Here's a simplified step-by-step guide to set up Cloudflare for your website:

  1. Sign Up & Login:

  2. Add Your Website:

    • Click on the "+ Add Site" button.
    • Enter your website's domain name and click "Add Site."
  3. Select a Plan:

    • Choose a plan that suits your needs. For most personal websites, the free plan is sufficient. Click "Confirm Plan."
  4. DNS Records:

    • Cloudflare will scan your domain's DNS records. Ensure all your DNS records are listed correctly.
    • If any records are missing, you can manually add them, you can check the article here
  5. Update Nameservers:

    • Cloudflare will provide you with two nameservers.
    • Log in to your domain registrar's website (e.g., YottaSrc, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
    • Replace your current nameservers with the ones provided by Cloudflare.
    • This step is crucial as it directs your domain's traffic through Cloudflare's network.
  6. Wait for Propagation:

    • DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours. Once the nameservers update, your website will be active on Cloudflare.
  7. Enable SSL:

    • Go to the "SSL/TLS" tab in Cloudflare.
    • Choose "Flexible" if you don't have an SSL certificate on your server, or "Full" if you do. If you're unsure, start with "Flexible."
  8. Basic Settings:

    • Auto Minify: Under the "Speed" tab, enable Auto Minify for JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to reduce file sizes.
    • Always Online: Under the "Caching" tab, turn on "Always Online" to serve a cached version of your site if your server goes down.
    • Security Level: Under the "Firewall" tab, set the security level to "Medium" to balance protection and user accessibility.
  9. Page Rules (Optional):

    • You can set specific rules for how Cloudflare interacts with different parts of your site. For example, you can bypass the cache for your admin area or set a browser cache TTL for static assets.
  10. Monitor & Adjust:

  • Regularly check the "Analytics" tab to see your website's traffic and how Cloudflare is benefiting you.
  • Adjust settings as needed based on your website's performance and security needs.

 

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