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.