> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vouchvault.cc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Domain Setup

> Configure your custom domain to redirect to your VouchVault profile for professional branding

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# 🌐 Custom Domain Setup

Set up a custom domain to make your VouchVault profile more professional and memorable. Instead of sharing `vouchvault.cc/yourname`, you can use your own domain like `vouches.yourbusiness.com`.

<Warning>
  **Prerequisites**: You need access to your domain's DNS settings through your domain registrar or DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
</Warning>

## Benefits of Custom Domains

* **Professional Branding**: Use your own domain for vouch profiles
* **Easy to Remember**: Shorter, branded URLs for your customers
* **Trust Building**: Custom domains appear more professional
* **SEO Benefits**: Better search engine optimization for your brand

## Step 1: Access Custom Domain Settings

1. **Sign in to VouchVault**

* Navigate to [vouchvault.cc](https://vouchvault.cc) and sign into your account

2. **Go to Custom Domain Settings**

* In your dashboard sidebar, click on **"Custom Domain"**
* You'll see the custom domain configuration page

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-uqr1BPwzmi3OoNKKY7RvEFpjnOLUUd.png" alt="VouchVault Add Custom Domain Form" />

## Step 2: Add Your Custom Domain

1. **Enter Your Domain**

* In the "Custom Domain" field, enter your desired subdomain
* Format: `vouches.yourdomain.com` or `reviews.yourdomain.com`
* **Important**: Enter without `http://` or `https://`

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-d7j3x3kiHLqcg9cbssHWzixsiA85Dw.png" alt="Domain Input Example - vouches.hdboosts.cc" />

2. **Click Add Custom Domain**

* Click the **"Add Custom Domain"** button
* VouchVault will process your domain and show DNS setup instructions

## Step 3: Configure DNS Settings

After adding your domain, you'll see the DNS setup instructions with a "pending" status:

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-1CkM9qLukCL4grtoSKMp5Temd3fBYn.png" alt="VouchVault Domain Pending - DNS Setup Instructions" />

### DNS Configuration Details

VouchVault will provide you with specific DNS records to add:

* **Type**: `CNAME`
* **Name**: Your subdomain (e.g., `vouches.hdboosts.cc`)
* **Value**: `vouchvault.cc`

<Note>
  The exact values will be displayed in your VouchVault dashboard after adding your domain.
</Note>

## Step 4: Add CNAME Record to Your DNS Provider

### For Cloudflare Users

1. **Log into Cloudflare Dashboard**

* Go to [dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com)
* Select your domain

2. **Navigate to DNS Settings**

* Click on the **"DNS"** tab
* Click **"Add record"**

3. **Configure CNAME Record**

* **Type**: Select `CNAME`
* **Name**: Enter your subdomain (e.g., `vouches`)
* **Target**: Enter `vouchvault.cc`
* **Proxy status**: Toggle to **"Proxied"** (orange cloud)
* **TTL**: Set to **"Auto"**

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-04SucTituPr4NJHEUS7Xg88fhEeMXi.png" alt="Cloudflare CNAME Record Setup" />

4. **Save the Record**

* Click **"Save"** to create the CNAME record
* The record should appear in your DNS records list

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-hmRzgUccW0iMPRwfG8rrcIMZ5gH8ws.png" alt="Cloudflare CNAME Record Completed" />

### For Other DNS Providers

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="GoDaddy">
    1. **Access DNS Management**

    * Log into your GoDaddy account
    * Go to "My Products" → "DNS"

    2. **Add CNAME Record**

    * Click "Add" → "CNAME"
    * **Host**: Your subdomain (e.g., `vouches`)
    * **Points to**: `vouchvault.cc`
    * **TTL**: 1 Hour (3600 seconds)

    3. **Save Changes**

    * Click "Save" to apply the DNS record
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Namecheap">
    1. **Access Advanced DNS**

    * Log into Namecheap
    * Go to Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS

    2. **Add New Record**

    * Click "Add New Record"
    * **Type**: CNAME Record
    * **Host**: Your subdomain (e.g., `vouches`)
    * **Value**: `vouchvault.cc`
    * **TTL**: Automatic

    3. **Save All Changes**

    * Click the checkmark to save
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Route 53 (AWS)">
    1. **Access Route 53 Console**

    * Log into AWS Console
    * Navigate to Route 53 → Hosted Zones

    2. **Create Record**

    * Click "Create Record"
    * **Record name**: Your subdomain (e.g., `vouches`)
    * **Record type**: CNAME
    * **Value**: `vouchvault.cc`
    * **TTL**: 300 seconds

    3. **Create Record**

    * Click "Create records" to save
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

<Info>
  **Propagation Time**: DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours to propagate worldwide. VouchVault automatically checks your domain status and updates it once it's working.
</Info>

### What Happens During Propagation

1. **DNS Servers Update**: Your DNS changes spread across global DNS servers
2. **Automatic Verification**: VouchVault continuously checks your domain status
3. **SSL Certificate**: Once verified, VouchVault automatically issues an SSL certificate
4. **Status Update**: Your domain status will change from "pending" to "active"

## Step 6: Verify Domain Setup

Once DNS propagation is complete, your domain status will update to "active":

<img src="https://hebbkx1anhila5yf.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/image-bKmapNLmkkqryxtfUpOHGUzXu2RJ7s.png" alt="VouchVault Domain Active and Working" />

### Verification Checklist

✅ **Domain Status**: Shows "active" with green checkmark
✅ **DNS Setup**: Green checkmark for "Domain is active and working correctly!"
✅ **SSL Certificate**: Automatically issued by VouchVault
✅ **Redirect Working**: Your custom domain redirects to your VouchVault profile

### Test Your Domain

1. **Visit Your Custom Domain**

* Open a web browser
* Navigate to your custom domain (e.g., `https://vouches.yourdomain.com`)
* You should be redirected to your VouchVault profile

2. **Check SSL Certificate**

* Look for the padlock icon in your browser
* Certificate should be valid and issued for your domain

3. **Test Different Devices**

* Test on mobile and desktop
* Try different browsers to ensure compatibility

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues and Solutions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Domain Still Shows 'Pending' After 24 Hours">
    **Possible Causes**:

    * CNAME record not configured correctly
    * DNS propagation delays
    * Incorrect target value

    **Solutions**:

    * Double-check CNAME record points to `vouchvault.cc`
    * Verify subdomain name matches exactly
    * Use DNS checker tools like `whatsmydns.net`
    * Contact your DNS provider for propagation status
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="'This site can't be reached' Error">
    **Possible Causes**:

    * CNAME record missing or incorrect
    * DNS not fully propagated
    * Subdomain typo

    **Solutions**:

    * Verify CNAME record exists in DNS settings
    * Wait additional time for propagation
    * Check spelling of subdomain
    * Test with DNS lookup tools
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="SSL Certificate Issues">
    **Possible Causes**:

    * Domain not fully verified
    * Certificate still being issued
    * Mixed content warnings

    **Solutions**:

    * Wait for automatic SSL certificate issuance
    * Ensure domain shows "active" status first
    * Clear browser cache and cookies
    * Try incognito/private browsing mode
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Cloudflare Proxy Issues">
    **Possible Causes**:

    * Proxy settings interfering with verification
    * SSL/TLS mode conflicts
    * Page rules affecting redirect

    **Solutions**:

    * Temporarily disable proxy (gray cloud) during setup
    * Set SSL/TLS mode to "Flexible" or "Full"
    * Check for conflicting page rules
    * Re-enable proxy after verification
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### DNS Verification Tools

Use these tools to check your DNS configuration:

* **DNS Checker**: [whatsmydns.net](https://whatsmydns.net)
* **DNS Lookup**: [nslookup.io](https://nslookup.io)
* **MX Toolbox**: [mxtoolbox.com](https://mxtoolbox.com)

## Advanced Configuration

### Custom Redirects

<Note>
  VouchVault automatically handles redirects and SSL certificates. No additional configuration needed on your end.
</Note>

## Best Practices

### Domain Selection

* **Keep it Short**: Easier to remember and type
* **Brand Relevant**: Use your business or service name
* **Avoid Hyphens**: Can be confusing and harder to remember
* **Use HTTPS**: Always use secure connections

### Examples of Good Custom Domains

* `vouches.techsupport.com`
* `reviews.gamingboosts.net`
* `testimonials.webdesign.co`
* `feedback.consultingpro.com`

### Updates and Changes

* **Domain Changes**: Contact VouchVault support for domain modifications
* **DNS Provider Switch**: Update CNAME records with new provider
* **Subdomain Changes**: May require re-verification process

## Support

### Getting Help

If you encounter issues during setup:

* **VouchVault Support**: Contact through your dashboard
* **Discord Community**: Join [discord.gg/vouchvault](https://discord.gg/vouchvaultt)
* **DNS Provider Support**: Contact your domain registrar
* **Documentation**: Check your DNS provider's help docs

### Common Support Requests

* Domain verification delays
* SSL certificate issues
* DNS configuration help
* Custom domain changes

***

**Congratulations!** 🎉 Your custom domain is now set up and active. Your VouchVault profile is now accessible through your professional branded domain, enhancing your credibility and making it easier for customers to find and trust your services.
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