---
title: "Connect a Custom Domain (Root or Subdomain)"
description: "Point your own root domain or subdomain at an Aesthetix CRM funnel or website, add and verify DNS records, and troubleshoot propagation."
url: https://help.aesthetixcrm.com/en/articles/1570-connect-a-custom-domain-root-or-subdomain
collection: "Domains, SEO & Analytics"
updated: 2026-11-04
language: en
---

# Connect a Custom Domain (Root or Subdomain)

Point your own root domain or subdomain at an Aesthetix CRM funnel or website, add and verify DNS records, and troubleshoot propagation.

Connecting a custom domain lets your funnels, websites, stores, blogs, and webinars live on your own branded web address instead of a system-generated URL. A domain can be a **root domain** like `mydomain.com` or a **subdomain** like `www.mydomain.com`.

The process has three parts: register your domain with a provider (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Cloudflare), add the required DNS records so the domain points to Aesthetix CRM, and then connect the domain inside your account and link it to the page you want visitors to see. This article walks through each part in detail and covers how to verify records and fix common propagation issues.

> **Note:** This article covers manually configuring a domain. If your registrar is supported, Aesthetix CRM can also add the required DNS records automatically during the connection flow (see the automatic method below).

## Before You Start

Make sure you have the following in place:

-   Access to your DNS provider's control panel (for example, Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, AWS Route 53, or Google Domains). This is the platform where your domain is currently hosted.
    
-   The root domain or subdomain you want to connect.
    
-   Credentials or permissions to add and edit DNS records.
    
-   A basic understanding of DNS record types (A, CNAME, TXT).
    

## Step 1: Add Your DNS Record (A or CNAME)

You complete this step inside your domain registrar, not in Aesthetix CRM. Based on your setup, choose **one** of the two methods below for each host, do not create both a CNAME and an A record for the same host.

### CNAME Method (recommended for subdomains)

Add a CNAME record for your subdomain pointing to the value **sites.ludicrous.cloud**.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/6HalRry43zREAKWWIRaw7dYcRDNn6uh3OfxBbgHZbZYVM973sNLhDkxmdGViJ1OW4IhKkUvrVwJ.png)

> **Important:**
> 
> -   In your DNS provider, the Host/Name should be only the subdomain part (for example, `www` for `www.mydomain.com`, or `sub` for `sub.mydomain.com`).
>     
> -   The Value/Target should be `sites.ludicrous.cloud`.
>     
> -   Do not create both a CNAME and an A record for the same host (for example, `www`). Choose either the CNAME method or the A record method.
>     

Most registrars (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Wix, Hostinger, Bluehost, and others) let you add a CNAME record from their DNS settings.

> **Note:** If you are using Cloudflare, make sure the Proxy status is set to **DNS only**. Cloudflare's proxy is not supported for these records.

### A Record Method

Alternatively, add an A record for your root domain or subdomain, pointing it to **162.159.140.166**.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/vP5AUevh6LEoTb8Hs6BcxLXLZcPbVl7nRM5UUj92Tg89hMcPBQrgbEfg5csgroHmjCa41yHQ7kz.png)

This method works with the same registrars (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Wix, Hostinger, Bluehost, and others) from their DNS settings.

> **Note:** If you are using Cloudflare, make sure the Proxy status is set to **DNS only**. Cloudflare's proxy is not supported for these records.

After adding your record at the registrar, it can take time for the DNS settings to propagate. If it does not work right away, give it some time (up to 24 hours) and try again.

## Step 2: Connect the Domain in Aesthetix CRM

Once your DNS record is in place, add the domain to your account.

Go to **Settings** in the left navigation menu.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/irdTZk0DNncIpuYJLPc11GPIY2l34Xh4nKyqE1cKwXfwi2MeXRF3okkFVQgdsVHL3WFUhv8xQsW.png)

Go to **Domains & URL Redirects**, then click the **\+ Connect a domain** button.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/AMm4HjsFeU1e7l6xZfAoynvP1zf4fW7KTx1vgoNCFr66F9kTlxyk9hUezYGxnr5mBb6n7NmGV6r.png)

Click **Connect** for the **Funnel / Website / Store / Blog / Webinar** option.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/YSK63KtA5WdrNgjuuzoQdvnjPc2bbO4GA4DA85WvjhTNdgdGKAMUECxbXRNGheskJFBrnyLsByQ.png)

Type in the **domain or subdomain** and click **Continue**.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/dwK5xEmqrbuqi952LA0Cdnm6muqAu3EAtDD65lsl3mv1TUiftv2v33RKlCZaa0KPUYzTRuYoner.png)

### For Root Domains (e.g. mydomain.com)

Enter your domain in the **Domain URL** field (use the root domain, not the subdomain), then click the **Add record manually** link.

-   By default, the system will also add the **www** subdomain in addition to the root domain.
    
-   This also enables a **301 redirect** so that all traffic to the `www` subdomain is sent to the root domain.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/qkjcPyXmn5AEFtnBNtDeUKBBVlsXzsIQoKKzXS9s2yPremaUbuILUvlHC0utWvDZvJxR3EJwyFm.png)

> **Note:** Clicking **Continue** initiates the automatic domain connection feature, which looks up where the domain is registered and attempts to add the necessary DNS records for you. If your registrar is supported, this saves you from adding records by hand; if it is not supported yet, you will be prompted to add the DNS records manually.

### For Subdomains (e.g. sub.mydomain.com)

Enter your subdomain in the **Domain URL** field, then click the **Add record manually** link.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/PQnvuYoLpw0ySUmXgpKl8xChJ7ne0kgmskvDGKfCgMFuPGWEst1qcbD7kd5210lUdT53bIiQGGp.png)

> **Note:** If you want a funnel step or website page to open without a path (`domain.com` instead of `domain.com/home`), select that page as the default page for the domain. A default page can be set from **Settings > Domains & URL Redirects > Manage Domain > Edit Domain**.

## Step 3: Link the Domain to a Funnel or Website

Once your DNS records have been verified, you will see a screen where you can choose what to link the domain to.

-   First, choose the **funnel or website**.
    
-   Then, choose which **funnel step or website page** should be the default landing page.
    
-   Finally, click **Link Domain**. This completes the process and adds an SSL certificate automatically. It takes a few minutes to finish on the backend.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/FW8pVnFMNhIy8uU6TB1p7eKxZSy1DMGuOKo9whvoDvzw7uzFCPCdehsjb9zFDFpld28HB8tDK3T.png)

## Automatic vs. Manual Connection

There are two ways to connect a domain: automatically (if your provider is supported) or manually.

### Automatic Method (Supported Providers)

If your domain is registered with a supported provider (such as GoDaddy, Google Domains, or Cloudflare), you can connect it automatically using API-based authentication.

1.  Go to **Settings > Domains** in Aesthetix CRM.
    
2.  Choose **Connect a Domain**.
    
3.  Choose the product you'd like to connect (for example, funnel, website, or email).
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/9WU5KSr1BP3L5LHYgXGpY5DUXDKpt2CXW66JoyaTSsjsjGR0ZqQTlFTpeWvf6dMspZc29pkHqER.png)

4.  Enter your root domain or subdomain. If you add the `www` subdomain, you'll see an option to add the root domain as well.
    
5.  If your domain is with a supported provider, you'll see an **Authorize** button. Click it to allow Aesthetix CRM to access your DNS settings.
    
6.  Follow the on-screen prompts to complete authorization on your domain provider's interface. The required DNS records are added automatically.
    
7.  Once authorization is complete, close that tab and return to Aesthetix CRM.
    

### Manual Method (Any Provider)

If your provider is not supported for automatic setup (for example, Namecheap or Bluehost), add the DNS records by hand.

1.  Go to **Settings > Domains**.
    
2.  Choose **Connect a Domain**.
    
3.  Choose the product you'd like to connect.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/fwvjpnrunUkLMEEJhwvY3xxbIPTjNa7obdm0X78wSfQpNQ4OyfhAiyeVeFiPWx9FSeQXm1UioxL.png)

4.  Enter the domain name as prompted, then click the **Add records manually** option.
    
5.  You'll receive specific DNS records (A, CNAME, and/or TXT) to add at your registrar.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/IOScOTkVVtYp1Luxqv8fLom8Wp3yxPNTFv0SK3VTew0dmOpncA5ztI25zuwRhBwYWYh46cUYuuz.png)

6.  Log into your domain provider and go to its DNS settings.
    
7.  Add the records exactly as shown.
    
8.  Save your changes and wait for DNS propagation (up to 24 hours).
    

## Manual DNS Setup by Provider

The exact menus differ by registrar, but the values you enter are always the ones Aesthetix CRM provides. Use `@` for the root domain and `www` (or your subdomain) for subdomains.

### Cloudflare

1.  Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
    
2.  Select your domain and click the **DNS** tab.
    
3.  Click **Add Record**.
    
4.  For each required record, choose the type (A, CNAME, or TXT):
    
    -   **A record** for `@` (root domain) → point to the provided IP address.
        
    -   **CNAME** for `www` or subdomains (if applicable).
        
    -   **TXT** for verification (e.g., SPF/DKIM).
        
5.  **Important:** Set **Proxy status to "DNS Only"** (gray cloud) for A and CNAME records.
    
6.  Click **Save** for each record.
    
7.  Wait for propagation (a few minutes to 24 hours).
    

### GoDaddy

1.  Log in to your GoDaddy account.
    
2.  Go to **My Products > Domains**, then click **Manage DNS** next to your domain.
    
3.  Under **Records**, click **Add**:
    
    -   Select the type: A, CNAME, or TXT.
        
    -   Use `@` for the root domain and `www` for the subdomain.
        
4.  Enter the record values exactly as provided.
    
5.  Click **Save** after adding each record.
    
6.  Allow time for changes to propagate.
    

### Namecheap

1.  Log in to your Namecheap dashboard.
    
2.  Go to **Domain List > Manage** next to your domain.
    
3.  Open the **Advanced DNS** tab.
    
4.  Under **Host Records**, click **Add New Record**:
    
    -   **A record** for `@`
        
    -   **CNAME record** for `www`
        
    -   **TXT record** for verification (if applicable)
        
5.  Enter the exact values provided.
    
6.  Click **Save All Changes**.
    
7.  Wait up to 24 hours for DNS propagation.
    

### Squarespace

1.  Log in to your Squarespace account.
    
2.  Go to **Settings > Domains** and select your domain.
    
3.  Click **DNS Settings** (Advanced).
    
4.  Add the records:
    
    -   **A record** for `@` (use the provided IP)
        
    -   **CNAME** for `www` (if required)
        
    -   **TXT** for verification
        
5.  Click **Save** after each record.
    
6.  Return to Aesthetix CRM and reconnect the domain once changes are saved.
    

## Connecting a Domain for Email Sending

A custom domain can also be used to authenticate your email sending, which improves deliverability and keeps your messages out of spam. This uses a dedicated sending domain and a different set of DNS records.

### Add Your Sending Domain

Navigate to **Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain & IP**.

Inside the **Dedicated Domains** menu, click **\+ Add Domain** in the top-right corner.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/mPsH1kGiZrLN2yZ7dFmF62WmMfZBY2bLOpQvE7ZDZuaip2zYpPahCNfaJUvKl1FlxwGht24PBxG.png)

Enter the domain or subdomain you want to use. We recommend a subdomain such as `mail.yourdomain.com` for better deliverability. Click **Add & Verify**.

### Verify Your Sending Domain

Email authentication relies on three record types:

-   **SPF (Sender Policy Framework):** Authorizes which servers can send email on behalf of your domain.
    
-   **DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail):** Adds a digital signature that proves your emails haven't been altered.
    
-   **DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance):** Enforces authentication policies and provides delivery reporting.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/2EfKUlIWMrX3CdvK2dfFwDyOuj75PQx2cHRCu9KLBDMclOXxPKLv4ecQC8CXq2gjWUzTqZPNVrs.png)

When your domain is added, open the **three-dot menu** next to it and click **Verify domain** to tell the system to check your DNS records.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/bEAN1CZZgwIOGUXLAIrOxXeUsnhubEBbqSfsSAKrAUAcpvLyP2EFEq8QMNGRpZbd2TiVQ1V7ODt.png)

You'll then see a list of all the DNS records your domain needs (SPF, DKIM, CNAME, MX, and DMARC). Each shows whether it's verified, and you can use the **Copy** buttons to paste values into your DNS provider. Once everything checks out, your domain is marked as verified.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/b7uEJERuSBjgYshJVpW73yrkMohCHfty15IXoH6YYcnMCdnkczk51GbGO85V5VIMxcF8F9Td9Hs.png)

### Auto-Configure or Add Records Manually

If your DNS provider is supported, click **Continue** after adding your domain. Aesthetix CRM will detect your provider, and once you log in and authorize, your DNS records are configured automatically and the domain is marked **Verified**. If your provider isn't supported, you'll be prompted to add the records manually.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/z7cm1iO8ODHTtMKaQnEqnX8DgSyPk5FXdG9r3GnfOSzUpf6o6U3kJbygGtkiYhMobcph0W6PIBe.png)

For manual setup, add the records exactly as shown:

-   **Type:** Add records as TXT, CNAME, or MX as instructed.
    
-   **Name/Host:** For root domains, use `@`. For subdomains (e.g., `mail.yourdomain.com`), enter just the subdomain (e.g., `mail`).
    
-   **Value:** Copy and paste the values exactly as shown.
    
-   **TTL:** Set to 5 minutes (300 seconds) where possible.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/6LZGdRu5B4Th2FRv4lPYoLEyr0ov9U6aujZfEZQwIqtBqAYY83Yi4Ij0yzBq03zxXzF4ZWgv3ds.png)

> **Note:** After verification, the SSL certificate is issued within about 1–10 minutes and the domain shows as Verified/Active. Send a test email to confirm SPF and DKIM pass. Ensure only one SPF record and one DMARC record exist per domain, duplicates cause verification to fail.

## Verify Your DNS Records (DNS Lookup Tool)

MXToolbox is a popular free tool for checking your domain's DNS records. To use it:

1.  Go to [https://mxtoolbox.com](https://mxtoolbox.com).
    
2.  On the homepage, open the dropdown menu and select the type of record you want to check:
    
    -   **DNS Lookup:** Check A, AAAA, CNAME, NS, and other records.
        
    -   **CNAME Lookup:** Check your domain's canonical name (CNAME) records.
        
    -   **TXT Lookup:** Check text records such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
        
    -   **MX Lookup:** Check your domain's mail exchange (MX) records.
        
3.  Enter your domain name (e.g., `example.com`) in the input field next to the dropdown.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/7WcizPUDJEOF0KgbDiBYLTT7LXMYtcjfKVoHm4xfQVsBJJ2aWy4tzSzmS4MZkEtxBezBZiQ306w.png)

4.  Click the **DNS Lookup** button to run the search.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/PEiVM0O4xCjSLC2ytgbDLpqCMkyDebuJXkmloSvHeSx2iMXAasCPV8w16AFIwLDEjT5YpVT1Qkm.png)

5.  The tool displays the DNS records for the domain you entered. Scroll down to see all results.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/2lkLsaXYRfivUEN4KvdSCKLzrIbBb0nRcPjEFyV8tYyK2gBH4fYVR7LAgB1rWazmlPwQBITX1nq.png)

> **Note:** If you recently changed your domain's configuration, the records may not appear right away. Changes can take some time to propagate across the internet, typically up to 24–48 hours.

## Remove a Domain

To remove a domain from your account, go to **Settings > Domains & URL Redirects > Manage**.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/p6i5veIgTXHHe4YkclkcPLjTkZzZ385EwJWOHRSJo5aehDmf0FBpDhsji66GEoqblINglEZOqWv.png)

Click the **three dots**, choose **Delete**, and confirm your choice in the dialog box.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/tBGttDBYw7AvOavtr1B2ldUJOGkHSFLd5qcd9McL7n7yphqHKKcldsPbmgUufybXb0CajwXLL7v.png)

## Troubleshooting

While connecting your domain, you may run into a few common issues.

### SSL / Privacy Errors

An SSL error occurs when there is a problem with the SSL certificate or the SSL/TLS configuration on a site. SSL/TLS provides encrypted, secure communication between a visitor's browser and the web server, so an error usually means the connection is being flagged as insecure.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/MyPXOJZRyuoPnYScwQtQViTMQSOjnjfItK1yk1WXb6pwhc9QVkca9WhpFAiMvhog9MoEjELMtvU.png)

If your domain shows a privacy or SSL error, it is usually due to one of the following:

-   **Multiple DNS records for the same host.** More than one A or CNAME record exists for the same domain/subdomain. A domain or subdomain can only point to one platform at a time, so only one DNS record should be set up for it.
    
-   **No DNS record** has been added for the domain.
    
-   **An AAAA record** exists in addition to the A/CNAME record.
    

### "CNAME / A record not found"

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/oPFvPsgl0O1turNcc6ie0SWotbl320ZTYDZcoI4i1qWL4v5sk9PxT9pdIlzBR6QBSeL0G0efTGR.png)

When adding a domain manually, you may see an error like:

> **"Couldn't find a CNAME/A record pointing `www` to `sites.ludicrous.cloud` / `162.159.140.166`"**

This does **not** mean you should enter the whole text `sites.ludicrous.cloud/162.159.140.166` into a single field. It means Aesthetix CRM could not find **either** of the following DNS records for the host `www`:

-   A **CNAME** record with:
    
    -   Host/Name: `www`
        
    -   Value/Target: `sites.ludicrous.cloud`
        
    
    **OR**
    
-   An **A** record with:
    
    -   Host/Name: `www`
        
    -   Value/IP: `162.159.140.166`
        

If neither record exists (or they're set up on the wrong DNS provider), the domain can't be verified and this error appears.

**How to fix it:**

1.  **Confirm where your DNS is actually hosted.** Use a DNS lookup tool or your registrar dashboard to see which nameservers your domain is using, and make sure you're editing DNS at the correct provider. For example, if your nameservers point to Cloudflare, add the records in Cloudflare, not GoDaddy.
    
2.  **Check for an existing `www` record.** Look for any existing A or CNAME record with Host/Name `www`. If `www` already points somewhere else (an old website or another platform), remove or update it. Only one record for `www` should be active.
    
3.  **Create the required DNS record for `www`.** Choose **one** method (do not use both for `www`):
    
    -   **CNAME method (recommended for subdomains):** Type `CNAME`, Host/Name `www`, Value/Target `sites.ludicrous.cloud`.
        
    -   **A record method:** Type `A`, Host/Name `www`, Value/IP `162.159.140.166`.
        
    -   Enter only `www` (or your subdomain, e.g., `sub`) in the Host/Name field, not `www.mydomain.com` and not `https://www.mydomain.com`.
        
4.  **If you're also using the root domain.** For a root domain like `mydomain.com`, add an A record with Type `A`, Host/Name `@`, Value/IP `162.159.140.166`. In Step 2, the system can automatically enable `www` and a 301 redirect so visitors to `www.mydomain.com` are redirected to `mydomain.com`.
    
5.  **If you are using Cloudflare.** Make sure the CNAME or A record is set to **"DNS only"**, not "Proxied." Cloudflare's proxy is not supported on the records used to connect funnels and websites.
    
6.  **Allow time for DNS propagation.** After making changes, DNS can take up to 24 hours to update globally. If the error persists right after updating, wait a bit and then click **Retry/Continue** on the domain connection screen.
    
7.  **Re-check with a DNS lookup tool if needed.** Confirm that `www.yourdomain.com` has either a CNAME → `sites.ludicrous.cloud` **or** an A record → `162.159.140.166`. Once that record is visible, the domain should verify successfully.
    

> **Note:** If your domain shows a 404 error intermittently, you may be mixing the `www` and root versions. Make sure you have added a redirect from `www` to the non-`www` (root) domain, or from the non-`www` domain to `www`.

### Cloudflare Proxy Errors

If your DNS setup is correct but you still get a privacy error, your site is not showing images, or you cannot add the domain, check that the proxy status inside Cloudflare is set to **"DNS Only."**

When a CNAME or A record has proxy status set to "Proxied," it causes an error. Cloudflare proxy status should only be set to "Proxied" when setting up a redirect, and only by following the exact steps for that setup.

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/0TRwB3DCO9ujIyz6lMA8XqX8IuvH2lnMayPhnmlsTtdA6oSZiklCMVKkDgltVKDI2hEdI8s33qF.png)

### Record Conflicts

-   **Multiple A Records:** More than one A record exists for the same host, causing a conflict.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/Ozj2xmcE93tuptkfs83uv38yzqTgkVNg2LYyvLTY1v7a8uBrnPmpFhwWVZNIFz4xqpH42K2a0mR.png)

-   **AAAA Record Conflict:** An AAAA record is present alongside your A/CNAME record and must be removed.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/3Qs2kaTcoHO0ZWXAyGspVj0uUjT3auSvY038UiC4sACTfgdR22KdnaZCLibsxBGEmGdf9FCk7BW.png)

-   **CAA Record Conflict:** A CAA record is preventing the SSL certificate from being issued.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/WeQFB9dBwN1CKjg7vBm0qzP3SgSNjBKurkDIlyQBipf0zwtYFG5jrGKpoHkts8j9CrHiuN2NnXP.png)

-   **DNS Records Do Not Match:** The values entered at your registrar don't match the records Aesthetix CRM expects.
    

![](https://staticfiles.us.gleap.ai/g/OpvD2b2zcXrbZaI7HVy61ZQi7WvnRU2YmnxxlfH9WBPHa8wJiin0Kb0HHdfY0OXJri6y3MeHqQu.png)

-   **Domain is Connected Elsewhere:** The domain is already pointing to another platform or account and must be freed up first.
    

### If a Domain Stays "Pending"

-   If your domain says **"Pending"** for over 24 hours, double-check your DNS values or reach out to support.
    
-   SSL is provisioned automatically once the domain is connected and records are correct.
    
-   You can manage all connected domains under **Settings > Domains**.
    
-   DNS changes can take from a few minutes up to 24 hours to fully propagate.
    

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I use the same domain with more than one platform?**

No. One domain or subdomain can only be used with one platform or server at a time (for example, WordPress, Wix, or Aesthetix CRM). If you already use `mydomain.com` with WordPress, use `site.mydomain.com` with Aesthetix CRM, or use a different domain. Likewise, a domain used with funnels and websites can't also be used with a feature hosted on a different server.

**Can I add the same domain to more than one account?**

Yes. The same domain can be added to multiple sub-accounts within your organization.

**How many domains can I add to one account?**

There is no limit, add as many as you need.

**Do I have to purchase SSL separately?**

No. Aesthetix CRM generates an SSL certificate automatically once the domain is added successfully. You don't need to buy it separately.

**How many funnels or websites can I connect with one domain?**

There is no limit, connect as many as you need.

**Should I use a root domain or a subdomain?**

Either works for websites and funnels. For email sending, a subdomain (e.g., `mail.yourdomain.com`) is recommended to protect your root domain's reputation.