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 subdomain
How to connect a root/naked domain
My domain provider does not support root domains
Use a third-party DNS provider
Use a www subdomain
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 adding a custom domain!
Essentially, a custom domain is a distinctive, and often branded, (website) name that distinguishes your business from others' online.
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 set up for your store, simply follow the instructions provided in this article as we guide you through the process.
Below we'll answer some basic questions to help you navigate the terms and instructions of this guide.
- What is a root/naked domain?
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.
- What is a CNAME?
A CNAME, also known 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.
- What is a subdomain?
A subdomain is a subdivision of your domain name. For example, if you want to use Sellfy at 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 a domain to enable 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
2. How to connect a root/naked domain
How to connect a subdomain
Update domain DNS settings (with your domain provider)
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Enter the DNS records shown in the image below-titled Subdomain Configuration
- Wait for your DNS settings to update (It might take up to 24 hours for domain DNS settings to update)
Subdomain DNS Configurations
If you own a domain with GoDaddy or HostGator, click on the link below to find the instructions for updating your DNS settings with them.
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, go to the next section for instructions on how to work around this.
If your provider does support root domains, here are the two steps you need to complete in order to enable the feature for your store:
- Update domain DNS settings (with your domain provider)
- Connect the custom domain to your Sellfy account
Update domain DNS settings (with your domain provider)
- Log in to your domain registrar
- Enter the DNS records shown in the image below titled Root Domain DNS Configuration
- Wait for your DNS settings to update (It might take up to 24 hours for domain DNS settings to update)
Root Domain DNS Configuration
Each domain provider is different and the necessary steps for changing your DNS settings can vary from one provider to another.
For specific instructions on how to update your DNS settings, find your domain provider in the list below and click the link:
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 three 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
A subdomain is a subdivision of your domain name. Create a new CNAME with a record that points to domains.sellfy.com.
Subdomain DNS Configurations
Forwarding
Forwarding allows you to forward your visitors from root/naked domain to your www subdomain. To enable this, you need to complete two steps:
- Create a new CNAME DNS record with host www which points to domains.sellfy.com
- Set up your root/naked domain forwarding to www.website.com (replace website.com with your actual 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.
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.
- Log in to your Sellfy account
- Go to General Settings
- Enter the custom domain in the Custom domain field (You may enter the root domain name like "mywebsite.com")
- Click Save
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 which can be used to generate totally free X.509 (SSL/TLS) certificates.