How to add a custom subdomain
FreshStore allows you to create stores on our free vanity domains, custom domains, or custom subdomains.
Why use a custom subdomain?
A custom subdomain allows you to add a FreshStore to an existing website. For example, you can create a FreshStore on store.mydomain.com when you have a website already on www.mydomain.com.
You can also use a subdomain if you have other services, such as email, on your domain and don't want to change all the DNS records. You only need to add a CNAME record to your domain.
You can also use a CNAME record to point the subdomain www to your FreshStore. That way you can run a store on www.mydomain.com and still manage your domain DNS on your existing registrar.
Adding a CNAME value to your domain
To add your subdomain to FreshStore, you must add a CNAME record to the domain's DNS. This is done on your domain name registrar (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).
Please refer to your domain name registrar for instructions on adding your CNAME record before you continue with this guide.
How to add a subdomain
- From your account dashboard, go to Domains.
- On the Domains page, click on Add Domain or Add a Custom Domain (If no domains have been added yet).
- Choose the option Subdomain Only. Add your subdomain on the right side and click on "Add Your Domain".
- This will get processed and show you the CNAME record you need to add to your root domain's DNS records.
- Click on the "Refresh DNS" button to check the status of your DNS record. It should update within an hour, but sometimes it takes 24 to 48 hours.
Troubleshooting
"Domain Already Exists" error
If you see a "Domain Already Exists" error when trying to add a subdomain, this usually means the root domain or another subdomain on the same domain is already registered in the system. Please contact support with the exact subdomain you are trying to add and the error message, and we can resolve this quickly.
My nameservers already point to FreshStore
If your domain's nameservers are already pointing to FreshStore (because you added the root domain as a full domain), you do not need to add a CNAME record separately. Your DNS is already managed by FreshStore. Please contact support and we can add the subdomain for you directly.
Subdomain not working after adding CNAME
- Make sure the CNAME record matches exactly what FreshStore shows you
- DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate
- Check that you do not have conflicting DNS records (e.g. an A record for the same subdomain)
- Clear your local browser cache and try again
If you are still having trouble, please contact support with your subdomain and we will help.