Connecting your domain to Sitebuilder makes your website accessible via your own web address. In this guide, we explain how to properly configure your domain.

Understanding Domains

What is a Domain?

Your website address:

Domain vs Hosting

  • Domain: The address (name)
  • Hosting: Where files live (server)
  • Sitebuilder: Includes hosting

Domain Options

Using Included Domain

Many hosting plans include:

  • Free subdomain (yoursite.hostingprovider.com)
  • Good for testing
  • Not professional for business

Your Own Domain

Benefits:

  • Professional appearance
  • Brand recognition
  • Better for SEO
  • Full control

Getting a Domain

Where to register:

  • Your hosting provider
  • Domain registrars (Namecheap, GoDaddy)
  • Google Domains

Connecting Your Domain

Method 1: Domain at Same Host

If domain is with your Sitebuilder host:

  1. Go to hosting control panel
  2. Find Domain Management
  3. Select your domain
  4. Point to Sitebuilder site
  5. Wait for propagation

Method 2: External Domain

If domain is registered elsewhere:

Option A: Change Nameservers

  1. Log into domain registrar
  2. Find Nameserver settings
  3. Change to hosting nameservers:
    • ns1.yourhost.com
    • ns2.yourhost.com
  4. Save changes
  5. Wait 24-48 hours

Option B: Update DNS Records

  1. Log into domain registrar
  2. Find DNS settings
  3. Add/update records:
    • A Record: Points to IP
    • CNAME: Points to hostname
  4. Save changes

DNS Records Explained

A Record

Points domain to IP address:

  • Host: @ (or blank)
  • Type: A
  • Value: Your server IP (e.g., 123.456.789.0)
  • TTL: 3600

CNAME Record

Points subdomain to another domain:

  • Host: www
  • Type: CNAME
  • Value: yourdomain.com
  • TTL: 3600

Common Setup

@     A      123.456.789.0
www   CNAME  yourdomain.com

WWW vs Non-WWW

Choose One

Pick primary version:

Redirect the Other

Set up redirect so both work:

  1. Primary: Your chosen version
  2. Secondary: Redirects to primary

In Sitebuilder

  1. Go to Settings > Domain
  2. Set preferred version
  3. Enable redirect

SSL Certificate

What is SSL?

  • Encrypts data
  • Shows padlock icon
  • Required for HTTPS
  • Builds trust

Getting SSL

Usually included with hosting:

  1. Go to hosting control panel
  2. Find SSL Certificates
  3. Enable for your domain
  4. May be automatic with Lets Encrypt

Force HTTPS

Redirect HTTP to HTTPS:

  1. In Sitebuilder settings
  2. Enable Force SSL or HTTPS redirect

Subdomains

What Are Subdomains?

Separate sections of your site:

  • blog.example.com
  • shop.example.com
  • support.example.com

Creating Subdomains

  1. Go to hosting control panel
  2. Find Subdomains
  3. Create new subdomain
  4. Point to Sitebuilder or folder

Subdomain DNS

Add A or CNAME record:

  • Host: subdomain name (blog)
  • Type: A or CNAME
  • Value: IP or hostname

Domain Propagation

What is Propagation?

DNS changes take time to spread globally:

  • Typically 24-48 hours
  • Sometimes faster (minutes to hours)
  • Can vary by location

Checking Propagation

Tools to verify:

  • whatsmydns.net
  • dnschecker.org
  • Command line: nslookup

During Propagation

  • Site may be intermittent
  • Different results in different locations
  • Be patient

Troubleshooting

Domain Not Working

  1. Check DNS settings
  2. Verify nameservers
  3. Wait for propagation
  4. Clear browser cache

Wrong Site Showing

  • Old DNS cached
  • Wrong IP address
  • Multiple A records

SSL Errors

  • Certificate not installed
  • Domain mismatch
  • Mixed content (HTTP on HTTPS page)

Email Not Working

After DNS changes:

  • Update MX records
  • Verify email settings
  • Check SPF/DKIM records

Email Configuration

Keep Email Working

If you have email on domain:

MX Records: Keep or update for your email provider:

  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft 365
  • Hosting email

SPF Record: Authorize email servers:

  • Type: TXT
  • Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Best Practices

Before Changing DNS

  • Note current settings
  • Know your email setup
  • Test in staging if possible
  • Do during low-traffic time

After Connection

  • Test all pages
  • Check email
  • Verify SSL
  • Update any hardcoded URLs

Maintenance

  • Keep domain renewed
  • Monitor expiration
  • Keep contact info updated

Need Help?

We are here for you! If you run into any issues or have questions, our support team is happy to help you personally. Send us a message through the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to assist you.