Connecting a Custom Domain to Your Site (Nameserver vs. CNAME)

When you’re ready to take your website live on ZipWP Cloud, you’ll need to connect your own custom domain (e.g., yourbusiness.com) to replace the temporary staging URL. ZipWP supports two methods to connect your domain: Nameservers and CNAME.

This article explains both methods, when to use them, and how to set them up.

What is a Nameserver Connection?

A nameserver connection means pointing your entire domain to ZipWP Cloud. Once updated, all DNS records for your domain are managed through ZipWP automatically.

Benefits

• Simplest setup. Just update your domain’s nameservers once.
• Quickly updates and propagates faster.
• No need to manually configure additional DNS records.

When to Use

You want ZipWP Cloud to handle all your website-related DNS needs. This method is completely normal, safe, and secure.

Important to Know If You Already Have DNS Records?

No problem! If you use email, verification TXT records, or other DNS settings:

• Simply copy your existing records before updating nameservers.
• Once your domain is connected to ZipWP, you can re-add those records in ZipWP’s DNS manager.

This way, you keep everything working smoothly without giving up the convenience of managing your site in one place.

What is a CNAME Connection?

A CNAME connection points only your website (usually the “www” subdomain) to ZipWP Cloud, while your domain’s nameservers remain unchanged. Your other DNS records (email, apps, third-party tools) continue to be managed with your current provider.

Benefits

• Lets you keep all your DNS management where it currently is.
• Useful if your domain is tied to services like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or Cloudflare.

When to Use

• You already have complex DNS configurations.
• You prefer to keep DNS management outside ZipWP.

How to Connect Your Domain

To connect your custom domain with ZipWP, you can either update your Nameservers or use a CNAME record. Choose the option that best fits your needs and follow the steps below.

Option A: Nameserver Connection

• Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
• Find the DNS/Nameserver settings for your domain.
• Replace the current nameservers with the following:
  • ns1.zipwpcloud.com
  • ns2.zipwpcloud.com
• Save your changes.
• Return to ZipWP and click Verify Domain.

Tip: If you have email or other DNS records with your registrar, copy them first. After switching nameservers, you can re-add them in ZipWP’s DNS manager so everything keeps working as before.

Option B: CNAME Connection

If you prefer to keep your existing DNS setup, you can connect your domain using a CNAME record. This points only your website to ZipWP, while other DNS records (like email) stay managed by your current provider.

• Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains).
• Go to the DNS settings or DNS management section.
• In your ZipWP dashboard, click on the domain you want to connect. This will display the unique CNAME record values you need to use.
• Add a new CNAME record with the details shown:
  • Hostname → (your root domain, depending on what ZipWP shows)
  • Points to → (the unique value generated by ZipWP, e.g., xxxxxx.zipwpcloud.com)
  • TTL → 300 (or leave the default value if different)
• Save your changes.
• Return to ZipWP and click Verify Domain to complete the connection.

Note: The Hostname and Points to values are generated per site and only appear in your ZipWP dashboard once you click on the domain. Always copy those exact values.

Verifying Your Domain

After you’ve updated your DNS settings, ZipWP Cloud will handle the rest. Once the changes propagate:

• Automatic verification – Your domain is verified, SSL is provisioned, and your site goes live.
• Using Nameservers – Everything is handled automatically.
• Using CNAME – Verification is automatic once the record is correctly added.

Troubleshooting

If your site isn’t live after 48 hours:

• Check DNS records – Make sure you’ve entered the correct values and removed any conflicting A or CNAME records.
• Verify propagation – Use tools like WhatsMyDNS  to confirm global updates.
• Still stuck? – Contact ZipWP Support for assistance

Summary

We hope this article helped you understand the different ways to connect your custom domain to ZipWP Cloud. 

Whether you choose the simplicity of Nameservers or the flexibility of a CNAME record, your website is now just a few steps away from going live with a professional domain.

If you run into any issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to ZipWP Support. We’re always here to help.