Cloudflare provides DNS, a CDN and security features, with a free plan suitable for many small business websites.
Benefits
- Faster loading through caching and a global network.
- Protection against common attacks and bots.
- Free SSL between visitors and Cloudflare.
- Fast DNS management.
Set-up steps
- Create an account and add your domain.
- Check imported DNS records carefully, especially email (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC); recreate missing SPF or DMARC records with our SPF and DMARC generator.
- Change nameservers at your domain registrar to Cloudflare’s.
- Set SSL mode to Full (strict) if your host has a valid certificate.
- Enable “Always use HTTPS”.
Caching cautions
Do not cache admin areas, carts, checkouts or logged-in pages.
Redirects
Cloudflare can handle redirects; plan them with our redirect generator.
Test everything
Check forms, email, payments and logins after switching.
Read CDNs explained and DNS explained.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Business websites: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
