Substack is a popular platform for writers and publishers to create newsletters, blogs, and other forms of content. One of the key features of Substack is the ability to set up a custom domain for your publication. However, there may come a time when you need to change your Substack domain. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change your Substack domain, including preparation, execution, and troubleshooting.
Understanding Substack Domains is the first step to changing your Substack domain. A Substack domain is the web address that your publication is hosted on, usually in the format of yourpublication.substack.com. A custom domain, on the other hand, is a web address that you own and can use to redirect to your Substack publication. Changing your Substack domain can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and execution, it can be done smoothly.
Preparation for Domain Change is crucial to ensure a seamless transition. Before changing your Substack domain, it’s important to make sure that you have ownership of the new domain and that it’s properly set up with your domain registrar. You should also consider the impact that changing your Substack domain will have on your existing readers and subscribers, as all your previous links will be broken. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize any potential disruption to your publication.
Key Takeaways
- Substack domains are web addresses that your publication is hosted on, while custom domains are web addresses that you own and can use to redirect to your Substack publication.
- Preparation is crucial when changing your Substack domain, including ensuring ownership of the new domain and considering the impact on existing readers and subscribers.
- By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change your Substack domain smoothly and minimize any potential disruption to your publication.
Understanding Substack Domains
A Substack domain is a unique identifier for a publication on the Substack platform. It is the web address that readers use to access the publication and its content. By default, Substack assigns a subdomain to each publication, which takes the form of [publication-name].substack.com. For example, if the publication name is “Tech News,” the Substack domain would be tech-news.substack.com.
However, Substack allows users to customize their domains to make them more memorable and professional. This can be done by adding a custom domain to the publication. A custom domain is a web address that the user owns and controls, and it can be used to replace the default subdomain.
To add a custom domain to a Substack publication, the user must first purchase a domain from a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap. Once the domain is purchased, the user can then add it to their Substack publication by following the instructions provided in the Substack settings.
It is important to note that changing a Substack domain can have implications for the publication’s SEO and existing links. Substack offers a “Change subdomain without breaking links” option that redirects all links to the new URL, but it is still recommended to proceed with caution and consider the potential impact on the publication’s online presence.
Preparation for Domain Change
Before changing your Substack domain, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. This section will guide you through the necessary steps.
Check Domain Availability
The first step in changing your Substack domain is to check the availability of your desired domain name. You can use a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap to check if the domain name you want is available.
If the domain name is already taken, you will need to choose a different name or consider purchasing the domain from the current owner. It’s important to choose a domain name that is memorable and relevant to your brand or content.
Purchase a New Domain
If you don’t already have a custom domain, you will need to purchase one before changing your Substack domain. There are many domain registrars to choose from, and prices can vary depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.).
When choosing a domain registrar, it’s important to consider factors such as price, customer support, and ease of use. Some popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains.
Once you have purchased your new domain, you can connect it to your Substack publication by following the instructions provided in the Substack settings. It’s important to note that changing your domain will break all of your existing links, so it’s best to make the change before you have published any content.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new Substack domain.
Changing Your Substack Domain
Changing your Substack domain is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of changing your Substack domain name.
Access Your Substack Dashboard
To change your Substack domain, you will need to access your Substack dashboard. Once you are logged in, click on the “Settings” tab to access your publication settings.
Navigate to the Domain Settings
Once you are on the publication settings page, scroll down to the “Domain” section on the left-hand side of the page. Here, you will find the option to add a custom domain or change your subdomain. Click on the “Change subdomain” button to proceed.
Enter Your New Domain
Enter your new subdomain in the provided text field. Make sure to choose a domain name that is available and easy to remember. After entering the new subdomain, click on the “Save Changes” button to save your new domain name.
Verify Domain Ownership
To verify domain ownership, you will need to add a CNAME record to your DNS settings. Substack provides detailed instructions on how to do this for popular domain providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Google Domains. Once the CNAME record has been added, Substack will automatically verify your domain ownership.
That’s it! By following these simple steps, you can easily change your Substack domain name and start using your new domain name for your publication.
Finalizing the Domain Change
After completing the necessary steps to change your Substack domain, it’s important to finalize the process to ensure that your readers can access your content without any issues. Here are the final steps to take:
Update DNS Records
Once you have changed your domain name, you need to update your DNS records to point to your new Substack domain. This process varies depending on your domain registrar, but typically involves adding a CNAME record or an A record to your DNS settings.
To find out how to update your DNS records, you can check your domain registrar’s documentation or contact their customer support for assistance. It’s important to note that DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate, so be patient and check back periodically to ensure that your domain is properly pointing to your Substack publication.
Confirm the Domain Change on Substack
After updating your DNS records, you need to confirm the domain change on Substack. To do this, go to your publication’s Settings page and click on the “Domain” tab. Here, you should see your new custom domain listed under “Custom domain”.
Click on the “Verify” button next to your new domain to confirm that it has been updated. Substack will then check your DNS records to ensure that they are pointing to your publication correctly. Once the verification process is complete, your new domain should be fully functional and accessible to your readers.
By following these final steps, you can ensure that your Substack domain change is complete and that your readers can continue to access your content without any issues. Remember to be patient during the DNS propagation process and to double-check your settings to ensure that everything is set up correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Substack’s domain management system is typically straightforward and easy to use. However, users may encounter some common issues when attempting to change their domain. Here are some of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Domain Propagation Delay
When changing a domain, it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This delay can cause issues with accessing your publication. If you are experiencing issues with your new domain, wait at least 24 hours before contacting Substack support.
SSL Certificate Errors
SSL certificates are used to secure websites and protect user data. When changing a domain, it is important to ensure that your SSL certificate is properly configured. If you are experiencing SSL certificate errors, check that your certificate is valid and properly configured for your new domain.
Substack Support Resources
If you are experiencing issues with your domain, Substack provides a variety of support resources to help you troubleshoot the issue. These resources include a knowledge base, community forums, and email support. If you are unable to resolve your issue using these resources, contact Substack support for further assistance.
Best Practices for Domain Management
Regularly Update Contact Information
To ensure that your domain is properly managed, it is essential to keep your contact information up to date. This includes your email address, phone number, and mailing address. By doing so, you can receive important notifications and updates regarding your domain, such as renewal reminders and expiration notices.
It is also important to make sure that your contact information is accurate and easily accessible to the domain registrar. This can help prevent any issues that may arise due to an incorrect or outdated contact information.
Renew Your Domain Promptly
Renewing your domain promptly is crucial to avoid losing your domain name. It is recommended to renew your domain at least 30 days before its expiration date to ensure that it is renewed on time.
Substack sends email reminders to users when their domain is about to expire. It is important to pay attention to these reminders and renew your domain promptly to avoid any disruptions to your website or publication.
In addition, it is important to keep track of your domain renewal date and set up automatic renewal if possible. This can help ensure that your domain is renewed on time and prevent any issues that may arise due to a missed renewal deadline.
By following these best practices for domain management, you can ensure that your Substack domain is properly managed and maintained.