Getting started with Custom Domains

Make it yours

A custom domain gives your creavio website a professional, branded URL like yourbusiness.com instead of the default creav.io URL. It builds credibility, makes your site easier to find, and reinforces your brand with every link you share. This guide walks you through purchasing a domain (if you don't have one) and connecting it to your creavio site.

Before you begin

• Your creavio website must be published before connecting a custom domain (see Getting started with your Website).
• If you already own a domain, have access to your domain registrar's DNS settings (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Cloudflare).
• If you don't own a domain yet, you'll need to purchase one from a registrar first. Domains typically cost $10-$15 per year.

Step-by-step

1. Navigate to Website Settings. Go to Website > Settings > Custom Domain in your creavio dashboard.
2. Enter your domain. Type in the domain you want to connect (e.g., yourbusiness.com). creavio will generate the DNS records you need to add.
3. Copy the DNS records. creavio shows a CNAME for www pointing to customers.creav.io, and a TXT record at _creavio with the value shown in creavio. Copy these values exactly.
4. Log into your domain registrar. Go to your registrar's website (where you purchased the domain) and navigate to the DNS management section.
5. Add the DNS records. Create the records creavio provided. For the CNAME, set the host to www and the value to customers.creav.io. Add the TXT record at _creavio with the value shown in creavio. If your DNS provider has no CNAME flattening or ALIAS, set the root domain to forward to www at your registrar. Remove any existing conflicting records.
6. Wait for propagation. DNS changes typically take 1 to 30 minutes. Some providers take longer.
7. Verify in creavio. Return to Website > Settings > Custom Domain and click Verify. Once the DNS records are detected, your custom domain is live. creavio automatically provisions an SSL certificate so your site loads securely over HTTPS.

Pro tips

• Choose a domain that matches your business name exactly. Short, memorable, and easy to spell is the goal.
• If your desired .com is taken, consider .co, .studio, or .photo. All are professional and widely recognized for creatives.
• Set up both the www and non-www versions to catch visitors no matter how they type your URL.

What's next

With your custom domain live, your brand is complete. Check out Getting started with your Website to keep refining your site design, and Getting started with Bookings to add a booking page that lives on your new domain.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy a domain through creavio?

No. creavio does not sell domains. You purchase a domain from any registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Cloudflare, etc.) and then connect it to your creavio website by updating your DNS records.

Does creavio provide SSL for custom domains?

Yes. Once your custom domain is verified, creavio automatically provisions a free SSL certificate. Your site will load securely over HTTPS with no additional configuration needed.

How long does it take for my custom domain to start working?

DNS changes typically take 1 to 30 minutes. Some providers take longer. You can check status using free online tools like whatsmydns.net.