How to Add and Configure a Domain Name

Overview

Learn how to add primary domains, subdomains, or alias domains to your hosting account, set target directories, and configure PHP settings for your website.

Prerequisites

• An active web hosting package with available domain slots.
• A registered domain name pointing (or ready to point) to our nameservers.
• Login credentials for your hosting control panel.

Step 1: Navigate to Domain Management

1. Log in to your client dashboard at GaugeHosting.com and access your hosting control panel.
2. In the left-hand navigation menu, click Domains (located under the Configuration section).
3. Click the Add domain button in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Configure Domain Settings

1. Domain name: Enter your domain name without http:// or www (e.g., yourdomain.com).
2. Domain target: Select Folder to point the domain to a specific directory in your storage space, or select Forwarding if you want this domain to redirect elsewhere.
3. Target folder: Specify the root folder path for your site's files (e.g., /www/yourdomain.com). If the folder does not exist yet, the system will create it automatically.
4. PHP version: Choose the desired PHP release for this specific domain from the drop-down menu.
5. Click Save at the bottom of the page to apply the configuration.

Step 3: Enable Automatic SSL Encryption

Once the domain is added and pointing to our servers via DNS, you can secure it with a free SSL certificate.

1. On the Domains list page, locate your newly added domain name.
2. Click the Edit (pencil icon) or Security / SSL option next to the domain.
3. Check the box to enable Let's Encrypt SSL certificate generation.
4. Select Always redirect HTTP to HTTPS to force secure connections for all site visitors.
5. Click Save to issue and bind the certificate.

Need Further Setup Help?

• Hosting & Infrastructure Support: If your domain DNS has updated but your site fails to resolve or issue an SSL certificate, open a ticket under Support inside your portal at GaugeHosting.com so our engineers can verify server virtual host settings.
• Domain Strategy & Web Development: If you need assistance building a custom site, setting up complex domain redirects, or managing DNS transitions, contact the technical team at Horizon Web Services for dedicated development support.