Connect Domain
Use your own domain like yourbakery.com for a professional look.
What is a Domain?
Your domain is your website address — like yourname.com. It replaces the default yourname.cottagecms.com URL with something professional and memorable.
Free Option Included
Your Cottage CMS address (yourname.cottagecms.com) is active automatically. Connecting an address you already own requires Pro or a higher plan.
How to Connect Your Domain
Step 1: Choose How to Connect Your Address
- a.Go to Settings → Domain in your dashboard and open I already own a website address (domain)
- b.Choose Point Nameservers (Recommended) or Advanced: Manual DNS, then enter the address customers should use
- c.Click Add Website Address & Scan Records for nameservers, or Add Website Address for manual DNS. If prompted, choose a paid plan first
Step 2: Follow Your Dashboard's DNS Instructions
At the company where you registered your address, make the changes shown in Settings → Domain. The records depend on the address and setup method you chose.
Point Nameservers: Use the nameservers displayed after Cottage CMS scans your existing records. Review the imported records, especially email records, before changing nameservers at your registrar.
Advanced: Manual DNS: Add the CNAME and any hostname or SSL validation TXT records shown for your exact address. A root address and a www address can need different record names.
Step 3: Check DNS and SSL Status
Return to Settings → Domain and use Check DNS Status when shown. DNS and SSL validation can take time. Share the custom address once the dashboard shows it is active and HTTPS works.
Pro Tips
- Use the displayed records — Do not copy DNS values from another shop or a different address
- Buy domains year-round — Don't let them expire! Set up auto-renew
- Keep email working — Review existing email DNS records before changing nameservers
- Check HTTPS — Wait for SSL validation to finish before sharing the custom address