records are not missed during the move.
- Make sure you can access the account where your domain is registered.
- Review your existing DNS records, especially MX and other email-related records.
- If the domain uses email, note any mail-related CNAME or TXT records that need to remain in place.
Step 1: Create a Cloudflare Account
Add your domain to Cloudflare and select the plan you want to use.
Add Your Site
Open your Cloudflare dashboard and click + Add a Site.
Enter the Domain
Enter your domain name and click Add Site.
Choose a Plan
Select a Cloudflare plan. The Free plan can be used for basic security and performance features, then click Continue.
Adding Multiple Domains
You can add multiple domains to the same Cloudflare account. Repeat the + Add a Site process for each additional domain.
Step 2: Configure DNS and Change Nameservers
Cloudflare scans your existing DNS records so it can mirror the current setup before you switch the domain’s nameservers.
Review the DNS Scan
Review the DNS records Cloudflare found, paying particular attention to MX and other email-related records.
Continue to Nameserver Instructions
Click Continue to proceed to Cloudflare’s nameserver instructions.
Update Nameservers at Your Registrar
Log in to your domain registrar, such as GoDaddy, and replace the current nameservers with the Cloudflare nameservers provided for your domain.
Ask Cloudflare to Check the Nameservers
Return to Cloudflare and click Done, check nameservers.
Complete the Quick Start Settings
Complete Cloudflare’s quick start settings to apply the recommended security and performance options you want to use.
Nameserver Propagation
Nameserver propagation can take from a few minutes up to 48 hours, depending on your registrar and DNS cache timing.
Migrating Branded Domains
Branded domains can also be moved so they can take advantage of Cloudflare’s protection layers, SSL handling, and performance features.
New Branded Domains
Add a new branded domain using the domain connect flow, or
manually point it with a CNAME to
brand.ludicrous.cloud.
Old Branded Domains
Remove the existing branded domain, typically from General Information, then re-add it using the domain connect flow or the manual CNAME method.
Protect Email Continuity
If you use email on the domain, verify MX records and any mail-related CNAME or TXT records after the switch.
Why This Matters
Performance
Faster load times can improve the visitor experience.
Security
Cloudflare can help reduce common web threats and add additional protection layers.
Stability
DNS management becomes centralized in one dashboard.
Branding
Branded domains can create a more professional and consistent experience.
BizStackPro also helps connect branded domains to pages, funnels, websites, and automations so your domain setup works with the rest of your platform tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple domains to my Cloudflare account?
Yes, you can add multiple domains by repeating the '+Add a Site' process for each domain.
What happens if I don’t update the nameservers correctly?
Cloudflare will not be able to manage your DNS or optimize your site’s performance and security.
How long does nameserver propagation take?
It typically takes a few minutes to 48 hours depending on your domain registrar and DNS settings.
Do I need a paid plan to use Cloudflare?
No, you can use the free plan, which includes basic performance and security features.
Will migrating to Cloudflare affect my DNS or email services?
Cloudflare scans existing DNS records to ensure a smooth transition. Always double-check MX and CNAME records for email continuity.
Continue Learning
Continue with related domain and Cloudflare guides in the Funnels & Websites section.
