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Domain Names and DNS Management for Storefront

Updated

This article explains domain names, DNS concepts, and domain management tasks in Pulse Commerce.

Note: This article is for merchants using Pulse Commerce storefront. If you're using Backend-Only (OMS only), you only need the Email Setup and DNS Configuration article.
Important: Your system's URL must match the Primary URL configured in Pulse Commerce exactly. This affects storefront, admin panel, CDN, load balancers, SSL certificates, and WAF configuration.
🌐 Understanding DNS - How Your Domain Name Works

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is like a phone book for the internet. It translates your domain name (www.yourstore.com) into an IP address (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to find your website. This happens automatically in milliseconds every time someone visits your site.

Key DNS Components

Name Servers

  • The "master directory" that controls your domain
  • Example: ns1.pulsecommerce.com, ns2.pulsecommerce.com
  • Managed by your hosting provider or domain registrar

DNS Records

  • Individual instructions that control how your domain works
  • A Record: Points your domain to a server (e.g., yoursite.com → 192.0.2.1)
  • CNAME Record: Creates an alias (e.g., www.yoursite.com → yoursite.com)
  • MX Record: Routes email to mail servers
  • TXT Record: Verification and authentication data

DNS Propagation - Why Changes Take Time

When you change DNS settings, the updates must spread across internet servers worldwide. This is called "propagation."

What to Expect:

  • Timeline: 24-48 hours for changes to fully spread
  • During this time: Some visitors see the old version, some see the new version (this is normal)
  • Can't be rushed: Propagation depends on servers worldwide updating their cached information
Bottom Line: When making DNS changes, expect to wait 1-2 days for everything to fully update worldwide. Plan accordingly and make changes during low-traffic periods when possible.

Checking If DNS Changes Have Spread:

Search online for "DNS propagation checker" to see if your changes have reached servers around the world.

🔄 Changing Your Primary URL

What is Primary URL?

The main domain name configured in your Pulse Commerce system. Used for:

  • Storefront URL (if using Pulse storefront)
  • Admin panel access
  • Content delivery network (CDN) configuration
  • Application load balancers
  • Web application firewall (WAF)
  • SSL certificates
  • Session management
  • API endpoints
Critical: Your actual domain name must match the Primary URL exactly. Mismatches cause system access failures, broken SSL certificates, and functionality issues.

How to Change Primary URL:

1Contact your Account Manager

2Request Change of Primary URL Service

3Provide new domain name

4Pulse team configures all backend systems (CDN, load balancers, WAF, SSL)

5Update DNS records as directed

6Wait for DNS propagation

7Pulse activates new Primary URL

Important: Do not attempt to change Primary URL yourself. Professional service required for proper configuration.

Timeline: Typically 5-7 business days for complete Primary URL change

🔀 Setting Up Alternate Domain Names (301 Redirects)

Use Case: Redirect additional domain names to your primary storefront

Example: Redirect www.alternate-domain.com → www.primary-domain.com

Benefits:

  • Consolidates traffic to primary domain
  • Preserves SEO value (301 is permanent redirect)
  • Handles multiple brand domains
  • Captures traffic from old domain names

How to Set Up:

1Contact Pulse Commerce

2Order Canonical 301 Redirect service

3Provide alternate domain names to redirect

4Update name servers or add CNAME records as directed

5Pulse configures permanent redirects

6Test redirects after DNS propagation

Common Scenarios:

  • Redirect non-www to www (or vice versa)
  • Redirect old brand name to new brand
  • Consolidate multiple domain names
  • Redirect misspellings of your domain
💼 Using Your Own Domain Registrar

You can register and manage your domain name with any registrar.

Popular Registrars:

  • GoDaddy
  • Namecheap
  • Google Domains (now Squarespace Domains)
  • Network Solutions
  • Hover
  • Domain.com

What You Control:

  • Domain registration and renewal
  • Name server configuration
  • DNS record management (if not using Pulse name servers)
  • Domain privacy/WHOIS protection
  • Domain locking and security

Integration with Pulse Commerce:

  • If using Pulse storefront: Update name servers to Pulse-provided name servers
  • If backend-only: Add specific DNS records provided by Pulse (name servers remain with your registrar)
Recommendation: Maintain control of your domain registration at your own registrar for maximum flexibility and ownership.
📤 Transferring Domain from Pulse to Your Registrar

If your domain is managed by Pulse Commerce Domain Name Management Service and you want to manage it yourself, follow this process:

Step 1: Send Email Request

To: billing@pulse-commerce.com

Subject Line:

<PrimaryURL>: Domain Name Management Service Release

Email Body Template:

Dear Pulse Commerce Billing,

By submitting this request for Domain Name Management Service Release, I understand and agree to the following:

  • I accept sole responsibility for renewing and maintaining my domain name and acknowledge Pulse Commerce will no longer assist with this.
  • I understand my Pulse Commerce service will continue to be available to me and that this request is only to release the domains listed below from Pulse Commerce Domain Name Management Service.
  • I certify that as an Authorized Contact, I have the authorization to request this change of service.

Please process this request for Domain Name Management Service Release for the following domain names:

  1. <domain_name1>
  2. <domain_name2>
  3. <domain_name3>

Thank you,
<Authorized_Contact>

Step 2: Processing Timeline

1Billing creates work order

2Work order forwarded to Support team

3Domain transferred to end-user account at registrar

4Access details emailed to Authorized Contacts

5Timeline: Complete within 5 business days

Important: Replace all values in <brackets> with your specific details. Request must come from an Authorized Contact on file with Pulse Commerce.

After Transfer:

  • You will receive login credentials for managing your domain
  • Your Pulse Commerce service continues without interruption
  • You are responsible for domain renewal
  • Name servers typically remain pointed to Pulse (if using storefront)
🧪 Sandbox and Staging Accounts

What is a Sandbox Account?

A fully functional private site for testing functionality, settings, and alternate designs before deploying to production.

Benefits:

  • Test design changes safely without affecting live site
  • Try new configurations and feature changes
  • Exact duplicate of production site setup
  • Test multiple header designs simultaneously (Category Display Format 4)
  • Train staff on new features
  • Lower cost than production accounts
  • Isolated environment - no impact on customers

Example URL: http://staging.domainname.com or http://sandbox.domainname.com

Use Cases:

  • Testing major design overhauls
  • Previewing seasonal campaigns before launch
  • Training new team members
  • Testing integrations with third-party services
  • Quality assurance before production deployment

Setup Process:

1Contact your Account Manager

2Request sandbox account and pricing

3Pulse creates exact duplicate of production site

4Receive sandbox URL and credentials

5Test and develop in isolated environment

6Deploy changes to production when ready

Note: Sandbox accounts include full functionality but are not intended for live customer transactions. Use for internal testing only.
🔧 Common Domain and DNS Issues

Site Not Loading After DNS Changes

Causes & Solutions:

  • Still propagating: Wait full 24-48 hours
  • Wrong name servers: Verify name servers match Pulse-provided values
  • Typo in name servers: Double-check spelling and capitalization
  • Cache issue: Clear browser cache, try different device/network
  • Primary URL mismatch: Contact Pulse to verify Primary URL configuration

SSL Certificate Errors

Causes & Solutions:

  • Domain recently changed: SSL takes 24-48 hours to provision after DNS change
  • WWW vs non-WWW mismatch: Ensure Primary URL matches your traffic pattern
  • Mixed content: Check that all resources load via HTTPS
  • Certificate not provisioned: Contact Pulse support

Some Users Can't Access Site While Others Can

Causes & Solutions:

  • Partial propagation: Normal during DNS changes, resolves within 48 hours
  • ISP DNS caching: Some ISPs cache DNS longer than TTL specifies
  • Local DNS cache: Users should flush DNS cache or wait

Admin Panel Not Accessible

Causes & Solutions:

  • Wrong URL: Verify correct admin panel URL from Pulse
  • DNS not updated: Update name servers or add required DNS records
  • Primary URL mismatch: Contact support to verify configuration

 

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