# Host your blog on your own domain

Serve your blog at an address like `blog.yoursite.com` instead of ours. It's one DNS record, SSL is automatic, and it builds your own domain's search authority. Takes about a minute plus a short wait for DNS.

## How it works

- **One CNAME record** - point `blog.yoursite.com` at us with a single DNS record at your registrar.
- **Automatic SSL** - we issue and renew the HTTPS certificate for you; nothing to buy.
- **Your SEO** - content and backlinks accrue to your domain, not ours.

## Connect your domain in 4 steps

1. In Verbinge, open **Blog Site → Domain**, type your domain (e.g. `blog.yoursite.com`) and click **Add domain**.
2. We show you a DNS record to add: **Type:** CNAME · **Name:** blog · **Value:** cname.vercel-dns.com
3. Add that record at your domain registrar (guides below), then save.
4. Back in the Domain tab, click **Check status**. When DNS propagates it flips to **Live** automatically - SSL and all.

## Where to add the record

- **GoDaddy:** Domain → DNS → Add New Record → CNAME, Name `blog`, Value `cname.vercel-dns.com`. Enter just "blog" (GoDaddy appends the domain).
- **Cloudflare:** DNS → Records → Add record → CNAME, Name `blog`, Target `cname.vercel-dns.com`. Set Proxy status to **DNS only** (grey cloud) so SSL issues correctly.
- **Namecheap:** Advanced DNS → Add New Record → CNAME, Host `blog`, Value `cname.vercel-dns.com`. Click the green checkmark to save.
- **Squarespace / Google Domains:** DNS settings → add CNAME, Host `blog`, Data `cname.vercel-dns.com`.
- **Amazon Route 53:** hosted zone → Create record → name `blog`, type CNAME, value `cname.vercel-dns.com`, TTL 300. Use a simple CNAME, not an alias.

## FAQ

**Subdomain or root domain?** Use a subdomain like `blog.yoursite.com` - one CNAME, minutes to set up. A root domain can't use a CNAME and isn't recommended just for a blog.

**How long does it take to go live?** Usually a few minutes; DNS can take up to an hour. The Domain tab checks every 15 seconds and flips to "Live" on its own.

**Do I need to set up SSL / HTTPS?** No - issued and renewed automatically once the domain verifies.

**Is this better for SEO than the embed?** For building your own domain's authority, yes - search engines attribute the content and backlinks to your domain.

**It still says "Pending DNS."** Recheck: Type CNAME, Name exactly `blog`, Value `cname.vercel-dns.com`; on Cloudflare set "DNS only" (grey cloud). Then Check status again.

**Can I remove or change the domain later?** Yes - Blog Site → Domain → Remove detaches it anytime; your blog stays reachable on its default address throughout.