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Website Custom Domains
DNS and domain connection steps.
SiteBartar Research · Updated June 2026
Step-by-step checklist
- Purchase domain at registrar
- Upgrade builder to plan allowing custom domain
- Copy DNS records from builder wizard
- Add A/CNAME/TXT at registrar
- Wait up to 48h; verify SSL green lock
- Set www → root or root → www redirect
- Update Google Business Profile URL if local SMB
- Configure email MX separately if needed
- Test site on mobile after propagation
- Archive registrar login in password manager
What you need first
Domain purchased at registrar (Namecheap, Google Domains, Cloudflare, etc.).
Paid builder plan — custom domain rarely on free tiers.
Access to DNS panel at registrar or Cloudflare.
DNS record types
A record: points root domain (@) to builder IP — builder docs list IP.
CNAME: www subdomain to builder host — common Wix/Squarespace pattern.
TXT: verification for builder ownership and email SPF/DKIM later.
newsletter-custom-domain parallel for email sending auth.
Get your personalized match
Match with a builder based on your skills and priorities.
Take the Find Your Website Builder quiz (~2 min)Step-by-step
In builder: add custom domain — copy required DNS values.
At registrar: enter A/CNAME/TXT exactly — typos break SSL.
Wait propagation; builder shows connected + SSL active.
Remove old parking records that conflict.
Email on your domain
Website domain ≠ email — Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 separate.
MX records for email; don't conflict with builder A/CNAME.
SPF/DKIM if sending newsletter from domain — email-deliverability-creators.
Troubleshooting
SSL pending: usually DNS not propagated or wrong CNAME.
www vs non-www: pick canonical; set redirect in builder.
Transferring domain between registrars — unlock + auth code; plan downtime window.
Browse the full directory
See ranked website builders with methodology — not pay-to-win lists.
Best Website Builders (2026) →Get your personalized match
Match with a builder based on your skills and priorities.
Take the Find Your Website Builder quiz (~2 min)Frequently asked questions
How long DNS propagation?
Often minutes–48 hours; verify with dnschecker.
Free custom domain?
Rare on free builder tiers — best-free-website-builder-honest.
Wix domain connect?
Wix wizard — wix-review-2026; same DNS principles.
Email and website same domain?
Yes — MX for email separate from site A/CNAME.
Move domain later?
Possible — update DNS at new builder; plan redirect.
Quiz?
best-website-builder after domain basics done.
Sources
- Builder DNS documentation
- SiteBartar editorial-standards
Disclosure: SiteBartar may earn commissions when you click partner links. Affiliate relationships never change match order or editorial scores. Full affiliate disclosure