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Using Your Own Domain - Custom Domain Setup

10 min read Intermediate For Owner Updated about 2 months ago
Quick Answer
To use a custom domain, go to Account → Account Info → Custom Domain, enter your domain, add the CNAME record to your DNS, wait for verification, then activate. RecSystems handles the SSL certificate automatically.

Using Your Own Domain

Connect your own domain to make your booking site feel truly yours. Instead of yourbusiness.recsystems.com, use something like book.yourbusiness.com.

Why Use a Custom Domain?

Benefits include:

  • Professional appearance - Your domain, your brand
  • Easier to share - Memorable URL
  • SEO value - Build your domain's authority
  • Trust - Customers see your domain

Prerequisites

Before starting:

  • Own a domain (e.g., yourbusiness.com)
  • Access to domain's DNS settings
  • Your domain provider login

Choosing Your Subdomain

Common choices:

  • book.yourbusiness.com
  • rentals.yourbusiness.com
  • reserve.yourbusiness.com

Note: Use a subdomain, not your root domain.

Setup Process

Step 1: Enter Your Domain

  1. Go to Account → Account Info → Custom Domain
  2. Enter your chosen subdomain
  3. Click Configure

Step 2: Get DNS Information

RecSystems provides:

  • CNAME record name
  • CNAME record value

Example:

Name: book
Value: custom.recsystems.com

Step 3: Add DNS Record

Log into your domain provider and add the CNAME:

Common Providers

GoDaddy:

  1. Go to DNS Management
  2. Add Record → CNAME
  3. Enter name and value
  4. Save

Cloudflare:

  1. Go to DNS settings
  2. Add record → CNAME
  3. Enter details
  4. Save (proxy off recommended)

Namecheap:

  1. Go to Advanced DNS
  2. Add New Record → CNAME
  3. Enter host and value
  4. Save

Google Domains:

  1. Go to DNS
  2. Custom records → Manage
  3. Add CNAME
  4. Save

Step 4: Wait for Verification

DNS changes take time:

  • Usually minutes to hours
  • Can take up to 48 hours
  • RecSystems checks automatically
  • You'll see status updates

Step 5: Activate

Once DNS is verified:

  1. Return to Custom Domain settings
  2. Click Activate
  3. Your domain goes live

SSL Certificate

RecSystems handles SSL automatically:

  • Certificate generated after DNS verification
  • HTTPS enabled automatically
  • Renewed automatically
  • No action needed from you

Domain Status

Status Indicators

Status Meaning
Configuring Initial setup
Pending DNS Waiting for DNS verification
Pending SSL Generating certificate
Ready Ready to activate
Active Live and working
Error Issue needs attention

Checking Status

View current status in:

  • Account → Account Info → Custom Domain
  • Status will update automatically

After Activation

Your URLs

Both work:

  • Custom: book.yourbusiness.com
  • RecSystems: yourbusiness.recsystems.com

Both redirect appropriately.

After activation, update:

  • Website links
  • Social media profiles
  • Business cards
  • Marketing materials

SEO Considerations

  • Update Google Business listing
  • Submit new sitemap
  • Update any directory listings
  • Old URLs redirect automatically

Troubleshooting

DNS not verifying

Wait longer:

  • DNS can take 48 hours
  • Check status periodically

Check record:

  • Verify CNAME is correct
  • No typos in values
  • Record is active

Check propagation:

  • Use DNS checker tools online
  • May vary by location

SSL certificate failing

Usually resolves automatically:

  • Wait a few hours
  • DNS must be correct first
  • Contact support if persists

Site not loading

Check DNS:

  • Verify CNAME exists
  • Values are correct

Check activation:

  • Must activate after verification
  • Check status in settings

Clear cache:

  • Browser cache
  • Try incognito mode

Deactivating Custom Domain

If you need to remove:

  1. Go to Account → Account Info → Custom Domain
  2. Click Deactivate
  3. Your RecSystems URL remains active

Your booking site continues working at the RecSystems URL.

Best Practices

Subdomain Choice

  • Keep it short and memorable
  • Use relevant words (book, rentals)
  • Match your brand style

After Setup

  • Test thoroughly
  • Update all marketing
  • Monitor for issues
  • Keep domain renewed

Maintenance

  • Keep domain registration current
  • Don't change DNS without reason
  • RecSystems handles SSL renewal

Related Articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use my own domain?
Go to Account → Account Info → Custom Domain, enter your subdomain (like book.yourbusiness.com), add the CNAME record to your DNS provider, wait for verification, then click Activate.
Do I need to buy a domain?
You need to own a domain already. RecSystems does not sell domains. Use a subdomain from your existing domain.
How long does setup take?
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, though often much faster. Once DNS is verified, SSL certificate and activation are usually within minutes.
Is the custom domain secure?
Yes, RecSystems automatically generates and manages SSL certificates for custom domains. Your site will have HTTPS security.