www versus https versus just .com

I switched my website domain (hosted by Homestead) from Wix to the free Google sites a couple weeks ago. I had a lot of trouble doing so, mainly because I had trouble understanding WHAT I was doing!

The site transferred, I think. BUT, When I type in payneandink.com, the page comes up with "this site can't be reached."

It WILL come up if I type in www.payneandink.com.

It's also successful if I type in https://www. etc.

With Wix it used to show up with just payneandink.com. Is there something I did wrong when redirecting my site? What is the difference between those prefixes versus a non-prefix?

How do I fix it?

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russell5607

2.8K Messages

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28.1K Points

16 hours ago

To transfer your domain from Wix to Google Sites, unlock it via your Wix domain dashboard, obtain the authorization (EPP) code, and initiate the transfer with a new domain registrar (e.g., Google Domains) before mapping it to your site. Crucially, your site content must be manually recreated in Google Sites. [1, 2, 3]

Steps to Transfer Domain and Connect to Google Sites:

Prepare the Domain (Wix):
- Log in to Wix and go to the "Domains" page.
- Click the "Domain Actions" icon and select "Transfer away from Wix".
- Unlock the domain and click "Send Code" to receive an EPP/authorization code via email.
Initiate Transfer: Take the EPP code to a domain registrar (like Google Domains) to officially transfer management away from Wix.
Connect to Google Sites:
- In your Google Site editor, click the settings (gear icon) > "Custom domains" > "Start setup".
- Enter your domain name (e.g., www.yourdomain.com).
- In your new registrar's DNS settings, create a CNAME record for www pointing to ghs.googlehosted.com. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Key Considerations:

Manual Migration: There is no automatic tool to convert Wix sites to Google Sites; you must manually rebuild the site.
DNS Changes: After changing DNS records, it may take up to 48 hours for the site to work properly.
Wix Support: You can review the official Wix guide to transferring your domain and Wix's advice on connecting external domains for help with the process. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Alternative Method (Keep Registration at Wix):
If you don't want to transfer the registration, you can keep the domain registered at Wix and just update the CNAME and A records to point to Google Sites, as described in Wix's support documentation for connecting to external sites.

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lori4565

6 Messages

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200 Points

16 hours ago

Thank you.

I recreated my site in Google Sites. I moved my domain.

At Google Sites in settings it tells me my Connected Domain is www.payneandink.com, as it should be. When I type in www.payneandink.com the search engine opens my website no problem.

HOWEVER, when I simply type in payneandink.com, there is a "site can't be reached" message.

At Wix it tells me my domain is managed by a third party, which is Homestead (as it should be) and yet says my primary domain is payneandink.com (without the www). My subscription to Wix is still active until the end of the year, but I canceled it anyway. And Wix tells me there is a problem connecting my domain to my site (EXACTLY! Because I no longer want it to be connected to Wix...).

Could the "free" Wix be interfering with the new website?

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russell5607

2.8K Messages

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28.1K Points

You may want to call support for HELP.
Hours of Operation for Live Support: Mon-Fri: 6a - 5p MST (No DST)
Sales: 800-986-0958
CALL Support: 800-710-1998
Close your account: 800-710-1998
Outside USA: 00-1-880-710-1998 or 1-800-710-1998
FREE SEO Consultation: 888-412-9962
Sat-Sun: Closed

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16 hours ago

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lori4565

6 Messages

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200 Points

16 hours ago

I tried one more thing. I asked the Wix site's Chat bot why my website still showed there (showed it but showed domain not connected). The bot gave me instructions on how to "remove" it from Wix and I followed the steps.

It did work! I can now just type in payneandink.com and my new site will come up!

Thank you!

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russell5607

2.8K Messages

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28.1K Points

@lori4565 payneandink.com isn't working on my end.

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15 hours ago

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J

judelyn9690

208 Messages

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2.1K Points

15 hours ago

Hello Good Day!

Your website is not displaying when you type payneandink.com because there is currently no A record configured in your DNS settings. An A record is required to point your domain directly to the server hosting your website.

At the moment, you have only added a CNAME record for www, which points to your Google Site. This means the website will only work when accessed with www.payneandink.com, but not with the plain domain payneandink.com.

To make your website accessible both with and without “www”:

Contact Google support and request the correct DNS record configuration for your site.

Once you have the details, update your DNS settings to include the proper A record.

This will ensure that your domain works seamlessly whether visitors type payneandink.com or www.payneandink.com.

Or contact us at Phone Support: 1‑800‑710‑1998. We are open Monday through Friday.

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