Complete a site launch
1. Test the site by updating the hosts file
After the search-replace is complete, your VIP site is not yet live to the public. The URL values in the database have been updated, but public traffic can’t reach the site until DNS records are updated to point to VIP. We recommend that before you change your domain’s DNS to point to VIP, you verify that the site loads and appears as expected from the front end. To do so, update your hosts file by following these instructions.
You may see a warning that the page you are about to visit is not secure. This is expected behavior if you have not yet provisioned TLS certificates. This warning will disappear once DNS is pointed and TLS is provisioned.
After verifying that the site is loading as expected, be sure to remove these test lines from your hosts file before you change DNS.
2. Point DNS to VIP
The DNS Instructions screen in the VIP Dashboard provides ALIAS, ANAME, and A Records for root domains and CNAME records for subdomains. VIP recommends using ALIAS records to route your DNS for root domains whenever possible.
For your VIP site to be available to the public, DNS for the domain must be updated with the DNS provider and pointed at VIP.
If you are using a reverse proxy, please ensure you have reviewed our reverse proxy setup guide.
Once you have updated your DNS to point to VIP, the speed at which the new VIP site becomes visible at your production URL will depend on the TTL that you set in as part of launch preparation. DNS can take up to a full 24 hours to propagate around the world. We recommend using a service like DNS Checker to confirm that your DNS was pointed correctly and ensure that it is propagating successfully.
You can also run the command dig <domain> via the Command Line Interface (CLI) to confirm that your DNS is pointed correctly to the ALIAS, ANAME, A Record, or CNAME provided via the VIP Dashboard.
3. Confirm or Provision TLS
TLS certificates can be procured and installed as a self-service feature of the VIP Dashboard.
- Let’s Encrypt is available by default for all domains.
- Custom TLS certificates that were installed earlier will be available and working immediately when your site is launched.
4. Reconnect Jetpack, VaultPress, and custom indexes
Sometimes Jetpack and VaultPress become disconnected during a site launch. To request a reconnection of these tools, contact VIP support.
In addition, if you are using a VIP Custom Index in Jetpack Search, the index will need to be updated to reflect the new production URL. Contact VIP support for this update.
Celebrate!
Your site is now live on VIP! If you have any questions, please contact VIP support.