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Domains & DNS

Connect a custom domain to your website so visitors can find you at yourbusiness.com.

Domain Options

You have two ways to get a domain on your Smart Websites site:

  • Register a new domain through Smart Websites during setup.
  • Connect an existing domain you already own by updating its DNS records.

Searching & Purchasing a Domain

1
From your website's detail page, click Set up domain (shown when no domain is configured).
2
Type your desired domain name in the search box. Filter by extension (TLD) using the badges below the search bar (e.g., .com, .net, .org).
3
Browse the results. Available domains show a price; unavailable ones are marked accordingly.
4
Click Purchase on the domain you want. After checkout, the domain is automatically linked to your website.
Tip: Domain registration is a separate one-time cost from your monthly subscription. You can also connect a domain you already own at no extra charge.

Connecting an Existing Domain

If you already own a domain at another registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.), you can connect it by updating your DNS records.

1
From your website's detail page, click DNS Settings (or navigate to the domain setup page).
2
Note the DNS records shown — typically an A record pointing to our server's IP address.
3
Log in to your domain registrar and navigate to DNS management for your domain.
4
Add or update the records exactly as shown. DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.

Understanding DNS Record Types

A Record

Maps your domain name to an IP address. This is the main record needed to point your domain to your Smart Websites hosting server.

CNAME Record

Maps a subdomain (like www) to another domain name. Often used alongside an A record so both yourdomain.com and www.yourdomain.com work.

MX Record

Required for email. If you're on the Pro or Advanced plan with email forwarding, MX records tell email servers where to deliver messages sent to your domain.

TXT Record

Used for domain verification and email authentication (SPF, DKIM). These protect your domain's email reputation.

SSL/TLS Certificate

Every website on Smart Websites automatically receives a free SSL/TLS certificate, enabling HTTPS. This keeps your visitors' data secure and is a required ranking signal for Google. No action needed — it's set up automatically when your domain connects.

Email Forwarding (Pro & Advanced)

Pro and Advanced plan subscribers can set up a professional email address on their custom domain (e.g., [email protected]). Emails sent to that address are forwarded to your personal inbox. Setup requires adding MX and TXT records — these are listed in your DNS Settings once the feature is enabled.

How long does DNS propagation take?

DNS changes typically propagate within a few hours, but can take up to 48 hours in some cases. Check propagation status using tools like whatsmydns.net.

My domain isn't working after updating DNS. What do I do?

Double-check the records in your registrar match exactly what's shown in your DNS Settings page. If it's been more than 48 hours, contact support and we'll help diagnose the issue.