Custom Domain Setup

Overview

Connect a custom domain (like www.yourcompany.com) to your BlueClerk contractor website. The system automatically handles domain setup with Vercel, provides DNS records to add at your registrar, and verifies configuration - no manual Vercel dashboard needed.

How It Works

Automatic Domain Configuration

When you connect a custom domain:

1. Domain is added to Vercel automatically via API
2. DNS verification records are generated for you to add at your registrar
3. You verify DNS propagation with one click when ready
4. Your website goes live on your custom domain

What You Need

• A domain name you own (purchased from GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.)
• Access to your domain's DNS settings at your registrar
• Your website published in the Website Builder

Connecting Your Domain

Step 1: Enter Your Domain

1. Go to My Website in the contractor sidebar
2. Click "Custom Domain" or the domain settings button
3. Enter your domain (e.g., www.yourcompany.com or yourcompany.com)
4. Click "Connect Domain"

Step 2: Add DNS Records

BlueClerk will show you DNS records to add at your registrar:

For CNAME (www subdomain):

• Type: CNAME
• Name: www
• Value: cname.vercel-dns.com

For A Record (apex domain):

• Type: A
• Name: @ (or leave blank)
• Value: 76.76.21.21

For TXT (verification):

• Type: TXT
• Name: _vercel
• Value: [unique verification code shown]

Step 3: Add Records at Your Registrar

1. Log in to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
2. Find DNS settings (may be called "DNS Management" or "Name Servers")
3. Add each record exactly as shown in BlueClerk
4. Save your changes at the registrar

Step 4: Verify DNS

1. Wait 5-30 minutes for DNS propagation (sometimes up to 48 hours)
2. Return to BlueClerk and click "Verify Domain"
3. If successful, your website is live on your custom domain
4. If verification fails, double-check your DNS records and wait longer for propagation

Disconnecting Your Domain

If you need to remove your custom domain:

1. Go to My Website > Custom Domain
2. Click "Disconnect Domain"
3. Confirm removal
4. Domain is removed from Vercel and your website returns to the BlueClerk subdomain

Tips

• Use www subdomain (www.yourcompany.com) for easier setup - CNAME records work faster than A records
• DNS propagation takes time - Don't panic if verification fails immediately, wait 30 minutes and try again
• Check your records carefully - One typo will prevent verification
• Keep your BlueClerk subdomain - Your yourcompany.blueclerk.com address still works even with a custom domain

Troubleshooting

Q: Verification keeps failing - what's wrong? A: Double-check your DNS records at your registrar. Make sure the Type, Name, and Value match exactly. Wait at least 30 minutes after adding records before verifying.

Q: How long does DNS propagation take? A: Usually 5-30 minutes, but can take up to 48 hours depending on your registrar and DNS provider.

Q: Can I use an apex domain without www? A: Yes, but you'll need to add an A record instead of a CNAME. Some registrars require ALIAS or ANAME records for apex domains - check your registrar's documentation.

Q: What happens to my BlueClerk subdomain when I add a custom domain? A: It continues to work. Both addresses will show your website.

Q: Do I need to do anything in the Vercel dashboard? A: No. BlueClerk handles all Vercel configuration automatically via API.