Definition

What Is a Custom Domain?

A unique web address (e.g., reloadmode.com) purchased and configured to point to a website, replacing default platform URLs like mysite.webflow.io.

Related Terms

DNS

Hosting

SSL Certificate

Subdomain

URL

Example

After building on Webflow, the site is published to reloadmode.com by configuring DNS records to point to Webflow's servers.

75% of consumers judge a company's credibility based on its website design and domain — a generic platform subdomain (yoursite.webflow.io) signals immaturity to potential customers, according to Stanford Web Credibility Research.

Synonyms:

Domain name, Vanity URL

Acronyms:

-

What it applies to

Any website that will be presented to customers, partners, or the public. A custom domain is a baseline requirement for credibility and SEO.

How to set up a custom domain

  • Purchase a domain from a registrar — Namecheap, Cloudflare Registrar, or Google Domains are reliable options. Choose a .com if available; .io and .co are credible alternatives for tech companies.
  • Access your DNS settings at the registrar's dashboard. You'll add records that point your domain to the hosting platform.
  • Add the required DNS records — typically an A record (pointing the root domain to an IP address) and a CNAME record (pointing www to the hosting platform's hostname).
  • Wait for propagation — DNS changes take minutes to 48 hours to resolve globally, though often much faster.
  • Enable HTTPS — most managed hosts (including Webflow) provision an SSL certificate automatically once the domain is connected.

In Webflow

Go to Project Settings → Hosting → Custom Domains. Add your domain, then copy the A record IP and CNAME hostname Webflow provides. Add these to your registrar's DNS panel. Webflow automatically provisions and renews your SSL certificate once DNS propagates.

Custom Domain: Common Questions Answered

Question

Answer