Custom Domain Guide

How It Works

• Search availability for your desired domain name during the order process, with live pricing shown upfront
• Select your domain as part of your order — the first year is free, then renews annually at the then-current price for your domain's extension
• We register it on your behalf through our domain registrar partner
• Automatic renewal each year so your domain stays active — from year two the renewal is added to your monthly plan bill, and we'll notify you ahead of any renewal charge

Domain Ownership

You are the registrant of record for any domain purchased through Biz22 — the domain belongs to you, not to Biz22. As with any domain registration, ICANN (the organization that oversees domain names) grants registrants certain rights and responsibilities. You can read more here:

• ICANN Registrant Rights and Responsibilities
• ICANN Registrants' Benefits and Responsibilities Specification

After You Order: Verifying Your Domain

Shortly after your domain is registered, you'll receive an email from Global Domain Group— that's how our domain registrar delivers this ICANN-required verification request. This isn't spam or phishing, and it isn't something Biz22 sends or can skip on your behalf: it's a request required under ICANN's Whois Accuracy Program Specification, asking you to confirm the contact information on file for your domain.

You'll need to confirm it within 15 days— if you don't, ICANN rules require the domain to be suspended until it's verified. This is universal practice across every registrar, including Google, GoDaddy, and Squarespace — not something unique to how Biz22 registers your domain.

What's Included

• One-time DNS setup and configuration to connect your domain to your website
• Connection verification to ensure your domain is working correctly
• Technical support during the initial setup process

What's NOT Included

• Domain registration or purchase
• Domain renewal fees
• Email hosting or email setup
• Ongoing domain management
• DNS changes after initial setup

Your Responsibilities

• Purchase your own domain from a domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace, etc.)
• Maintain domain ownership and ensure timely renewal
• Keep domain registration active - expired domains will break your site connection
• Provide DNS access or update DNS records when we provide instructions

With Custom Domain Connection, do you buy the domain for me?

Custom Domain Connection connects a domain you already own; it doesn't buy one. Purchase your domain from a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Squarespace first, and we'll connect it to your website. If you'd rather not shop around, you can also buy a domain directly through us — see "Custom Domain Purchase Through Biz22" in our Domain Guide.

Is the Custom Domain Connection fee a monthly fee?

The $29 Custom Domain Connection fee is a one-time charge for the initial setup. You will continue paying your domain registrar's annual renewal fee.

With Custom Domain Connection, what happens if I cancel my hosting with you?

If you cancel your hosting subscription, your domain will stop pointing to your website. However, you still own the domain and can point it to another website or hosting provider.

With Custom Domain Connection, can I move my site to another hosting provider later?

You own your domain. You can update your DNS settings at any time to point to a different hosting provider. However, we only provide setup assistance for the initial connection.

With Custom Domain Connection, how long does DNS setup take?

Once you provide DNS access or complete the DNS updates we instruct, DNS propagation typically takes 4-48 hours. Most domains are live within 24 hours.

With Custom Domain Connection, what if my domain expires?

If your domain expires, your website will stop working. You are responsible for renewing your domain with your registrar before it expires. We recommend setting up auto-renewal with your registrar.

Do I need to give you my GoDaddy/Namecheap password?

We never need your registrar password. We will either:

• Provide you with DNS records to update yourself, OR
• Request temporary DNS-only access if your registrar supports it (many do not)

We never ask for full account passwords.

What if I already own a domain?

You have two options. If it ends in .com, .net, .org, .info, .xyz or .biz, you can transfer it to Biz22 when you order, subject to applicable transfer restrictions, and we then handle its renewals. A transfer usually completes 5–7 days after you give us your transfer code; your site is built in the meantime. Or you can keep it where it is and connect it to your Biz22 site with Custom Domain Connection. If we can't transfer your domain, Custom Domain Connection is included. You can also add it later from your dashboard for a one-time fee of $29. Either way, we never ask for your registrar password.

Can you help me choose a domain name?

During checkout you can search any name and see live availability and pricing before you choose. A good domain is short, easy to spell, and says what your business is or where it is. You make the final choice.

Step 1: Purchase Your Domain

1. Choose a domain registrar (for example GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Squarespace)
2. Search for your desired domain name
3. Complete the purchase (typically $10-20/year)
4. Keep your registrar login credentials safe

Step 2: Watch for our DNS instructions

After you order Custom Domain Connection, we'll email you the DNS records for your site and how to add them at your registrar.

Step 3: Update Your DNS Records

You'll need to add or update the following DNS records in your domain registrar's control panel:

Note: The exact values will be provided in your setup email. Do not use placeholder values.

Step 4: How to Update DNS (General Guide)

Step 5: Notify Us When Complete

Reply to our DNS setup email once you've completed the updates. Include:

• Confirmation that DNS records have been updated
• Screenshot of your DNS settings (optional but helpful)

Step 6: DNS Propagation

• Typical time: 4-48 hours
• Most domains: Live within 24 hours
• What happens: Your domain gradually starts pointing to your new website across the internet

Step 7: Verification

We'll verify your domain connection once DNS propagates and notify you when your site is live at your custom domain.