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Domains

Your domain is how customers find and remember your store online. Whether you're using a free Soppiya subdomain or connecting your own professional domain, managing your web addresses correctly ensures customers can always reach your store and builds trust in your brand.

This guide will show you how to add, connect, and manage domains in Soppiya, regardless of your technical background.

Location: Settings → Domains

What Are Domains?​

Domains are the web addresses (URLs) that customers type into their browser to visit your store. Think of a domain as your store's street address on the internet.

Domain options in Soppiya:

  • Soppiya Subdomain - Free address ending in .soppiya.xyz (e.g., mybrand.soppiya.xyz)
  • Custom Domain - Professional address you own (e.g., yourbrand.com, shop.yourbrand.com)

Why domains matter:

  • Branding - Professional domains build trust and credibility
  • Memorability - Easy-to-remember addresses bring customers back
  • SEO - Search engines prefer custom domains for business websites
  • Marketing - Easier to promote a branded domain in advertising
  • Email - Use your domain for professional email addresses

Domain structure examples:

TypeExampleBest For
Root domainyourbrand.comMain store website
Subdomainshop.yourbrand.comSeparate store from main site
Soppiya subdomainmybrand.soppiya.xyzTesting or getting started quickly
For Store Owners

Start with a free Soppiya subdomain to get your store online immediately. Once you're ready to scale, invest in a professional custom domain to build your brand and improve trust.

Domains Overview​

The Domains landing screen shows all web addresses connected to your store.

What You'll See​

When you navigate to Settings → Domains, the list displays:

  • Domain Name - The full web address (e.g., mybrand.soppiya.xyz, yourbrand.com)
  • Primary Badge - "Primary for online store" indicates the main customer-facing domain
  • Type - Soppiya subdomain or custom domain
  • Status - Active, pending verification, or configuration needed

What You Can Do​

From this page you can:

  • Add Soppiya Domain: Click to create a free .soppiya.xyz subdomain
  • Connect Existing Domain: Click to add a custom domain you own
  • Visit: Click any domain to open it in a new tab and verify it works
  • Change Default: Set which domain acts as the system fallback
  • Manage DNS: Click a custom domain to view/edit DNS records
  • Delete: Remove domains you no longer need

Quick Start Guide​

If you're setting up your store's domain for the first time:

  1. Start with a Soppiya subdomain - Get online in 30 seconds with yourbrand.soppiya.xyz
  2. Purchase a custom domain - Buy from GoDaddy, Namecheap, or any registrar
  3. Update nameservers - Point your domain to Soppiya (takes 24-48 hours)
  4. Connect to Soppiya - Add your custom domain in Settings → Domains
  5. Set as primary - Make your custom domain the main store address

For detailed instructions, continue reading below.

How to Add a Soppiya Subdomain​

Every Soppiya store can create free subdomains ending in .soppiya.xyz. This is the fastest way to get your store online.

When to use Soppiya subdomains:

  • Just starting and need to get online quickly
  • Testing your store before buying a custom domain
  • Running a temporary or seasonal store
  • Budget constraints (completely free)

How to create:

  1. Go to Settings → Domains
  2. Click
  3. Enter Name: Type your desired subdomain (e.g., mybrand)
    • Do NOT include .soppiya.xyz - it's added automatically
    • Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens
    • No spaces or special characters
  4. Click

Result: Your subdomain (e.g., mybrand.soppiya.xyz) is immediately active and accessible.

Instant Activation

Soppiya subdomains require zero technical setup. Once you click Save, the domain works instantly—no DNS configuration, no waiting period, no SSL setup needed.

Examples:

Store NameGood SubdomainBad Subdomain
"Bella Fashion"bellafashion.soppiya.xyzbella fashion.soppiya.xyz (no spaces)
"Raw Za Food"rawzafood.soppiya.xyzRawZaFood.soppiya.xyz (use lowercase)
"Tech Gadgets Pro"techgadgets.soppiya.xyztech_gadgets.soppiya.xyz (use hyphens, not underscores)
tip

Keep subdomains short and memorable. If your brand name is long, consider an abbreviation or shortened version.

How to Connect a Custom Domain​

If you own a professional domain (purchased from GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace Domains, etc.), you can connect it to your Soppiya store.

When to use custom domains:

  • Building a professional long-term business
  • Need branded email addresses (sales@yourbrand.com)
  • Want better SEO and search rankings
  • Marketing with your own brand name

Prerequisites:

  • You must own the domain (purchased from a domain registrar)
  • You need access to your domain registrar account to update nameservers

Step 1: Update Nameservers at Your Domain Registrar​

Before adding the domain to Soppiya, you must point it to our servers.

View Nameserver Update Instructions

What are nameservers?

Nameservers tell the internet where to find your website. Think of them as forwarding addresses that direct traffic to the right place.

How to update nameservers:

  1. Log in to your domain registrar account (where you bought the domain)

  2. Find your domain in the domain list

  3. Look for settings called:

    • "Nameservers"
    • "DNS Management"
    • "Domain Settings"
    • "Name Server Settings"

  4. Change to Custom Nameservers and enter:

    ns1.soppiya.com
    ns2.soppiya.com

  5. Save the changes

Propagation Time

DNS changes can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 48 hours to propagate across the internet. Most changes complete within 24 hours, but timing varies by registrar and location.

Verify nameserver update:

Use DNSChecker.org to check propagation status:

  1. Enter your domain name
  2. Select NS from the record type dropdown
  3. Click Search
  4. Look for ns1.soppiya.com and ns2.soppiya.com in the results
  5. If you see these, nameservers have propagated and you're ready to continue

Troubleshooting nameserver updates:

IssueSolution
Can't find nameserver settingsContact your domain registrar support
Changes not savingClear browser cache and try again
Still showing old nameservers after 48 hoursContact domain registrar - there may be a lock or hold
Getting an error messageCheck if domain transfer lock is enabled (disable it first)

Step 2: Add Domain to Soppiya​

Once nameservers have propagated to Soppiya's servers:

  1. Go to Settings → Domains in your Soppiya admin
  2. Click
  3. Enter your domain:
    • Type the full domain name (e.g., yourbrand.com or shop.yourbrand.com)
    • Do NOT include http:// or https://
    • Do NOT include / or any path
  4. Click

What happens next:

  • Soppiya verifies the nameserver connection
  • If successful, you're redirected to the Domains page
  • Your domain appears in the list
  • DNS records are automatically configured
  • SSL certificate begins provisioning (can take 15-30 minutes)
Automatic DNS Configuration

Once your domain is connected, Soppiya automatically creates the necessary DNS records (A records, CNAME, etc.) to make your store accessible. You don't need to manually configure these unless you have advanced requirements.

Common connection issues:

Domain won't connect - troubleshooting

Error: "Nameservers not pointing to Soppiya"

  • Wait longer for propagation (up to 48 hours)
  • Verify nameservers are EXACTLY: ns1.soppiya.com and ns2.soppiya.com
  • Check for typos in nameserver entries
  • Use DNSChecker to verify propagation

Error: "Domain already in use"

  • This domain is already connected to another Soppiya store
  • Contact support if you need to transfer it
  • Verify you're logged into the correct Soppiya account

Error: "Invalid domain"

  • Remove http://, https://, www., or any paths
  • Enter only the domain name: yourbrand.com
  • Check for typos in the domain name

Domain connected but site not loading:

  • SSL certificate is still provisioning (wait 15-30 minutes)
  • Clear browser cache and try in incognito mode
  • Check if your domain is expired at your registrar
  • Verify nameservers are still pointing to Soppiya

Managing DNS Records​

Once a custom domain is successfully connected, Soppiya automatically configures DNS for you. You can view and manually edit records if you have advanced needs.

When to manage DNS manually:

  • Adding email provider records (MX records for Gmail, Outlook)
  • Verifying domain ownership (TXT records for Facebook, Google)
  • Setting up subdomains for external services
  • Advanced configurations for CDNs or third-party tools

Viewing DNS Records​

  1. Go to Settings → Domains
  2. Click on your custom domain name (e.g., yourbrand.com)
  3. The DNS Settings table displays all current records

Common records you'll see:

TypePurposeAuto-Created by Soppiya
APoints domain to Soppiya's server IP✅ Yes
AAAAPoints domain to IPv6 address✅ Yes
CNAMEPoints www subdomain to root✅ Yes
TXTSPF/verification records❌ No (add manually)
MXEmail routing❌ No (add manually)

Adding DNS Records​

To create a new DNS record:

  1. Click
  2. Select Type from dropdown (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.)
  3. Fill in the required fields (varies by record type)
  4. Click
Common DNS Record Examples

Example 1: Add Google Workspace Email (MX Records)​

Scenario: You want to receive email at hello@yourbrand.com using Google Workspace.

Configuration:

  1. Add DNS Record → Select MX
  2. Host: @ (root domain)
  3. Priority: 1
  4. Value: aspmx.l.google.com
  5. Repeat for Google's other MX records (they provide 5 total)
note

Google Workspace provides exact MX record values during setup. Copy them exactly as provided.

Example 2: Verify Facebook Domain Ownership (TXT Record)​

Scenario: Facebook asks you to "add this TXT record to verify domain ownership."

Configuration:

  1. Add DNS Record → Select TXT
  2. Host: @
  3. Value: [paste the code Facebook provided]
  4. TTL: 3600 (1 hour)
  5. Save

Example 3: Point Subdomain to External Service (CNAME)​

Scenario: You want blog.yourbrand.com to point to your WordPress.com blog.

Configuration:

  1. Add DNS Record → Select CNAME
  2. Host: blog
  3. Value: yourblog.wordpress.com (provided by WordPress)
  4. TTL: 3600
  5. Save
warning

CNAME records cannot be used on the root domain (@). Use them only for subdomains like blog, shop, www, etc.

Deleting DNS Records​

To remove a DNS record:

  1. Locate the record in the DNS Settings table
  2. Click the red X or Delete button next to it
  3. Confirm the action
danger

Deleting critical records (like the A record pointing to Soppiya) will break your website. Only delete records you're certain are not needed.

Understanding DNS (Technical Guide)​

DNS can seem complex, but it's simply the system that connects domain names to websites.

What Is DNS? (Complete Explanation)

What Is DNS?​

DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the phonebook of the internet.

How it works:

  1. Computers use numbers: Every website lives on a server with an IP address (e.g., 182.48.91.250)
  2. Humans use names: We remember yourbrand.com better than 182.48.91.250
  3. DNS translates: When someone types your domain, DNS looks up the IP address and connects them to your server

The process (simplified):

Customer types: yourbrand.com
       ↓
DNS looks up: "Where is yourbrand.com?"
       ↓
DNS finds: 182.48.91.250 (Soppiya's server)
       ↓
Browser connects to: Soppiya server
       ↓
Customer sees: Your store!

DNS Record Types Explained​

When adding DNS records, you must select a Type. Here's what each one does:

A (Address Record)​

What it does: Points your domain to a server's IP address.

When to use: Making your root domain (e.g., yourbrand.com) load your Soppiya store.

Example:

  • Host: @ (means root domain)
  • Type: A
  • Value: 182.48.91.250 (Soppiya's IP)
  • Result: yourbrand.com loads your store

AAAA (IPv6 Address)​

What it does: Same as A record, but uses the newer IPv6 address format.

When to use: For modern internet infrastructure (Soppiya configures this automatically).

Difference from A:

  • A record: 182.48.91.250 (IPv4 - older format)
  • AAAA record: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 (IPv6 - newer, longer format)

CNAME (Canonical Name)​

What it does: Points a subdomain to another domain or service.

When to use: Setting up subdomains for external services.

Example:

  • Host: blog
  • Type: CNAME
  • Value: yourblog.wordpress.com
  • Result: blog.yourbrand.com loads your WordPress blog
CNAME Limitations
  • Cannot be used on the root domain (@)
  • Can only point to another domain, not an IP address
  • If a CNAME exists for a host, no other records can exist for that same host

MX (Mail Exchange)​

What it does: Directs email traffic for your domain.

When to use: Setting up email addresses like hello@yourbrand.com.

Example (Google Workspace):

  • Host: @
  • Type: MX
  • Priority: 1
  • Value: aspmx.l.google.com
  • Result: Emails to @yourbrand.com are delivered to Google Workspace

Priority explained:

  • Lower numbers = higher priority
  • Mail servers try priority 1 first, then 5, then 10, etc.
  • Your email provider will specify which priorities to use

TXT (Text Record)​

What it does: Stores text information for verification and security.

When to use:

  • Verifying domain ownership (Facebook, Google Search Console)
  • Email authentication (SPF, DKIM records)
  • Site verification codes

Example (Facebook verification):

  • Host: @
  • Type: TXT
  • Value: facebook-domain-verification=abc123xyz456
  • Result: Facebook confirms you own this domain

NS (Nameserver)​

What it does: Delegates DNS management to specific nameservers.

When to use: This is usually set at your domain registrar, not in Soppiya.

Example:

  • ns1.soppiya.com tells the internet that Soppiya manages your DNS
  • You set this at GoDaddy/Namecheap, not in the Soppiya admin panel

SRV (Service Record)​

What it does: Specifies location of network services.

When to use: Rarely needed for e-commerce stores. Used for:

  • VoIP phone systems
  • Instant messaging servers
  • Gaming servers

Most merchants will never need this.

PTR (Pointer Record)​

What it does: Reverse DNS lookup (maps IP back to domain).

When to use: Email server reputation and anti-spam.

Most merchants will never need to configure this.

SOA (Start of Authority)​

What it does: Contains administrative information about the DNS zone.

When to use: Automatically managed by Soppiya. You'll never need to edit this.

Common DNS Terms Explained

Host / Name​

The specific part of your domain the record affects.

Common values:

  • @ → Root domain (yourbrand.com)
  • www → WWW subdomain (www.yourbrand.com)
  • shop → Shop subdomain (shop.yourbrand.com)
  • * → Wildcard (matches any subdomain)

Examples:

HostFull Domain Result
@yourbrand.com
wwwwww.yourbrand.com
blogblog.yourbrand.com
shop.usshop.us.yourbrand.com

TTL (Time To Live)​

How long (in seconds) DNS information is cached before checking for updates.

Common values:

  • 300 → 5 minutes (use when testing changes)
  • 3600 → 1 hour (standard for most records)
  • 86400 → 24 hours (use for stable records)

Why it matters:

If you set TTL to 86400 (24 hours) and then change a record, some users might not see the change for up to 24 hours because their local DNS cache still has the old information.

Best practices:

  • Set TTL to 300 when making changes (faster updates)
  • Change back to 3600 once everything is stable
  • Never set TTL below 300 (causes unnecessary DNS queries)

Priority (MX Records Only)​

The order in which mail servers should be tried.

How it works:

  • Lower number = higher priority
  • Mail servers try priority 1 first
  • If that fails, try priority 5
  • If that fails, try priority 10

Example (Google Workspace MX records):

PriorityServer
1aspmx.l.google.com (try this first)
5alt1.aspmx.l.google.com (backup 1)
5alt2.aspmx.l.google.com (backup 2)
10alt3.aspmx.l.google.com (backup 3)

Changing Default Domain​

The Default Domain is the internal fallback address Soppiya uses for system operations.

What it controls:

  • Admin panel access URL
  • Email notification links
  • Order confirmation links
  • Password reset links

What it does NOT control:

  • Customer-facing storefront URL (that's set in Markets)
  • Primary domain shown to customers

How to Change Default Domain​

  1. Go to Settings → Domains
  2. Click
  3. Select a domain from the dropdown list
  4. Click
Important Distinction

Changing the Default Domain here affects internal system links only. To change the domain customers see when visiting your store, go to Settings → Markets and update the Primary Market's domain.

When to change:

  • You've connected a custom domain and want admin links to use it
  • You're migrating from a Soppiya subdomain to your own domain
  • You've changed your primary business domain

Deleting a Domain​

To permanently remove a domain from your store:

  1. Go to Settings → Domains
  2. Click the domain name you want to delete
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the page
  4. Click
  5. A warning modal appears - read it carefully
  6. Click to confirm
Risk of Disruption

Deleting a domain immediately breaks:

  • All links you've shared on social media, emails, or advertising
  • SSL certificate for that domain (if it's a custom domain)
  • Customer bookmarks to your store at that address
  • Search engine rankings for that specific domain

Only delete a domain if:

  • You're absolutely certain you no longer need it
  • You've updated all marketing materials to use a different domain
  • You've redirected traffic elsewhere
  • It was a test domain that's no longer needed

What happens after deletion:

  • Domain is immediately removed from Soppiya
  • If it was a custom domain, you still own it at your registrar
  • You can re-add the domain later if needed
  • Soppiya subdomain names may become available for others to use

Real World Examples​

To help you understand domain management in practice, here are common scenarios.

Example 1: New Store Starting Out

Scenario: You're launching a new handmade jewelry business and want to get online quickly.

Strategy:

Step 1: Start with Soppiya Subdomain

  • Domain: bellajewelry.soppiya.xyz
  • Cost: Free
  • Setup time: 30 seconds
  • Use for: Initial testing, soft launch to friends/family

Step 2: Purchase Custom Domain (Month 2)

  • Buy: bellajewelry.com from Namecheap ($10/year)
  • Keep Soppiya subdomain active while setting up

Step 3: Connect Custom Domain

  • Update nameservers to Soppiya
  • Wait 24 hours for propagation
  • Connect bellajewelry.com in Soppiya
  • Test thoroughly

Step 4: Make Custom Domain Primary (Month 3)

  • Go to Markets → Set bellajewelry.com as primary
  • Update all marketing materials
  • Keep Soppiya subdomain as backup/redirect

Why this works:

  • Zero initial investment
  • Get online immediately for market testing
  • Smooth transition to professional domain
  • Soppiya subdomain serves as fallback
Example 2: Existing Business Adding E-Commerce

Scenario: You have an existing website at yourbrand.com and want to add a shop at shop.yourbrand.com.

Strategy:

Current setup:

  • Main site: yourbrand.com (hosted elsewhere - WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)
  • Email: hello@yourbrand.com (Google Workspace)

Goal:

  • Keep main site where it is
  • Add store at shop.yourbrand.com
  • Keep email working

Implementation:

Step 1: Do NOT change nameservers

  • Your main domain needs to stay with current host
  • Soppiya needs to manage only the subdomain

Step 2: Add CNAME record at current DNS provider

  • Log into current DNS (wherever nameservers point)
  • Add CNAME record:
    • Host: shop
    • Value: shops.soppiya.com (ask Soppiya support for exact value)
    • TTL: 3600

Step 3: Add subdomain in Soppiya

  • Go to Settings → Domains
  • Connect Existing Domain
  • Enter: shop.yourbrand.com
  • Soppiya verifies CNAME

Result:

  • Main site: yourbrand.com (unchanged)
  • Store: shop.yourbrand.com (new, on Soppiya)
  • Email: Still works perfectly

Why this works:

  • No disruption to existing site
  • Email continues working
  • Clean separation of content/shop
  • Professional branded store URL
Example 3: Multi-Region Store with Market Domains

Scenario: Fashion brand selling globally with region-specific domains.

Strategy:

Domains configured:

  1. fashionbrand.com - Primary US market
  2. fashionbrand.co.uk - UK market
  3. fashionbrand.ca - Canadian market
  4. fashionbrand.com.au - Australian market

Setup process:

For each domain:

  1. Purchase domain at registrar
  2. Update nameservers to Soppiya
  3. Wait for propagation
  4. Connect in Settings → Domains
  5. Configure DNS records for each

Markets configuration:

  1. Create market for each region
  2. Assign domain to each market:
    • US Market → fashionbrand.com
    • UK Market → fashionbrand.co.uk
    • CA Market → fashionbrand.ca
    • AU Market → fashionbrand.com.au

Customer experience:

  • UK customer visits fashionbrand.co.uk
  • Sees prices in GBP
  • English language (UK)
  • UK-specific shipping options

Why this works:

  • Local domains build trust
  • Better SEO for regional searches
  • Automatic market routing by domain
  • Professional international presence

Maintenance:

  • All domains point to Soppiya nameservers
  • Single admin panel manages everything
  • DNS changes affect all domains simultaneously

Troubleshooting​

Common domain issues and solutions:

My custom domain shows "DNS propagation pending" for days

Possible causes:

  • Nameservers not updated correctly at registrar
  • Registrar has a delay or technical issue
  • Domain has a transfer lock enabled
  • Typo in nameserver entries

Solution:

  1. Log into your domain registrar
  2. Verify nameservers are EXACTLY:
    • ns1.soppiya.com
    • ns2.soppiya.com
  3. Check for typos, extra spaces, or incorrect formatting
  4. Look for "Domain Lock" or "Transfer Lock" - disable it
  5. Use DNSChecker.org to verify propagation globally
  6. If still failing after 72 hours, contact your registrar's support
  7. Ask registrar if there's a propagation delay or issue
tip

Some registrars (like GoDaddy) have a "Use my nameservers" toggle that must be switched to "Custom nameservers" before you can enter Soppiya's nameservers.

Website shows "Not Secure" or SSL error

Possible causes:

  • SSL certificate still provisioning (takes 15-30 minutes after connection)
  • Domain DNS not fully propagated
  • Browser cache showing old certificate
  • Mixed content (HTTP/HTTPS) issues

Solution:

  1. Wait 30 minutes after connecting domain for SSL provisioning
  2. Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Del or Cmd+Shift+Del)
  3. Try accessing in incognito/private browsing mode
  4. Check if http://yourdomain.com works (without 's')
  5. Verify domain is properly connected in Settings → Domains
  6. If still failing after 2 hours, contact Soppiya support
note

SSL certificates are provided free and automatically by Soppiya. You don't need to purchase or configure SSL separately.

Email stopped working after connecting domain

This happens when you change nameservers and email MX records get lost.

Solution:

  1. Contact your email provider (Google Workspace, Outlook, etc.)
  2. Get your MX records from them (usually 5-10 records)
  3. Go to Settings → Domains → Click your domain
  4. Add DNS Record → Type: MX
  5. Add each MX record they provided with correct priority
  6. Wait 1 hour for DNS propagation
  7. Test by sending email to test@yourdomain.com

Common email provider MX records:

Google Workspace:

Priority 1: aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 5: alt1.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 5: alt2.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 10: alt3.aspmx.l.google.com
Priority 10: alt4.aspmx.l.google.com

Microsoft 365/Outlook:

Priority 0: yourdomain-com.mail.protection.outlook.com
warning

Always add email MX records BEFORE changing nameservers to prevent email downtime. If you've already changed nameservers, add MX records immediately.

Domain works with 'www' but not without (or vice versa)

Possible causes:

  • Missing DNS records for one version
  • CNAME not properly configured
  • Customer using cached DNS

Solution:

  1. Go to Settings → Domains → Click your domain
  2. Verify you have BOTH of these records:
    • A record with Host: @ (for yourdomain.com)
    • CNAME with Host: www pointing to @ (for www.yourdomain.com)
  3. If missing, click Add DNS Record and create them
  4. Wait 1 hour for propagation
  5. Test both versions in incognito mode
tip

Soppiya usually creates both automatically. If one is missing, it may have been accidentally deleted.

Can't add domain - says "already in use"

This means the domain is already connected to another Soppiya store.

Possible causes:

  • You have multiple Soppiya accounts and added it to the wrong one
  • Someone else connected your domain (security issue)
  • Domain was previously connected and not properly removed

Solution:

  1. Log out and check if you have another Soppiya account
  2. Try logging in with different email addresses you might have used
  3. If you find it on another account, delete it there first
  4. If you can't find it and you own the domain, contact Soppiya support
  5. Provide domain registrar proof of ownership
Security Alert

If you didn't connect your domain to any Soppiya account and see this error, someone may have unauthorized access. Contact support immediately.

Soppiya subdomain shows "not available"

This means someone else is already using that exact subdomain name.

Solution:

  1. Try variations of your brand name:
    • mybrand.soppiya.xyz → mybrandstore.soppiya.xyz
    • shopname.soppiya.xyz → shopname2024.soppiya.xyz
    • business.soppiya.xyz → businessofficial.soppiya.xyz
  2. Add location: mybrandnyc.soppiya.xyz
  3. Add descriptive word: mybrandshop.soppiya.xyz
  4. Use abbreviation if your full brand name is taken
note

Soppiya subdomains are first-come, first-served. Once taken, that name cannot be used by anyone else.

Need More Help?

Contact Soppiya support with:

  • Your domain name
  • Screenshot of the error or issue
  • Domain registrar name (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
  • What you've already tried

Best Practices​

Domain Strategy & Management Best Practices

Domain Selection

  • Choose Memorable: Short, easy to spell, no hyphens if possible
  • Match Brand: Domain should match or closely relate to your business name
  • Consider SEO: Include a keyword if natural (e.g., organicsoaps.com)
  • Check Trademarks: Ensure you're not infringing on existing brands
  • Buy Common Variations: Purchase .com, .net, .co to protect brand

Getting Started

  • Start Free: Use Soppiya subdomain to test and validate business idea
  • Plan Upgrade: Purchase custom domain within 3-6 months once validated
  • Test First: Fully set up store on Soppiya subdomain before connecting custom domain
  • Timing: Connect custom domain when you're ready to market seriously

Technical Setup

  • Nameserver Changes: Do this during low-traffic hours to minimize impact
  • Email First: Set up email MX records before changing nameservers
  • Test Thoroughly: Place test orders, check all pages after domain connection
  • SSL Wait: Allow 30 minutes for SSL certificate before marketing new domain
  • Keep Backup: Maintain Soppiya subdomain even after custom domain is live

DNS Management

  • Document Changes: Keep a record of all DNS modifications you make
  • Low TTL When Testing: Use TTL of 300 (5 minutes) when testing changes
  • Standard TTL After: Change back to 3600 (1 hour) once stable
  • Don't Delete Auto-Records: Leave Soppiya-created A/AAAA/CNAME records alone
  • Verify Before Deleting: Double-check what a record does before removing it

Email Configuration

  • Add MX Records Early: Set up email DNS before marketing your domain
  • Test Email: Send test messages before announcing email address
  • SPF/DKIM: Add these TXT records (ask email provider) to prevent spam filtering
  • Keep Separate: Use email provider's nameservers or configure MX in Soppiya DNS

Security

  • Domain Lock: Enable domain lock/transfer protection at your registrar
  • Auto-Renew: Enable automatic renewal so domain doesn't expire
  • Contact Info: Keep registrar contact information current
  • Privacy Protection: Consider domain privacy (hides personal info in WHOIS)
  • Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for domain registrar account

Multiple Domains

  • Purpose-Driven: Only add domains you'll actively use
  • Redirect Extras: Point alternate domains to your main domain
  • Regional Domains: Use country-specific domains for international markets
  • Consistency: Use same brand name across all domains when possible

Maintenance

  • Renewal Reminders: Set calendar reminders 60 days before domain expires
  • Annual Review: Check DNS records yearly, remove anything unused
  • Monitor Expiration: Most domains expire 1 year after purchase
  • Keep Registrar Login: Save registrar credentials in password manager

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Letting domain expire (you might lose it to someone else)
  • ❌ Using free email with custom domain (get@gmail.com with mybrand.com looks unprofessional)
  • ❌ Changing nameservers without adding MX records (breaks email)
  • ❌ Deleting DNS records you don't understand (can break website)
  • ❌ Not testing domain in incognito mode (cache shows old version)
  • ❌ Marketing domain before SSL is active (customers see security warnings)
  • ❌ Using special characters or numbers in domain (hard to communicate verbally)

Summary​

Domains are your store's address on the internet and a critical part of your brand identity. Whether you're starting with a free Soppiya subdomain or connecting your own professional domain, proper domain management ensures customers can always find and trust your store.

Key takeaways:

  • Soppiya subdomains (.soppiya.xyz) are free, instant, and perfect for getting started
  • Custom domains require nameserver updates at your registrar (24-48 hour wait)
  • Nameservers must point to ns1.soppiya.com and ns2.soppiya.com for custom domains
  • DNS records are automatically configured but can be manually edited for advanced needs
  • SSL certificates are provided free and provision automatically within 30 minutes
  • Email MX records must be added separately if you use email with your domain
  • Default domain (admin links) is different from Primary domain (customer-facing)
  • Changing domains affects links, bookmarks, and SEO - plan carefully

If you're just getting started, create a free Soppiya subdomain now to get your store online immediately (yourbrand.soppiya.xyz). Once your business is validated and you're ready to scale, purchase a custom domain and follow the nameserver connection steps to upgrade to a professional branded address.