Custom Domains
Connect your own domain to your directory and build trust, authority, and better SEO — all in a few clicks.
How to Connect Your Domain
Two flexible setup methods. Choose the approach that fits your workflow.
Use Our Name Servers
Point your domain to our name servers and we handle everything: DNS configuration, SSL provisioning, and renewals. Manage all your DNS records directly through our UI. The easiest path for future features like custom email and authentication.
Keep Your DNS Provider
Stay in control of your DNS. Just add a CNAME record (for www.yoursite.com) or an ALIAS/ANAME record (for yoursite.com) pointing to your directory. Works with any provider that supports CNAME flattening at the apex — like Cloudflare, DNSimple, and Namecheap.
Free Automatic SSL
Every custom domain gets automatic SSL certificate provisioning and renewal at no extra cost. Your directory is always served over HTTPS — regardless of which connection method you choose. No configuration needed.
Why Use a Custom Domain?
A custom domain is more than just a URL — it's your directory's identity. Using your own domain name builds trust with visitors, strengthens your brand, and gives you a significant edge in search rankings.
Build Trust & Credibility
Visitors are far more likely to engage with yoursite.com than with a subdomain they don't recognize. A custom domain signals that your directory is established and professional — not a side project.
Better SEO
Search engines treat custom domains as independent, authoritative sites. Combined with MakeADir's built-in SEO — structured data, sitemaps, and IndexNow — your domain has everything it needs to rank from day one.
Brand Consistency
Your domain is part of your brand. Whether you're promoting on social media, printing business cards, or running ads, your own domain keeps every touchpoint consistent and memorable.
Future-Proof Your Directory
A custom domain unlocks future capabilities: custom email addresses, third-party authentication, domain verification, and more. It's the foundation for growing your directory's reach.
You Have Two Simple Options
We give you flexibility. Choose the setup that works best for you — both methods include free automatic SSL and work with any domain you own.
How to Set Up Your Domain
Three simple steps to connect your custom domain and go live.
Enter Your Domain
Go to your directory settings and enter the custom domain you want to use. It takes seconds.
Choose Your Method
Pick between pointing your name servers to us (we manage everything) or adding a CNAME/ALIAS record at your current DNS provider. Both work perfectly.
Verify & Go Live
We verify the DNS configuration, provision your SSL certificate automatically, and your directory is live on your domain — typically within minutes.
Ready to Go Custom?
Start building your directory and connect your own domain today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about connecting and managing your custom domain.
How long does it take for my custom domain to go live?
DNS changes typically propagate within a few minutes, though some providers can take up to 24–48 hours. Once DNS is configured, MakeADir automatically provisions your SSL certificate and your directory becomes available on your custom domain almost instantly.
Do I need to buy an SSL certificate separately?
No. MakeADir automatically provisions and renews SSL certificates for every custom domain at no extra cost. Your directory is always served over HTTPS with zero manual configuration.
What's the difference between using your name servers and keeping my DNS provider?
With our name servers, we manage all DNS records for you — you can edit them directly through our UI, and future features like email and domain verification are handled automatically. With your own DNS provider, you keep full control but need to manually add a CNAME or ALIAS record pointing to us. Both methods work perfectly for serving your directory.
Can I use a naked domain (domain.com) without www?
Yes. If you use our name servers, we handle both the apex (domain.com) and www automatically. If you keep your DNS provider, they must support CNAME flattening at the apex — most modern providers like Cloudflare, DNSimple, and Namecheap support ALIAS or ANAME records for this.
What happens if I change DNS providers later?
You can switch methods anytime. If moving from your own DNS to our name servers, just update your domain's name servers at your registrar. If moving from ours to your own, add the CNAME/ALIAS record at your new provider. Your directory stays online throughout.
Will my custom domain work with email and authentication features?
Custom email on your domain and third-party authentication are on our roadmap. Using our name servers makes this easier since we can configure MX and TXT records for you. With your own DNS provider, you'd manage those records yourself.