Connecting a custom domain lets you use your own web address (like MyBusiness.com) instead of the default yourbusiness.talo.com subdomain. It's the most professional, branded option for your website.
This article walks you through everything: what you need before you start, how to connect, what to expect after, and how to troubleshoot.
What you need before you start
Own a domain
You need to own the domain you want to connect. If you don't have one yet, you can buy one from any domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Google Domains, and others all work). You can also use a domain you already own.
A published website
Your website must be published before you connect a custom domain. If you haven't published yet, see our guide on how to publish your website.
Domain types supported
You can connect:
A root domain (MyBusiness.com)
A subdomain you own (www.MyBusiness.com,
shop.yourbusiness.com)Any extension (.com, .net, .org, .co, .io, and others)
Two ways to connect
There are two methods for connecting a custom domain. Most providers should use the DNS pointing method.
DNS pointing (recommended) — you update DNS records at your domain registrar to point to our hosting. Keeps your DNS managed where it is now, which preserves things like existing email setup.
Nameserver delegation — you change your domain's nameservers so we manage all DNS for you. Best for advanced users who want everything in one place.
Both methods take about 5 minutes to configure. Full global propagation can take up to 48 hours, though most sites work much sooner.
DNS pointing: step by step
Step 1: Start the connection
You can start a domain connection in two ways:
From the success dialog after publishing, click Connect a domain
Or go to Settings > Domains and click Add an existing domain
Enter the domain you want to connect (for example, MyBusiness.com) and click Continue.
Step 2: Log in to your domain registrar
Open a new browser tab and log in to the registrar where you bought your domain (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, and so on).
If you can't remember which registrar you used, search your email for the original purchase receipt — the registrar's name will be on it.
Step 3: Find your domain's DNS settings
In your registrar's dashboard:
Go to the Domains or My Domains section
Click your domain name to open its settings
Look for DNS Management, Manage DNS, DNS Records, or Advanced DNS
You should see your existing DNS records — things like A records and CNAME records.
Step 4: Add an ALIAS record
Create a new ALIAS record with these settings:
Type: ALIAS (some registrars call this ANAME or CNAME flattening)
Host: @ (or your domain name)
Value / Points to: the hostname shown in our setup instructions
A few things to keep in mind:
You can only have one ALIAS record with this host. If you already have one, update it instead of creating a new one.
If your registrar doesn't support ALIAS records, switch to the nameserver method below.
Step 5: Add a CNAME record
Create a new CNAME record with these settings:
Type: CNAME
Host: www
Value / Points to: the hostname shown in our setup instructions
You can only have one CNAME record for "www" — if you already have one, update it instead.
Step 6: Save your changes
Save your DNS changes at the registrar. The save usually takes effect within a few minutes.
Step 7: Confirm the connection
Return to your website settings and click I updated my DNS records. The system verifies your DNS configuration, and once it checks out, your custom domain is connected.
Nameserver method: step by step
If you'd rather have us manage your DNS, use the nameserver method instead.
Start the connection the same way (from the publish success dialog or Settings > Domains)
When prompted, choose the nameserver method
We'll show you two nameserver addresses
Log in to your registrar, find your domain's nameserver settings, and replace your existing nameservers with the two we provided
Save the changes
Nameserver changes can take 24 to 48 hours to propagate globally. The system monitors automatically and finishes the connection once it sees the change.
What happens after you connect
Connection status
While your domain is being verified, you may see a banner in Settings > Domains letting you know we're checking your domain connection. The process can take up to a couple of days, and we'll email you when things change.
SSL certificate
We automatically provision an SSL certificate for your custom domain so your site loads securely over HTTPS. No setup required on your end. SSL provisioning starts after DNS is verified and typically activates within 24 hours.
Your custom domain becomes primary
Once connected, your custom domain becomes the address visitors see. Your previous subdomain stays available as a backup but is hidden from view.
What to do next
Visit your custom domain in a browser to confirm it loads
Check the secure HTTPS lock icon appears (may take a few hours after DNS verifies)
Test on a phone, tablet, and a few different browsers
Update your social media, Google Business Profile, business cards, and other marketing materials with your new web address
Managing your custom domain
All your domain management lives in Settings > Domains. From there you can:
View your custom domain and its status
Click the domain name to open your live website
Use the three-dot menu to access domain actions, including:
Enable SSL for this domain — provision an SSL certificate if needed
Remove from your account — disconnect the custom domain
Removing a custom domain
If you remove your custom domain:
Visitors won't be able to find your website at that address
Your site automatically falls back to your branded subdomain
Any connected email accounts will stop working
You'll lose access to additional services tied to the domain
You can reconnect the same domain later if you change your mind.
Troubleshooting
"This domain is taken in our system"
"This domain is taken in our system"
Another account has already connected this domain. If you own the domain, contact support so we can help sort it out.
DNS records aren't updating
DNS records aren't updating
DNS changes can take time to propagate — sometimes up to 48 hours. Double-check that the record values exactly match what we provided, save your changes at the registrar, and give it more time. If you're stuck, your registrar's support team can help you set the records correctly.
My website doesn't load on my custom domain
My website doesn't load on my custom domain
Usually a DNS propagation issue. Wait up to 48 hours, then try again. You can also use any free online DNS lookup tool to check whether your records are showing the right values.
The site loads but shows a security warning (no HTTPS)
The site loads but shows a security warning (no HTTPS)
SSL provisioning begins after your DNS is verified and usually takes up to 24 hours. The site is fully usable over HTTP during that window, and the secure HTTPS lock will appear once SSL activates.
My registrar doesn't support ALIAS records
My registrar doesn't support ALIAS records
Some registrars don't offer ALIAS records. In that case, use the nameserver method instead. Your registrar's support team can also tell you about any alternative they offer.
A message you can send your registrar
A message you can send your registrar
If you'd rather have your registrar's support team make the DNS changes for you, copy and send them this message (filling in your domain and the hostname from our setup instructions):
"I need to connect [your-domain.com] to my new website, and I want to keep my DNS hosted with you. Please create an ALIAS record (also called ANAME or CNAME flattening) for [your-domain.com] pointing to [hostname from setup instructions], and a CNAME record for www.[your-domain.com] pointing to [hostname from setup instructions]."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the connection take?
How long does the connection take?
DNS configuration takes about 5 minutes. Full global propagation can take up to 48 hours, but most sites work much sooner — often within minutes.
Do I have to buy my domain from you?
Do I have to buy my domain from you?
No. Buy your domain wherever you'd like and connect it to your website. Any registrar works.
Can I connect multiple domains?
Can I connect multiple domains?
You can connect a custom domain alongside your branded subdomain. The custom domain becomes primary and visitors see it.
Will connecting a domain break my email?
Will connecting a domain break my email?
No. The DNS pointing method only touches the records that point to your website. Your existing email records stay untouched.
Can I use a subdomain like shop.mybusiness.com?
Can I use a subdomain like shop.mybusiness.com?
Yes. Subdomains you own can be connected using the same steps.
What if I change my mind?
What if I change my mind?
You can disconnect a custom domain any time from Settings > Domains. Your site automatically falls back to your branded subdomain.