Take a look at the picture below, which is a simple representation of the different parts of the hostname/domain name.
Note: There are more parts to a URL. But knowing this is enough to understand what is explained below, and decide whether or not you need to purchase a domain.
The first step is to determine the domain name or hostname on which you want your Almabase website to be. Once decided take a look at which of the following cases qualify for you.
Case 1:
Using a different subdomain of your main website
Most commonly, institutes set up their Almabase website on a different sub-domain of their main website.
That means, if the institute's website is "www.myinstitute.com", then their Almabase's alumni site is set up on "alumni.myinstitute.com" or "connect.myinstitute.com". Basically, any word replacing "www" of their main website.
In such cases, where you decide to use the same domain as the main website of your organization but a different subdomain, there is no need to purchase a new one.
Simply forward the DNS settings document that is shared by your account manager or the Operations team, with your IT team. They will know what to do.
Share this if needed → Instructions for setting up the domain.
Case 2:
Using a new domain name/hostname
An institute might choose to set up its Almabase site independently of its main website.
That means if the institute's website is "www.myinstitute.com", then their Almabase's alumni site is set up on "www.myinstitutealumni.com" or "www.myinstituteconnect.com".
Basically, a new domain name altogether.
In such a case, check with your IT team and ask them to purchase the domain if they have not already done it.
Once purchased, share the DNS settings document with the IT team. They will know what to do.
You can get the DNS settings document by clicking on "Get DNS Records" from your website's settings page:
Share this if needed → Instructions for setting up the domain.
Note: If you need help in purchasing the domain, then we can do it for you. The charges will be the same as purchasing a new domain.
Can the Almabase website be on a URL path of our main website? Something like having the site on "www.almabase.com/alumni".
No. The website cannot be hosted on a URL path of an already existing website.
In case you have any questions, feel free to reach out at help@almabase.com.