How to use a Custom Domain?
In this article:
Do I need a domain to use the Custom Domain feature?
How to set up a Custom Domain for my store
How to connect a root/naked domain
My domain provider does not support root domains
How to connect your custom domain to your Sellfy account
How does the SSL certificate work on Sellfy?
What is a Custom Domain?
Take your store to the next level by connecting your own domain to your Sellfy store!
Important! Custom domains are not included with a Sellfy plan. You can purchase a domain from an official domain registrar and connect the domain to your Sellfy account afterward.
Essentially, a custom domain is a distinctive, and often branded, (website) name that distinguishes your business from others online. For example, Apple's custom domain is apple.com. Custom domains are also commonly known as vanity URLs and are visible in the address bar at the top of your browser.
Whether you need to register a new domain or you have an existing domain you want to connect, you'll need to follow the instructions provided in this article.
Here are some of the basic terms you need to understand when it comes to custom domains:
Root and naked domains - A root domain is a domain without a subdomain in front, i.e. sellfy.com is a root domain. Root domains are assigned in DNS records using the “@,” symbol. To use a custom domain with Sellfy you'll need to create a new CNAME record that points to domains.sellfy.com.
CNAME - A CNAME, also known as Canonical Name record, is a type of resource record in the Domain Name System (DNS). Basically, the CNAME specifies that your domain name is an alias of another (in this case Sellfy's) canonical domain name.
Subdomains - A subdomain is a subdivision of your domain name. For example, if you want to use store.mywebsite.com, "store" would be a subdomain of mywebsite.com. You may need to use a subdomain if your domain provider does not support root domains.
Do I need a domain to use the Custom Domain feature?
Note: Sellfy does not provide domains. You'll need to register your domain with a third-party provider.
Yes, you'll need an existing domain to use the custom domain feature for your store. If you don't have an official domain set up yet, there are a number of providers online you can register a domain with.
How to set up a Custom Domain for my store
First, you need to determine whether your domain provider supports naked or root domains. This is important as it determines the way you update your DNS settings.
If the domain provider does not support root or naked domains, you'll use the instructions here. If your provider does support root domains, you'll follow the steps here.
Important! You must update the DNS settings with the domain provider first before you can connect the domain to your Sellfy store.
Each domain provider is different and the steps for changing your DNS settings can vary from one provider to another. For instructions on how to update your DNS settings, find your domain provider in the list below:
How to connect a root/naked domain
Important! If your domain registrar does not support root domains (e.g. @ symbol) to be assigned as CNAME's, use the instructions in the next section.
If your provider does support root domains, you'll first update your DNS settings with your domain provider.
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Enter the DNS records shown in the image below
- Wait for your DNS settings to update (It might take up to 24 hours for domain DNS settings to update)
After you updated the DNS correctly, you can connect the domain to your Sellfy account.
How to connect a subdomain
If the domain provider does not support a root or naked domain, you will need to set up a subdomain with your registrar. To use a subdomain for your Sellfy store, you first need to update domain DNS settings with your domain provider.
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Enter the DNS records shown in the image below
- Wait for your DNS settings to update (It might take up to 24 hours for domain DNS settings to update)
After you updated the DNS correctly, you can connect the domain to your Sellfy account.
My domain provider does not support root domains
Some domain registrars (for example GoDaddy) do not support root domains.
If your particular registrar does not allow root or naked domains, you have two options:
- Use a third-party DNS provider - We recommend using Cloudflare DNS or easyDNS (both have free plans) as a provider. If you choose this option you can set up your custom domain according to the instructions above.
- Use a www subdomain + Forwarding - A subdomain is a subdivision of your domain name. You will create a new CNAME with a record that points to domains.sellfy.com.
Use a www subdomain
Forwarding allows you to forward your visitors from a root domain to your www subdomain. To enable forwarding, follow the steps:
- Create a new DNS Type CNAME record with Host www that Points to domains.sellfy.com
- Set up your root/naked domain forwarding to www.website.com (replace website.com with your domain name)
If everything is set up correctly, both www.website.com and website.com should now bring you to your Sellfy store.
How to connect your custom domain to your Sellfy account
Regardless of the domain provider you have and the method you used to update your DNS settings, you'll need to connect the domain in your Sellfy account after your DNS settings have been updated.
- Log in to your Sellfy account > General Settings
- Enter the custom domain in the Custom domain field (You may enter the root domain name like "mywebsite.com")
- Click Save
Note: to test if the DNS settings are updated, type in your domain name in the address bar. If you see this page below, it means that the domain is now pointing to Sellfy so you are ready to connect your custom domain to your Sellfy account.
How does the SSL certificate work on Sellfy?
We will automatically generate an SSL certificate on your behalf using Let’s Encrypt at no extra cost.
Let's Encrypt is a certificate authority that can be used to generate totally free X.509 (SSL/TLS) certificates.