Custom Domain Setup Tutorial

Learn how to set up your own custom domain (like menu.yourrestaurant.com) for your restaurant's website.

Prerequisites

• Active Gustaio Pro subscription
• Access to your domain provider's DNS settings
• Valid payment method configured in your account

Step 1: Subscribe to Custom Domain

1. Navigate to Domains

   • Go to your Gustaio Dashboard
   • Click on "Domains" in the sidebar menu

2. Subscribe to Custom Domain

   • Click "Subscribe to Custom Domain"
   • Confirm your subscription (requires valid payment method)
   • Wait for subscription confirmation

Step 2: Add Your Domain

1. Enter Domain Name

   • In the domain configuration section
   • Enter your desired domain (e.g., menu.yourrestaurant.com)
   • Click "Add Domain"

2. Domain Validation

   • Gustaio validates the domain format
   • Check that the domain isn't already in use
   • Domain gets added to the system

Step 3: Configure DNS Settings

After adding your domain, you'll receive DNS configuration instructions:

Required DNS Records

1. CNAME Record
   • Type: CNAME
   • Name: @ (or your subdomain name)
   • Value: cname.gustaio.app
   • TTL: 300 (or your provider's default)

DNS Configuration by Provider

Cloudflare

1. Log into Cloudflare dashboard
2. Select your domain
3. Go to DNS → Records
4. Click Add record
5. Set Type to CNAME
6. Name: @ (for root domain) or your subdomain
7. Target: cname.gustaio.app
8. Proxy status: DNS only (grey cloud)

GoDaddy

1. Log into GoDaddy account
2. Go to My Products → DNS
3. Find your domain and click Manage DNS
4. Add new record:
   • Type: CNAME
   • Host: @ or subdomain
   • Points to: cname.gustaio.app
   • TTL: 1 Hour

Namecheap

1. Log into Namecheap account
2. Go to Domain List → Manage
3. Click Advanced DNS
4. Add new record:
   • Type: CNAME Record
   • Host: @ or subdomain
   • Value: cname.gustaio.app
   • TTL: Automatic

Step 4: Verify Domain

1. Wait for DNS Propagation

   • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
   • Usually takes 5-30 minutes

2. Check Domain Status

   • Return to Gustaio Dashboard → Domains
   • Click "Check Status"
   • Status will show:
     • Pending: DNS not yet propagated
     • Verified: Domain is active and working
     • Error: Configuration issue detected

3. Domain Verification Tools

   • Use online DNS checker tools
   • Command line: nslookup yourdomain.com
   • Verify CNAME points to cname.gustaio.app

Step 5: Test Your Domain

Once verified:

1. Access Your Site

   • Visit https://yourdomain.com
   • Should display your restaurant website
   • SSL certificate automatically provided

2. Update Links

   • Update any existing links to use new domain
   • Share new domain with customers
   • Update business listings and social media

Common Issues & Solutions

Domain Not Verifying

Problem: Domain stays in "Pending" status

Solutions:

• Verify CNAME record is correct: cname.gustaio.app
• Check TTL isn't too high (use 300-3600 seconds)
• Clear DNS cache: ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac)
• Wait longer - DNS can take up to 48 hours

"Domain Already Exists" Error

Problem: Domain is already registered by another user

Solutions:

• Contact support if you own the domain
• Verify you're using the correct domain spelling
• Check if domain has been previously registered

SSL Certificate Issues

Problem: Website shows "Not Secure" warning

Solutions:

• Wait 5-10 minutes after verification
• SSL certificates are automatically provisioned
• Contact support if issue persists after 1 hour

DNS Configuration Not Working

Problem: CNAME record not resolving correctly

Solutions:

• Remove any existing A records for the same subdomain
• Ensure CNAME points exactly to cname.gustaio.app
• Check with your DNS provider's support

Advanced Configuration

Subdomain Setup

For subdomains (like menu.yourrestaurant.com):

1. CNAME Record
   • Name: menu (subdomain name)
   • Value: cname.gustaio.app

Root Domain Setup

For root domains (like yourrestaurant.com):

1. CNAME Record
   • Name: @ or leave blank
   • Value: cname.gustaio.app

Note: Some providers don't support CNAME for root domains. In this case, contact support for A record configuration.

Domain Management

Updating Domain

To change your domain:

1. Remove current domain
2. Add new domain
3. Update DNS settings
4. Wait for verification

Removing Domain

To remove your domain:

1. Go to Domains section
2. Click "Remove Domain"
3. Confirm removal
4. Domain will be released for others to use

Domain Renewal

• Domains are tied to your Custom Domain subscription
• No separate domain registration required
• Ensure subscription remains active to keep domain working

Support

If you encounter issues:

1. Check DNS propagation: Use online DNS lookup tools
2. Verify subscription: Ensure Custom Domain subscription is active
3. Contact support: Include domain name and error details
4. Documentation: Review provider-specific DNS guides

Your custom domain helps establish professional branding and builds customer trust. Once configured, customers can easily remember and access your restaurant's website directly.