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You Know How to Save Hundreds on Your Hosting, Right? Here’s How We Cracked It with Cloudflare

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At Boss IT, one of the thing we do is help businesses and homeowners like you navigate the confusing world of web hosting, security, and website performance.

One of the most powerful tools we use is Cloudflare and its completely free and here’s why you should consider it:

What Cloudflare Does for You

  1. Faster Website:
    Cloudflare makes your website load faster by storing content in different locations around the world. That means happier visitors who stick around longer.

  2. Free SSL (Security):
    Cloudflare secures your website with a free SSL certificate. This means your website is safe for visitors, without paying for expensive certificates.

  3. Better Security:
    Cloudflare protects your website from hackers and bots. It’s like a security guard for your site, keeping it safe without extra cost.

Full Technical Rundown of Today’s IT Work (Including Domain Redirect and DNS Issues)

At Boss IT, we’ve been working on streamlining a client’s web infrastructure by migrating DNS services and ensuring their website is faster and more secure. Here’s a breakdown of what was done today, including the com.au to net.au redirect, DNS migration, and the PowerShell script used for validation, as well as the pending Exchange email setup:

Domain Redirect (com.au to net.au)

  1. Domain Setup:

    • The client had two domains: com.au (used solely for branding purposes) and net.au (the primary domain).

    • The goal is to redirect all traffic from com.au to net.au, so visitors are automatically sent to the main website.

  2. Redirect Configuration:

    • We migrated DNS management for com.au to Cloudflare and set up 301 redirects for com.au to net.au using Cloudflare’s page rules.

    • Since com.au didn’t have a website or email services*, the redirect is primarily for branding, ensuring that any traffic or links to com.au are automatically directed to net.au.

  3. Challenges with Missing A/AAAA Records:

    • We encountered an issue because com.au didn’t have any A or AAAA records, obviously*, and these are required for Cloudflare’s proxying service to route the traffic correctly.

    • To resolve this, we used wildcard DNS records (*.com.au) to ensure that all traffic for com.au is routed through Cloudflare and properly redirected to net.au.

 

Cloudflare DNS and SSL Configuration for com.au

  1. DNS Migration to Cloudflare:

    • We successfully migrated the DNS management for com.au to Cloudflare, centralizing control and improving website performance.

    • DNS records were updated to direct com.au traffic to net.au, and all traffic was routed via Cloudflare’s network for enhanced speed and security.

  2. SSL Setup for com.au:

    • We enabled free SSL certificates via Cloudflare for com.au, ensuring that website traffic is secure with HTTPS encryption.

    • Always Use HTTPS was configured to automatically redirect all HTTP traffic to the HTTPS version.

  3. Security Configuration for com.au:

    • Cloudflare’s DDoS protection and firewall rules were implemented to secure com.au and ensure it stays protected from malicious traffic.

PowerShell Script for DNS Validation (We obviously used https://dnschecker.org as well, but code is more fun)

  1. PowerShell DNS Validation:

    • We used a PowerShell script to validate the DNS records and ensure the DNS propagation was happening correctly.

    • The script specifically checked for:

      • NS records: To confirm that Cloudflare’s nameservers were properly set up.

      • A records: To ensure Cloudflare was correctly routing traffic to the website.

      • MX records: To check if email traffic was correctly routed to the Exchange server.

    Example PowerShell Command:

    powershell
    # PowerShell command to check NS records for com.au and net.au
    nslookup -type=ns com.au
    nslookup -type=ns net.au

    • The script confirmed that Cloudflare’s nameservers were active for both domains, and it will help us track DNS propagation for the NET.AU Domain when we migrate that across later.

Exchange Email Setup and DNS Migration for net.au (Pending)

  1. Repeat the Process for net.au:
    The steps we followed for com.au will need to be repeated for net.au. However, since net.au has live services such as Exchange (email) and an active website hosted, we need to be extra cautious to ensure everything continues to function correctly.

  2. Exchange Email Setup:

    • MX records will need to be updated for net.au, but we’ll keep the Exchange service hosted by the domain provider, as they host the Exchange Premium service. So essentially pointing back at them.

    • As with com.au, we’ll update the MX records in Cloudflare to reflect the correct Exchange settings. Since net.au uses Exchange, we’ll avoid disrupting the live email service by carefully updating the MX records at off-peak hours.

  3. Website and SSL:

    • net.au has an active website (currently hosted), so it will remain on WordPress cPanel hosting, but we’ll be managing DNS and SSL for net.au through Cloudflare.

    • We’ll ensure free SSL certificates are set up in Cloudflare for net.au so that the website remains secure with HTTPS encryption, even though it is still hosted on CD.

  4. Pending Tasks for net.au:

    • DNS migration for net.au will follow the same steps as com.au, but with extra care due to live services. We will use wildcard DNS records for the domain and Cloudflare’s proxying services to manage DNS and SSL while keeping Exchange and the website intact on Domain Host.

    • After the MX records are updated and DNS is fully propagated, we will test email routing and confirm that the website continues to operate as expected.

Navigating the Sea of SEO and Web Design Sales: How to Identify Genuine Providers Amidst Automated Harassment

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Navigating the Sea of SEO and Web Design Sales: How to Identify Genuine Providers Amidst Automated Harassment

Businesses are inundated with offers from SEO and web design salespeople promising to boost their online presence and transform their websites. However, many of these offers are generic and lack any understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the businesses they target. This article explores the prevalent issue of automated harassment by salespeople and offers guidance on how businesses can differentiate genuine providers who prioritize conducting proper due diligence.

The Problem with Automated Harassment:

Automated sales tactics, such as mass emails and cold calls, have become ubiquitous in the digital marketing landscape. Unfortunately, these impersonal approaches often result in businesses being bombarded with irrelevant offers that do little to address their specific needs. Instead of taking the time to understand the nuances of each business, salespeople rely on generic pitches that fail to resonate with their audience.

Lack of Due Diligence:

One of the primary issues stemming from automated harassment is the lack of due diligence on the part of salespeople. Instead of researching the businesses they target, salespeople often resort to a one-size-fits-all approach, offering cookie-cutter solutions that may not align with the unique goals and challenges of their prospective clients. This not only leads to frustration and annoyance for businesses but also undermines the effectiveness of the services being offered.

How to Differentiate Genuine Providers

So, how can businesses separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to SEO and web design providers? The key lies in identifying providers who prioritize conducting proper due diligence:

  • Look for providers who take the time to research your business before making contact. Genuine providers will demonstrate a clear understanding of your industry, target audience, and current online presence.
  • Seek out companies that ask insightful questions about your goals, challenges, and previous marketing efforts. A provider who is genuinely interested in helping your business succeed will take the time to understand your unique needs and tailor their approach accordingly.
  • Request case studies or examples of previous work that demonstrate a track record of success. Genuine providers will be more than happy to showcase their expertise and highlight how they have helped businesses similar to yours achieve their goals.
  • Ensure their website is accessible and SSL secured. A reputable provider will prioritize the security and accessibility of their own website, reflecting their commitment to best practices in web design and digital security.
  • Evaluate the performance of their website using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. A reputable provider will prioritize website performance, including fast loading times and optimized user experience.
  • Check if their website is mobile-friendly using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test. With mobile usage on the rise, it’s crucial for websites to be optimized for mobile devices to ensure a seamless browsing experience for visitors.
  • Research their own search engine rankings for relevant keywords related to their services. A provider that excels in SEO should have a strong presence in search engine results pages (SERPs) for relevant industry keywords.
  • Review their portfolio and case studies to assess the quality of their work and the results they’ve achieved for previous clients. Look for evidence of successful projects that align with your business goals.
  • Inquire about their technical expertise and certifications. Look for providers who have certifications or accreditations from reputable organizations in the field of SEO, web design, or digital marketing.
  • Request references or testimonials from past clients to get insights into their experience working with the provider. Hearing from satisfied clients can provide valuable reassurance about the provider’s capabilities and professionalism.
  • Evaluate their communication style and transparency in discussing their services, pricing, and timelines. A trustworthy provider will be open and honest in their communication, providing clear explanations and setting realistic expectations.
  • Look for social proof on platforms like LinkedIn, where you can verify their professional credentials and see endorsements from colleagues or clients. Active engagement and positive feedback from their professional network can further validate their credibility.

The Importance of Due Diligence in Provider Selection

Choosing the right SEO and web design provider is crucial for the success of your online endeavors. By conducting proper due diligence and selecting a provider that truly understands your business, you can ensure that your investment yields tangible results. Genuine providers will work collaboratively with you to develop a customized strategy that addresses your specific needs and delivers measurable outcomes.

Alternatives to Traditional Sales Approaches

In addition to conducting due diligence when selecting a provider, businesses can also explore alternative approaches to engaging with potential partners:

  • Look for providers who offer free consultations or audits to assess your current online presence and identify areas for improvement. This demonstrates a commitment to understanding your business and providing tailored solutions.
  • Seek out providers who prioritize building relationships and long-term partnerships over making a quick sale. Genuine providers will invest the time and effort to earn your trust and demonstrate their value as a strategic partner.

It’s more important than ever for businesses to be discerning in their selection of SEO and web design providers. By prioritizing providers who demonstrate a commitment to conducting proper due diligence and understanding their clients’ unique needs, businesses can ensure that their investment in digital marketing yields meaningful results. Remember, the right provider is not just selling a service – they’re offering a partnership that can propel your business to new heights of success.

By thoroughly assessing these technical aspects and conducting due diligence, you can better evaluate the validity of SEO and web design salespeople and make informed decisions when selecting a provider for your business.

This comprehensive guide provides businesses with practical strategies to navigate the influx of sales pitches and identify genuine providers who prioritize understanding and meeting their specific needs.