Introduction
Wix has long been a popular choice for creating stunning websites with its user-friendly tools and templates. However, one of its limitations has been the inability to export or migrate your site to an external host. This was the status quo until I stumbled upon a game-changing solution – the “CNAME” and “A Name” approach. In this blog, I’ll share my journey of successfully exporting a Wix site against all odds, proving that with a little technical know-how and determination, you can break free from the confines of platform lock-ins.
The Challenge: Platform Lock-in
Wix’s terms and conditions have made it clear that your site and its content are bound to their servers. This means that you couldn’t just export your files, pages, or sites to host them elsewhere. For those looking to migrate or expand beyond Wix’s ecosystem, this was a significant roadblock.
The Solution: CNAME and A Name Records
But as the saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” In my quest for a solution, I discovered the power of “CNAME” (Canonical Name) and “A Name” (Address) records. These DNS (Domain Name System) records allow you to redirect your domain’s traffic to another location, essentially enabling you to host your site’s content externally while still using your Wix domain.
The Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can achieve this seemingly impossible feat:
Step 1: Consult Your Hosting Provider
Before diving into the technical details, you need to collaborate with your current hosting provider. They’ll provide you with the necessary “CNAME” and “A Name” details that you’ll later configure in your Wix account.
Step 2: Navigate Wix’s Zone Editor
Log in to your Wix account and locate the Zone Editor. This is where the magic happens. Enter the “CNAME” and “A Name” records provided by your hosting provider. Don’t forget to save your changes.
Step 3: Patience is Key
It’s crucial to understand that DNS changes take time to propagate across the internet. Be patient; it usually takes around 72 hours for the changes to take full effect. During this period, your domain’s traffic will gradually start redirecting to your external host.
Step 4: Celebrate Your Independence
Once the DNS changes have propagated successfully, you’ll witness your Wix site functioning seamlessly from an external host. Congratulations! You’ve successfully liberated your site from Wix’s confinement.
Conclusion
My journey of exporting a Wix site against all odds demonstrates that with determination and a little technical savvy, you can break free from platform lock-ins. The “CNAME” and “A Name” approach offers a viable solution for those seeking more control over their website’s hosting while still utilizing Wix’s domain. Remember that while this method empowers you to host your site’s content externally, you’ll still need to manage certain aspects through Wix’s dashboard.
As the digital landscape evolves, creative solutions like these redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. So, if you’re eager to take your website on a new adventure, don’t be afraid to explore alternatives that enable you to chart your own course.
