Connect a Custom Domain to Your Wix Store
TL;DR:
- Replace your wixsite.com URL with your own domain name for better branding
- Buy a new domain through Wix or connect one you already own
- Process involves updating nameservers or DNS settings
- Custom domains improve trust and SEO performance
- Set up matching email addresses to complete your professional setup
Getting a custom domain for your Wix store is one of the most important steps you can take. Instead of visitors seeing yourstore.wixsite.com in their browser, they'll see yourstore.com. This makes a massive difference to how professional you appear.
Why Your Store Needs a Custom Domain
Your domain name is your store's address on the web. When you're stuck with a wixsite.com address, it screams "free website" to visitors. That might not bother you, but it can make customers hesitate before buying.
A custom domain builds trust. People are more comfortable entering payment details on professionalstore.com than on professionalstore.wixsite.com. It's a small change that has a big impact on credibility.
You'll also see SEO benefits. Search engines prefer websites with their own domains, and it's easier to build backlinks and social media presence when your URL is clean and memorable.
Setting Up Your Custom Domain
Head to Settings in your Wix dashboard, then click Domains. You'll see two options here.
Option 1: Buy a new domain through Wix
This is the easiest route. Search for available domain names and pick one that matches your brand. Wix handles all the technical setup automatically, so your domain will be ready within a few hours.
Option 2: Connect a domain you already own
If you bought your domain elsewhere, you can still use it with Wix. You'll need to update either your nameservers or DNS settings.
For nameservers, you'll change these at your domain registrar (where you bought the domain) to point to Wix's servers. Wix gives you the exact nameserver details to use.
For DNS settings, you'll add specific records that tell your domain to point to your Wix store. This option lets you keep other services (like email) running elsewhere while your website runs on Wix.
Wix provides step-by-step instructions for both methods, and they're usually pretty clear about what you need to do.
What to Expect After Setup
Domain changes take time to spread across the internet. You might see your new domain working within a few hours, but it can take up to 48 hours for everyone worldwide to see the change.
During this time, both your old wixsite.com URL and your new custom domain will work. Once everything's settled, Wix automatically redirects visitors from the old URL to your new one.
Don't panic if things look wonky during the first day. DNS changes can be patchy as they roll out globally.
Getting Email Sorted
Once your domain is connected, set up email addresses that match it. Having info@yourstore.com instead of yourstore123@gmail.com adds another layer of professionalism.
Wix offers email services, or you can use Google Workspace or other providers. The key is making sure your email address matches your domain name.
FAQs
Can I use a domain I bought from GoDaddy or another registrar?
Yes, you can connect any domain to Wix regardless of where you bought it. You'll just need to update the nameservers or DNS settings as Wix instructs.
Will changing to a custom domain affect my existing content?
No, all your pages, images, and content stay exactly the same. Only your web address changes.
What happens to my old wixsite.com URL?
Wix automatically redirects visitors from your old URL to your new custom domain, so you won't lose any traffic or bookmarks.
How much does a domain cost through Wix?
Domain prices vary depending on the extension (.com, .co.uk, etc.) but typically range from £10-20 per year.
Jargon Buster
Nameservers: Servers that tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.
DNS Settings: Technical records that control where different parts of your domain point, like your website, email, and subdomains.
Domain Registrar: The company where you bought your domain name, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or 123-reg.
DNS Propagation: The time it takes for domain changes to spread across all internet servers worldwide.
Wrap-up
Setting up a custom domain is worth the small effort involved. It transforms how customers perceive your store and gives you a professional foundation to build on. The technical stuff might seem daunting, but Wix handles most of the complexity for you.
Take your time choosing a domain name that represents your brand well. Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell. Once it's set up, you'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.
Ready to level up your Wix skills? Check out our comprehensive training at Pixelhaze Academy.