AI Website Builder
Can I use my own domain?
Summary
Yes. Merchants can use their own domain with a ShopIQ website. Domains must be purchased separately by the merchant and can be connected after publishing through the Settings section using standard DNS mapping such as A Records and CNAME Records.
Who this is for: This article is for merchants who want to connect a custom domain name to their ShopIQ ecommerce website.
Can I use my own domain with ShopIQ?
Yes. Merchants can connect their own domain name to a ShopIQ website. A custom domain helps customers access the online store using a branded website address.
Domains are not included in ShopIQ subscriptions and must be purchased separately by the merchant.
Does ShopIQ sell domain names?
No. ShopIQ does not sell domain names and domain purchase is not included in ShopIQ pricing. The merchant must purchase the domain from a domain registrar or domain provider. The merchant remains responsible for domain purchase, renewal, ownership, and registrar account access.
Who owns the domain?
The merchant owns the domain because the merchant purchases it separately. ShopIQ does not own the merchant's domain. The merchant is responsible for maintaining the domain, renewing it on time, and keeping access to the domain provider account.
When can I connect my domain?
A domain can be connected after the website is published. Before publishing, the website runs on a temporary development URL such as https://project-id.dev.shopiq.app. After publishing, the website receives a production URL such as https://project-id.shopiq.app. The merchant can then connect a custom domain from the Settings section.
How is a custom domain connected?
A custom domain is connected using DNS mapping. ShopIQ supports standard DNS records such as:
- A Record
- CNAME Record
The merchant updates these records in their domain provider's DNS settings based on the instructions shown in ShopIQ. Once DNS changes propagate, the custom domain points to the ShopIQ website.
What is an A Record?
An A Record is a DNS record that points a domain or subdomain to an IP address. It is commonly used for root domains such as yourbrand.com.
What is a CNAME Record?
A CNAME Record is a DNS record that points one domain name to another domain name. It is commonly used for subdomains such as www.yourbrand.com or shop.yourbrand.com.
How long does domain connection take?
Domain connection time depends on DNS propagation. Some changes may reflect quickly, while others may take longer depending on the domain provider, DNS settings, TTL values, and internet propagation. ShopIQ does not control DNS propagation time.
Can I use the ShopIQ production URL without a custom domain?
Yes. After publishing, every website receives a ShopIQ production URL such as https://project-id.shopiq.app. Merchants can use this URL while setting up their custom domain or if they choose not to use a custom domain immediately.
Does connecting a domain consume AI credits?
No. Connecting a custom domain through Settings does not consume AI credits. AI credits are consumed when the merchant uses AI Chat for AI-powered tasks.
Important things to know
Merchants should keep their domain provider login details secure. If a domain expires or DNS records are changed incorrectly, the website may become inaccessible through the custom domain even though the ShopIQ website remains hosted.