Custom Domains, DNS & Automated SSL
Connect your own branded domain name (e.g. yourbrand.com or shop.yourbrand.com) with automated Cloudflare 256-bit SSL encryption
Why Connect a Custom Domain?
While your permanent `{store}.teyweb.com` address is always active, fast, and protected with SSL, connecting your own custom domain (e.g. `houseofamara.com` or `shop.brand.ng`) provides decisive commercial advantages for growing businesses:
- Maximum Brand Legitimacy: First-time shoppers overwhelmingly favor standalone brand addresses over platform subdomains.
- Higher Checkout Conversion: Brand-specific URLs increase buyer confidence when entering debit cards, USSD codes, or bank transfers.
- Sovereign Search Engine Optimization (SEO): All search engine authority, backlinks, and organic keyword rankings accrue directly to your own domain.
- Enterprise Omnichannel Email: Pairs seamlessly with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail for professional addresses like `[email protected]`.
The Dedicated Domain Settings Hub (`/settings/domains`)
Teyweb features a dedicated Domain Settings management center accessible via Store Settings > Domains (`/settings/domains`) in your merchant dashboard.
The hub consolidates all aspects of your storefront web identity into a single intuitive view: primary active storefront URLs, Teyweb assigned subdomain handles with an inline editor, live DNS zone record tables with copy-to-clipboard buttons, real-time background propagation radar, and registrar forwarding guides.
Apex Root Domains and Subdomains Both Supported
You can connect a full root apex domain (e.g. `yourbrand.com`) or a dedicated subdomain (e.g. `shop.yourbrand.com`, `store.yourbrand.com`).
Modern Registrar Redirect Architecture (Approach A)
Teyweb utilizes the industry-standard Registrar Redirect Standard (Approach A)—the same proven architecture adopted by Shopify, Webflow, and Vercel for high-scale global commerce.
Under Approach A, your storefront is hosted at `www.yourbrand.com` (or your chosen subdomain prefix) via a clean CNAME record pointing to `stores.teyweb.com`. To support visitors who type `yourbrand.com` without "www", a simple 301 Permanent Redirect is configured in your registrar's forwarding panel or cPanel.
Why Approach A is superior to legacy apex A records:
Key Takeaways
- Eliminates Apex IP Locking: Does not lock your root domain to static IPs that can change or get blocked by local telecom providers.
- Works With 100% of Registrars: Avoids the need for specialized "CNAME flattening" or "ANAME" records that many local African and global registrars do not support.
- Full Cloudflare Edge Acceleration: All storefront assets, product images, and dynamic Next.js storefront pages flow through Cloudflare for SaaS edge servers with 0ms SSL termination.
- Zero SSL Collision: Prevents certificate conflicts between root and wildcard subdomains, guaranteeing instant HTTPS issuance.
Required DNS Records Reference Table
When you enter your domain in Teyweb, the dashboard computes the exact records required for your specific domain structure:
Subdomain Configurations
If connecting a subdomain like `shop.yourbrand.com`, enter `shop` as the Host for both CNAME and TXT records. No root apex redirect is required for subdomains.
| Record Type | Host / Name | Target / Value | TTL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www (or custom subdomain) | stores.teyweb.com | Automatic / 3600s | Routes shopper traffic directly to your storefront via Cloudflare Edge CDN. |
| TXT | @ (or custom subdomain) | teyweb-verify=[YOUR_TOKEN] | Automatic / 300s | Cryptographic verification token proving domain ownership to Cloudflare for SaaS. |
Step-by-Step Custom Domain Setup Workflow
Connecting your custom domain takes less than 5 minutes:
Enter Your Domain in Teyweb
Navigate to Store Settings > Domains (`/settings/domains`). In the "Enter Your Custom Domain" field, type your domain (e.g. `yourbrand.com` or `shop.yourbrand.com`) and click "Connect Domain".
Copy Generated DNS Records
Teyweb creates your domain profile and displays your unique TXT verification token alongside the CNAME target (`stores.teyweb.com`). Use the 1-click copy buttons.
Add Records in Your Domain Registrar
Log in to your domain registrar (GO54, Upperlink, Truehost, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.) and open your DNS Zone Editor. Add the CNAME and TXT records. Remove any conflicting existing A or CNAME records on the same host.
Configure Apex 301 Forwarding (For Root Domains)
If using a root domain (`yourbrand.com`), set up a 301 redirect in your registrar's "Domain Forwarding" or cPanel "Redirects" section from `yourbrand.com` to `https://www.yourbrand.com`.
Automatic Verification & Live SSL
Return to Teyweb. You can click "Verify DNS" or simply leave the tab open. Our real-time background radar auto-detects propagation and activates your domain.
Updating Your Teyweb Assigned Subdomain Handle
In addition to connecting a custom domain, you can customize your official Teyweb assigned platform address (e.g., updating `store123.teyweb.com` to `freshlook.teyweb.com`) directly in Settings > Domains:
- Click the "Change Domain" button next to your Teyweb Assigned Address.
- Type your desired new store handle. Teyweb displays a real-time live URL preview and validates your handle against availability rules.
What to Know Before Updating Subdomain Handle
Updating your assigned handle takes effect immediately worldwide with instant SSL. However, any existing external links previously shared on Instagram bio, WhatsApp, or packaging pointing to your old handle will stop working, and your old handle is immediately released back to the public pool for other merchants to claim. Connected custom domains are completely unaffected.
| Requirement | Rule Specification | Example / Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Between 3 and 16 characters | Must be compact and memorable for shoppers. |
| Allowed Characters | Lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), hyphens (-) | `brand-ng` is valid; uppercase and spaces are disallowed. |
| Starting Character | Must begin with a lowercase letter (a-z) | `shop1` is valid; `1shop` or `-shop` are invalid. |
| Hyphen Rules | No consecutive hyphens (`--`) and cannot end with a hyphen | Ensures clean URL formatting and DNS compliance. |
| Reserved Handles | Restricted system words are blocked | `admin`, `api`, `app`, `stores`, `auth`, `support`, `billing`, etc. |
Step-by-Step Registrar Guides (cPanel, Namecheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare)
Configuration guides for common domain management panels:
Cloudflare Proxy Notice (Grey Cloud Required)
If your domain nameservers are hosted on Cloudflare, you MUST set the proxy toggle to "DNS Only" (Grey Cloud) for your Teyweb CNAME record. If set to Proxied (Orange Cloud), Cloudflare for SaaS edge verification will not be able to issue your SSL certificate.
| Registrar / Platform | DNS Zone Setup | Apex 301 Forwarding Setup |
|---|---|---|
| cPanel / Truehost / GO54 | Go to Zone Editor > Add Record. Create CNAME `www` pointing to `stores.teyweb.com`. Create TXT `@` with your verification token. | Go to Domains > Redirects. Set Type to "Permanent (301)", select your domain, enter `https://www.yourdomain.com`, and select "Redirect with or without www". |
| Namecheap | Go to Domain List > Manage > Advanced DNS. Add CNAME `www` -> `stores.teyweb.com` and TXT `@` -> `teyweb-verify=...`. Delete default parking records. | Go to Domain tab > Redirect Domain. Add redirect from `@` (yourdomain.com) to `https://www.yourdomain.com` with 301 Permanent. |
| GoDaddy | Go to My Products > Domains > Manage DNS. Add CNAME `www` -> `stores.teyweb.com` and TXT `@` -> `teyweb-verify=...`. | Scroll to Domain Forwarding. Click Add Forwarding under Domain, forward to `https://www.yourdomain.com` with Permanent (301). |
| Cloudflare (Nameservers) | Go to DNS > Records. Add CNAME `www` -> `stores.teyweb.com` and TXT `@`. CRITICAL: Set Proxy status to "DNS Only" (Grey Cloud). | Go to Rules > Redirect Rules. Create rule redirecting `yourdomain.com` to `https://www.yourdomain.com` (301). |
Accredited Nigerian Domain Registrars (Naira Cards & Bank Transfer)
If you do not yet own a domain, or prefer purchasing `.ng` / `.com.ng` / `.com` domains using local Nigerian payment methods (Naira Mastercards, Visa, Verve, or direct bank transfer), Teyweb recommends the following NiRA-accredited registrars:
| Registrar | Key Specialties | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| GO54 (Formerly Whogohost) | Nigeria's largest accredited registrar; instant .ng and .com.ng activations with intuitive cPanel DNS editor. | Naira Debit Cards, Bank Transfer, USSD, Paystack, Flutterwave |
| Upperlink | Direct NiRA certified registry pioneer; high-reliability enterprise DNS management and instant domain renewals. | Local Naira Cards, Bank Transfer, NIBSS Instant Pay |
| Truehost Cloud Nigeria | Affordable .com.ng and .ng domains, instant cPanel DNS zone management, and free DNS management suites. | Naira Cards, Transfer, Barter, Crypto |
| HostAfrica (Formerly Garanntor) | Fast Anycast DNS servers, automated registrar forwarding, and responsive local 24/7 technical support. | Naira Cards, Internet Banking, USSD |
Automated 256-Bit Cloudflare TLS/SSL & Safe Fallback
Teyweb protects every merchant storefront with enterprise-grade automated security:
- Automated Cloudflare for SaaS SSL: Once DNS records are detected, Cloudflare provisions a dedicated 256-bit TLS/SSL edge certificate. Certificates renew automatically every 90 days with zero merchant intervention.
- Universal HTTPS Upgrade: All insecure HTTP customer requests are automatically upgraded to HTTPS, ensuring browser security padlocks and encrypted checkout data.
- Zero-Downtime Safe Fallback: If you ever disconnect your custom domain (via the Disconnect Domain button in `/settings/domains`), store traffic seamlessly reverts to your assigned `{store}.teyweb.com` address immediately with zero downtime.
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