Custom Domains Guide

# Custom Domains Guide This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and managing custom domains for your RecSystems booking engine. ## Table of Contents - [Overview](#overview) - [Benefits of Custom Domains](#benefits-of-custom-domains) - [Before You Begin](#before-you-begin) - [Setting Up Your Custom Domain](#setting-up-your-custom-domain) - [DNS Configuration](#dns-configuration) - [Verification Process](#verification-process) - [SSL Certificates](#ssl-certificates) - [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) - [Best Practices](#best-practices) - [FAQs](#faqs) ## Overview A custom domain allows you to use your own web address (like `bookings.yourbusiness.com`) instead of the default RecSystems subdomain (`yourbusiness.recsystems.com`). This feature is available on all RecSystems plans and includes automatic SSL certificates and CDN (Content Delivery Network) support. ### What You'll Need - Access to your domain's DNS settings - Admin access to your RecSystems account - About 30 minutes for initial setup ## Benefits of Custom Domains ### 1. **Professional Branding** - Reinforces your brand identity - Creates a seamless customer experience - Looks more professional in marketing materials ### 2. **Better SEO Performance** - Search engines favor custom domains - Improves local search rankings - Better control over meta tags and descriptions ### 3. **Increased Customer Trust** - Customers feel more secure booking on your domain - Reduces confusion about third-party services - Maintains brand consistency ### 4. **Marketing Advantages** - Easier to remember URLs - Better for print advertising - More control over URL structure ## Before You Begin ### Prerequisites 1. **Domain Ownership**: You must own or have administrative access to the domain you want to use 2. **DNS Access**: You need access to your domain's DNS management panel 3. **Domain Provider**: Your domain can be registered with any provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) ### Choosing Your Domain Structure You have several options for structuring your custom domain: - **Subdomain**: `bookings.yourbusiness.com` (Recommended) - **Root Domain**: `yourbusiness.com` (Requires additional configuration) - **Custom Path**: `rentals.yourbusiness.com` or `reserve.yourbusiness.com` > **Tip**: We recommend using a subdomain as it's easier to configure and doesn't interfere with your main website. ## Setting Up Your Custom Domain ### Step 1: Access Domain Settings 1. Log in to your RecSystems dashboard 2. Navigate to **Settings** → **Custom Domain** 3. Click **Configure Domain Settings** ### Step 2: Choose Domain Type You'll see two options: #### RecSystems Subdomain (Default) - Quick setup with no DNS configuration - Format: `yourname.recsystems.com` - Instant activation #### Custom Domain (Recommended for Branding) - Use your own domain - Requires DNS configuration - Professional appearance ### Step 3: Enter Your Domain 1. Select **Custom Domain** 2. Enter your full domain (e.g., `bookings.yourbusiness.com`) 3. Review the live preview 4. Click **Save Changes** ## DNS Configuration After saving your custom domain, you'll need to configure your DNS records. This tells the internet where to find your booking engine. ### Adding the CNAME Record 1. **Log in to your domain provider's control panel** 2. **Navigate to DNS Management** 3. **Add a new CNAME record**: - **Type**: CNAME - **Name/Host**: Your subdomain (e.g., `bookings`) - **Points to/Value**: `cdn.recsystems.net` - **TTL**: 3600 (or default) ### Provider-Specific Instructions #### GoDaddy 1. Go to **My Products** → **DNS** 2. Click **Add** → **CNAME** 3. Enter your subdomain in **Host** 4. Enter `cdn.recsystems.net` in **Points to** 5. Save the record #### Namecheap 1. Go to **Domain List** → **Manage** 2. Click **Advanced DNS** 3. Add new record → **CNAME Record** 4. Enter subdomain in **Host** 5. Enter `cdn.recsystems.net` in **Target** #### Cloudflare 1. Select your domain 2. Go to **DNS** tab 3. Click **Add record** 4. Choose **CNAME** type 5. Enter subdomain in **Name** 6. Enter `cdn.recsystems.net` in **Target** 7. **Important**: Set Proxy status to **DNS only** (gray cloud) #### AWS Route 53 1. Go to **Hosted zones** 2. Select your domain 3. Click **Create record** 4. Choose **Simple routing** 5. Define CNAME record with `cdn.recsystems.net` as value ### DNS Propagation Time DNS changes typically take: - **5-30 minutes** for most providers - **Up to 48 hours** in rare cases - You can check propagation status at [whatsmydns.net](https://www.whatsmydns.net/) ## Verification Process ### Automatic Verification Once DNS is configured: 1. Return to RecSystems dashboard 2. Click **Verify DNS Now** 3. System will check your DNS configuration 4. If successful, you'll see "DNS Verified" status ### Manual Verification If automatic verification fails: 1. Double-check your DNS records 2. Ensure no typos in the CNAME configuration 3. Wait additional time for propagation 4. Contact support if issues persist ### Verification Checklist - [ ] CNAME record added correctly - [ ] No conflicting A or AAAA records - [ ] Subdomain not used elsewhere - [ ] DNS propagation complete - [ ] No proxy services interfering (like Cloudflare proxy) ## SSL Certificates ### Automatic SSL Provisioning RecSystems automatically provides SSL certificates through Let's Encrypt: - **Free**: No additional cost - **Automatic**: Provisioned after DNS verification - **Auto-renewal**: Certificates renew automatically - **Grade A Security**: Industry-standard encryption ### SSL Activation Timeline 1. DNS verified ✓ 2. SSL certificate requested (instant) 3. Domain validation (5-10 minutes) 4. Certificate issued and installed 5. HTTPS enabled automatically ### Checking SSL Status - Look for the padlock icon in browsers - Check for "https://" in your URL - Use [SSL Labs](https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/) for detailed analysis ## Troubleshooting ### Common Issues and Solutions #### DNS Not Verifying **Problem**: "DNS Verification Pending" persists **Solutions**: - Verify CNAME record is exactly `cdn.recsystems.net` - Check for typos in subdomain name - Ensure no conflicting records exist - Disable Cloudflare proxy if applicable - Wait full 30 minutes before retrying #### SSL Certificate Not Active **Problem**: Browser shows "Not Secure" **Solutions**: - Ensure DNS is verified first - Clear browser cache - Try incognito/private browsing - Wait 15 minutes after DNS verification - Contact support if persists over 1 hour #### Domain Not Loading **Problem**: Custom domain shows error **Solutions**: - Verify DNS records are saved - Check domain hasn't expired - Ensure no firewall blocking - Test with different browser/device - Verify RecSystems subdomain still works #### Conflicting Records **Problem**: "Record already exists" error **Solutions**: - Remove existing A/AAAA records for subdomain - Check for wildcard records (*.domain.com) - Ensure subdomain isn't used for email - Contact domain provider support ### Advanced Troubleshooting #### Using Command Line Tools Check DNS resolution: ```bash nslookup bookings.yourdomain.com # Should return cdn.recsystems.net ``` Trace DNS path: ```bash dig bookings.yourdomain.com CNAME # Shows CNAME chain ``` #### Browser Developer Tools 1. Open Developer Tools (F12) 2. Go to Network tab 3. Check for redirect loops 4. Verify SSL certificate details ## Best Practices ### 1. **Domain Selection** - Use descriptive subdomains (bookings, rentals, reserve) - Keep it short and memorable - Avoid hyphens if possible - Match your brand voice ### 2. **DNS Management** - Document your DNS changes - Keep DNS credentials secure - Set up DNS monitoring - Regular review of DNS records ### 3. **Security** - Enable DNSSEC if available - Use strong passwords for DNS access - Enable 2FA on domain account - Regular security audits ### 4. **Marketing Integration** - Update all marketing materials - Set up proper redirects from old URLs - Update Google Business listing - Notify customers of change ### 5. **Monitoring** - Set up uptime monitoring - Track SSL certificate expiry - Monitor DNS resolution times - Regular performance checks ## FAQs ### General Questions **Q: Can I use my root domain (example.com)?** A: While possible, we recommend using a subdomain for easier configuration and to avoid conflicts with your main website. **Q: How much does a custom domain cost?** A: The custom domain feature is free with RecSystems. You only pay your domain registrar for the domain itself. **Q: Can I change my custom domain later?** A: Yes, you can change it anytime, but you'll need to update DNS records again. **Q: Will my old RecSystems URL still work?** A: Yes, your RecSystems subdomain remains active as a backup. ### Technical Questions **Q: Can I use multiple custom domains?** A: Currently, one custom domain per account is supported. **Q: What about email on my subdomain?** A: Email services are separate and won't be affected by the CNAME record. **Q: Do I need technical knowledge?** A: Basic DNS knowledge helps, but our guide walks you through each step. **Q: Is the CDN included?** A: Yes, all custom domains automatically use our global CDN. ### Troubleshooting Questions **Q: Why is DNS verification taking so long?** A: DNS propagation varies by provider. Most complete within 30 minutes, but some can take up to 48 hours. **Q: Can I use Cloudflare?** A: Yes, but ensure the proxy (orange cloud) is disabled for the CNAME record. **Q: What if my domain provider isn't listed?** A: The general CNAME instructions work for all providers. Contact their support for specific help. ## Getting Help If you need assistance with your custom domain setup: 1. **Email Support**: [email protected] 2. **Response Time**: Usually within 24 hours 3. **Include**: Your domain name and any error messages 4. **Screenshots**: Helpful for DNS configuration issues --- [Return to Documentation Index](../index.md) | [View Settings Guide](../07-reference/)