Introduction:
Pitchero websites are hosted on a Pitchero url:
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldboysfc

But this can be replaced with your own, custom domain name:
http://www.oldboysfc.com

Pitchero recommends all websites use a custom domain name as this will boost web traffic and feel more professional to the user.

How will a custom domain name boost website traffic?
- It will improve your Google ranking
- Supporters are more likely to remember a shorter domain name and visit more often
- Gives your club website a more professional feel


Hosting a domain name - the domain name registrar
Pitchero does NOT sell or host domain names. Domain names are sold and hosted by a domain name registrar.

A domain name registrar will not only host the domain name but control where it directs traffic and manage all associated email addresses.

To use a custom domain name with a Pitchero website, users must purchase a domain name from a domain name registrar and map (direct) the domain name to a Pitchero website.


Buying a new domain name:
Buying a domain name is simple and straightforward process.

For organisation based in the UK, Pitchero recommends 123 Reg as a domain name registrar.



For organisations based in the US, Pitchero recommends Go Daddy, Name Cheap and Register

The cost of a domain name varies between £5 and £20 per year depending on the length of registration.

To buy a domain name with 123 Reg, follows these simple steps:
>> Go to 123-Reg.co.uk
>> Use the search box to find the domain name you want to buy (Tip: keep it short and snappy)
>> If available purchase the domain name.
>> To do this you will have to create a new account with 123-Reg.co.uk.

Tip: If using the domain name with a Pitchero website you do NOT need web hosting or other ‘extras’, buy the domain name and nothing else.


Using a custom domain name with a Pitchero website:
Once you have purchased your custom domain name you will need to map the domain name to your Pitchero url.

To do this you will need access to your Pitchero Webmaster Control Panel and the control panel of the domain name registrar.

Domain name registrar control panel:

(These next steps are designed for 123 Reg users, but they should work for most registrars.)

>> Log in to the control panel
>> Select the domain name from the drop down and click Manage.



>> Under Advanced domain settings, click Manage DNS



>> Then click Advanced DNS

>> First delete the 'www' A type record - click the Delete icon on the right.
>> In the Hostname box enter your custom domain name:
>> Under Type, select CNAME
>> In the Destination CNAME enter: cname.pitchero.com.



>> Click Add New Entry

Now go to your Pitchero Webmaster control panel.

>> Log in
>> Click the purple Club Creative button top right
>> Purchase the Club Creative feature (this is required for domain mapping)

>> Go to the Custom Domain Name tab within the Club Creative feature
>> Enter your new custom domain name, example: www.oldboysfc.com
>> Click Verify Domain
>> It will take 24 hours for the custom domain name to replace the standard Pitchero url.


Redirecting an existing domain name
If you already own a custom domain name follow the same steps listed above.

If your domain name is registered with another company you may want to consider transferring the domain name to 123 Reg. This is free and should only take 24 hours.


Domain name lookup
If your organisation owns a domain name but you do not know who controls the domain name or where it is registered, you can find out using a domain name lookup search tool.

Enter the full domain name and click Lookup. The owner and domain name registrar will be listed on the results page.




Support
If you are unable to find the Advanced DNS settings you should contact your domain name registrar and request they add the cname record for you.

Use the following email:
==============================================
Hello Domain Name Registrar,
I own the domain name [ INSERT DOMAIN NAME ] this is hosted and registered with you.

I would be grateful if you would add the following record to the DNS setup for this domain name:
www IN CNAME cname.pitchero.com

Many thanks
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