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Connect a Custom Domain — Step by Step

From a free subdomain to yourbiz.com: how to buy a domain, point it at your site, and get SSL — without the tech stress.

April 30, 2026·6 min read·Updated: May 2026
The short version
  • • A custom domain (yourbiz.com) looks professional, is better for SEO and builds trust — a subdomain is fine to start, not long-term.
  • • 3 steps: buy a domain → set DNS records → connect in the dashboard. SSL is automatic.
  • • ~15 minutes of work, then up to 24h DNS propagation (usually far faster). No tech knowledge — you copy ready-made values.

Why a custom domain matters

A subdomain is fine to launch — but on business cards, a vehicle wrap or your Google profile, yourbiz.com reads as legitimate; yourbiz.builder.com reads as temporary. It's also better for SEO, you keep it across providers, and professional email (you@yourbiz.com) needs it. Why visibility hinges on details like this: why your site isn't on Google.

The 3 steps

1
~5 min

Buy a domain

A .com costs ~$10–15/yr at a registrar (Namecheap, Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Google Domains successor, etc.). Pick something short and memorable — your business name, no hyphens, no numbers. You do not need their hosting add-on — just the domain. Decline upsells at checkout.

2
~5 min

Set DNS records

In your Website Boost dashboard, open domain settings and enter your domain. It shows the exact records you need — usually an A record (yourbiz.com) and a CNAME (www). Copy those into your registrar's DNS settings. Copy only — nothing to invent.

3
~5 min + wait

Connect & SSL

Back in the dashboard, click “Connect domain.” It verifies the records automatically. The SSL certificate is created automatically — when the padlock appears, you're done.

Be patient with propagation
DNS changes can take up to 24h to work worldwide — usually minutes to a few hours. If it doesn't load right away, wait; don't keep changing the records.

Common mistakes

Bought a hosting plan too

You only need the domain — hosting is done by Website Boost. Skip the upsells.

Old DNS records left in place

Conflicting old A/CNAME records block the new connection. Remove them first.

Forgot www

Set both the A record and the www CNAME, or one address won't work.

Gave up too early

Propagation takes time. “Not working” after 5 minutes is normal — wait before troubleshooting.

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FAQ

Do I need tech skills for DNS?
No. The exact values are shown in the dashboard. You copy them into the registrar. It's typing, not coding.
Can I move a domain I already own?
Yes — just point its DNS at the values from the dashboard. Remove conflicting old records first.
Do I set up SSL myself?
No. It's created and renewed automatically once the domain is connected.

Your address, your brand

Build the site free, then connect your domain with this guide. SSL automatic.

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