Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 3)

Welcome to the third part of our series on deploying your nonprofit's website on Azure. In this installment, we'll explore how to create a custom domain for your website, enhancing your organization's online presence and credibility. We'll cover two options: adding a custom domain and buying an App Service domain. If you have missed the previous guides, please see part 1 and 2 below:
Part 1: Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 1) | Microsoft Community Hub 

Part 2: Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 2) | Microsoft Community Hub

Adding a Custom Domain

Step 1: Navigate to Your App Service

Follow the first part of accessing your WordPress site from this article: Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 2) | Microsoft Community Hub. Once you are done you will reach your app service overview page.

Step 2: Add a Custom Domain

1. Click on Add custom domain.
2. Select Add custom domain

Step 3: Configure DNS Settings

1. Copy the necessary A and TXT records to your domain provider. If you need assistance locating your domain provider records, reach out to t
2. Ensure the DNS records propagate, which may take up to 48 hours.

Step 4: Enable SSL

1. Navigate to the TLS/SSL settings in your App Service.
2. Bind an SSL certificate to your custom domain to enable HTTPS. Follow this article for a step by step guide: Secure your domain with TLS/SSL - Azure App Service | Microsoft Learn

Buying an App Service Domain

Step 1: Navigate to Your App Service

Follow the first part of accessing your WordPress site from this article: Deploying Your Nonprofit's Website on Azure (Part 2) | Microsoft Community Hub. Once you are done you will reach your app service overview page. 

Under Domains, select Add Custom domains.

Step 2: Buy an App Service Domain

1. Click on Buy App Service domain.
   
   

    

2. In the Basics tab, configure the following settings:
   • Subscription: Select the subscription to use for buying the domain.
   • Resource Group: Choose the resource group to place the domain in.
   • Domain: Enter the domain name you want (e.g., yourdomain.org). If the domain is unavailable, select from suggested available domains or try a different name.
     
     

      

Step 3: Provide Contact Information

Fill out the required contact information as per ICANN regulations. Ensure accuracy to avoid issues with domain registration.

Step 4: Assign Hostnames

Verify the default hostnames to map to your app:

• • root (@): The root or apex subdomain (e.g., yourdomain.org).
  • www: The www subdomain (e.g., www.yourdomain.org).

Step 5: Complete the Purchase

1. Review your settings and click Buy.
2. Azure will process the purchase and configure the domain.

Once it is deployed, the website will miss a TLS/SSL certificate. See picture below.

Follow this article on how to add TLS/SSL certificate to make the connection secured using HTTPS Secure your domain with TLS/SSL - Azure App Service | Microsoft Learn

Conclusion

Creating a custom domain for your nonprofit's website on Azure is a crucial step in establishing a professional online presence. Whether you choose to add a custom domain or buy an App Service domain, Azure provides the tools and support to make the process seamless. Follow these steps to enhance your nonprofit's website and reach a wider audience.