Use a custom domain or subdomain
By default, every site created on Bettermode receives a random subdomain under bettermode.io or bettermode.de. You can continue using this subdomain at no cost. However, if you own a domain and want to bring your site under your own brand, you can transfer it by following the steps in this guide.
Before you start
Prerequisites
Access to your domain's DNS settings (usually available through your domain registrar or CDN provider)
A site plan that supports custom domains (see available plans)
Important considerations
Transfer your domain before publishing your site or sending real traffic to it.
If you use SSO, set up your custom domain before implementing SSO. SSO settings depend on your domain URL. Changing your domain after SSO setup requires updating your SSO configuration.
Bettermode does not offer address parking. Once you move your site away from the Bettermode subdomain, that subdomain becomes available for other Bettermode customers to use.
Root domain considerations
If you plan to use a root domain (apex domain)—such as example.com instead of a subdomain like site.example.com—be aware that many DNS providers restrict adding CNAME records to root domains.
Bettermode recommends:
Cloudflare (via CNAME Flattening)
If your DNS provider does not support CNAME records on root domains and you cannot switch providers, use the www subdomain for your site instead (for example, www.example.com).
Transfer your domain
Step 1: Check domain transferability
Go to Administration > Settings > Domain.
Enter your desired domain or subdomain in the input field.
Click Check transferability.
If the domain is valid and not in use by another Bettermode site, you'll see the option to start the migration process.
Click Start migration to... to receive your DNS instructions.
The DNS records provided by Bettermode that you must add to your domain.
Important: Do not copy the DNS values shown in screenshots from other sites. Use only the values displayed on your own site's DNS settings page. These are unique to your domain and site. Do not append your domain name to these values.
Step 2: Add DNS records to your domain
Log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider and add the following records:
CNAME record: Routes traffic from your domain to the Bettermode platform.
TXT record: Verifies that you own the domain.
Example: DNS settings in Cloudflare.
Step 3: Verify DNS propagation
Return to Administration > Settings > Domain.
Click Revalidate DNS Settings.
Wait for DNS changes to propagate across all DNS servers. This can take several minutes to hours.
During propagation, you may see alternating Missing and Ok statuses as Bettermode queries different DNS servers. This is normal.
Once all records show a green checkmark (Ok status), your DNS is fully configured and you can proceed to the final step.
DNS settings fully propagated with all records showing Ok status.
Step 4: Complete the transfer
Click Switch to... to finalize the domain transfer.
You'll be automatically redirected to your new domain.
Your site is no longer accessible using the previous domain.
You can delete the TXT record after migration completes, but you must keep the CNAME record in place.
Subfolder subdomains
Bettermode supports subfolder URLs (for example, https://domain.com/community) only on the Premium plan. Contact Bettermode Support to learn more.