Custom Domain Connection & DNS CNAME Setup
While the auto-assigned staging domain (e.g., [id].symbolflow-sites.com) is ideal for previewing, connecting your own corporate domain (e.g., www.myfactory.com) is essential before launching outbound B2B marketing campaigns.
A custom branded domain builds immediate credibility with overseas buyers and is critical for Google SEO indexation and RFQ conversions.
1. The 3-Step Configuration Flow
Section titled “1. The 3-Step Configuration Flow”Connecting your custom domain takes 3 sequential steps. Important: DNS records must be configured with your registrar before saving in SymbolFlow:
| Step | Platform | Primary Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get DNS Instructions | SymbolFlow Canvas | Select the Website node, click “Custom Domain” in the right pane, and copy the CNAME target or TXT token. |
| 2. Configure DNS Records | Your Domain Registrar (Cloudflare/GoDaddy/Namecheap) | Add a CNAME record (for subdomains like www) or a TXT record (for apex root domains). |
| 3. Enter Domain & Save | Return to SymbolFlow Modal | Enter your domain name and click “Save Changes” to trigger automated verification and SSL provisioning. |
2. Step 1: Open “Custom Domain” & Copy DNS Values
Section titled “2. Step 1: Open “Custom Domain” & Copy DNS Values”- Log in to the SymbolFlow Dashboard and navigate to your AppSuite.
- In the central topology canvas, click to select the Website front-end node.
- In the right-hand attribute panel that slides out, click the Custom Domain button.
- The management dialog opens, providing two setup options based on your target domain structure:
| Setup Option | Recommended Scenario | Values to Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Option A: CNAME (Recommended) | For subdomains (e.g., www.yourdomain.com or portal.yourdomain.com) | Click copy target:[app-id].symbolflow-sites.com |
| Option B: TXT Verification | For apex root domains (e.g., yourdomain.com) | Click copy token:symbolflow-verification=[app-id] |
3. Step 2: Add DNS Records in Your Registrar Console
Section titled “3. Step 2: Add DNS Records in Your Registrar Console”Open a new browser tab and log in to your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.):
Record Reference Table:
Section titled “Record Reference Table:”- If using Option A (Recommended Subdomain
www.yourdomain.com):- Type:
CNAME - Name / Host:
www(or your planned prefix likeportal) - Value / Target: Paste
[app-id].symbolflow-sites.com
- Type:
- If using Option B (Apex Root
yourdomain.com):- Type:
TXT - Name / Host:
@ - Value / Target: Paste
symbolflow-verification=[app-id]
- Type:
4. Step 3: Return to Dialog, Enter Domain & “Save Changes”
Section titled “4. Step 3: Return to Dialog, Enter Domain & “Save Changes””After configuring DNS records with your registrar:
- Return to the open “Custom Domain” dialog in SymbolFlow.
- Under “2. Enter Domain”, type your full domain name (e.g.,
www.yourdomain.com). - Click the Save Changes button.
- Backend Automated Verification:
- The system automatically queries global public DNS to verify that the record points correctly to SymbolFlow infrastructure.
- Success: You will see “Domain updated. Re-deploying infrastructure…”. Global edge networks will automatically issue trusted SSL certificates.
- Verification Failed / Pending Error: This is normal if your registrar’s DNS changes have not yet propagated globally. Do not worry—simply wait approximately 5 minutes for DNS propagation and click “Save Changes” again.
5. Step 4: Live Storefront Verification
Section titled “5. Step 4: Live Storefront Verification”Once verification succeeds:
- Open
https://www.yourdomain.comin your browser. - Verify the secure padlock icon (HTTPS) appears in the address bar and test your high-speed export portal.
6. FAQ & Advanced Configuration
Section titled “6. FAQ & Advanced Configuration”Q1: What should I do if verification says “Invalid DNS / Verification Pending”?
Section titled “Q1: What should I do if verification says “Invalid DNS / Verification Pending”?”- DNS propagation across global edge resolvers typically takes 2 to 15 minutes. Double-check that your registrar’s Name and Target values match the dialog, wait about 5 minutes, and click “Save Changes” again.
Q2: How can I support visitors who type the apex root domain without www (e.g., myfactory.com)?
Section titled “Q2: How can I support visitors who type the apex root domain without www (e.g., myfactory.com)?”Standard DNS standards prohibit standard CNAME records directly on the apex root. We recommend two established industry solutions:
-
Method 1: Registrar 301 Forwarding (Strongly Recommended / Best Practice):
- Set up
www.myfactory.comas your primary custom domain following the steps above. - In your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare Redirect Rules / Page Rules, or registrar URL Forwarding), create a rule forwarding
myfactory.com/*tohttps://www.myfactory.com/$1with a 301 Permanent Redirect. - Advantage: Global buyers reach your site regardless of what they type, while consolidating Google SEO link equity to your canonical
wwwaddress.
- Set up
-
Method 2: Direct Apex Binding via TXT Verification:
- In the SymbolFlow modal, choose Option B: TXT Verification and copy the token.
- In your DNS registrar, add a TXT record with host
@containing the verification token. - Save the apex domain in SymbolFlow. If your DNS provider supports CNAME flattening (like Cloudflare), point the apex record to the assigned
.symbolflow-sites.comtarget.