How To Connect Domains and Set Up Custom URLs in Estage

Setting up your own domain inside Estage can feel overwhelming, but once you break it into simple steps, it becomes smooth and easy. This guide will walk you through how to connect a domain, why using Cloudflare matters, and what settings you need to adjust so your Estage project runs on a clean, custom URL. Let’s get started and make sure your brand looks polished and professional online.

How To Set Up Domains in Cloudflare

Before you can connect your domain to Estage, you need to set up your domain inside Cloudflare. Cloudflare acts as the connection point between your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) and Estage, making sure your DNS settings, security, and speed are properly configured.

In this section, we’ll walk through how to create a Cloudflare account, add your domain, and prepare it for integration with Estage so everything runs smoothly. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Create a Free Cloudflare Account

To get started, go to cloudflare.com and click the Sign Up button.

Enter your email and create a strong password. Once your account is created, you’ll be taken to your Cloudflare dashboard.

From here, click Add a Site and enter the domain name you want to connect to Estage (for example, mybusiness.com). Cloudflare will scan your current DNS records and display a summary of what’s set up.

Review the DNS records, but don’t worry if you don’t fully understand them — you can leave most settings as they are for now. The important part is to move forward so you can point your domain to Cloudflare’s system.

When prompted, choose the Free Plan to continue (unless you specifically need premium Cloudflare features, but the free tier works perfectly for most Estage users).

Step 2: Change Your Nameserver Records to Connect to Cloudflare

Once you’ve added your domain in Cloudflare and selected the free plan, Cloudflare will provide you with two new nameserver addresses.

Here’s what you need to do next:

1. Log in to your domain registrar account (this is where you purchased your domain, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, or another provider).
2. Go to your domain’s DNS or nameserver settings.
3. Replace the existing nameservers with the two nameservers provided by Cloudflare.
4. Save your changes.

This step hands control of your DNS management over to Cloudflare, which is necessary for the Estage connection to work.

Note: Changes to nameservers can take up to 24–48 hours to fully propagate across the internet, though many update within a few hours. You can continue the setup process in Cloudflare while you wait.

Step 3: Configure SSL Settings in Cloudflare

After updating your nameservers, go back to your Cloudflare dashboard to configure the SSL settings for your domain. This ensures your Estage site is secure and loads with https A.K.A an SSL certificate.

Here’s how to do it:

1. In Cloudflare, click on your domain to open its settings.
2. Go to the SSL/TLS section in the left-hand menu.
3. Set the SSL mode to Full (not Flexible).
4. Ensure that Always Use HTTPS is turned on, so all traffic is forced through the secure connection.
5. Turn on Automatic HTTPS Rewrites to help ensure that mixed content (http and https) does not break your site layout.

These steps make sure your domain will be secure once it connects to Estage, protecting your visitors and improving trust.

Step 4: Configure Speed Optimization Settings in Cloudflare

Now that your SSL is set, it’s time to fine-tune your Cloudflare speed optimization settings to make sure your Estage site loads fast and smoothly.

Here’s what to adjust:

1. In your Cloudflare dashboard, go to the Speed section.
2. Turn on Auto Minify for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — this reduces file sizes and speeds up load times.
3. Enable Brotli Compression for even better performance, especially on mobile devices.
4. Under Caching, set the level to Standard to make sure frequently accessed files are stored and delivered quickly.

These speed settings help deliver your site faster to users worldwide without changing anything on the Estage side. It’s a simple way to boost performance just by using Cloudflare’s tools.

Step 5: Publish Your Business or Brand Domain to Estage

Once Cloudflare is fully set up and your nameservers have propagated, it’s time to connect the domain inside your Estage account.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to Estage and go to the Project Settings for the specific project you want the domain linked to.
2. Navigate to the Custom Domains section.
3. Click Add New Domain and enter your full domain name (for example, mybusiness.com).
4. Estage will check the connection. If everything is set correctly, you’ll see the domain status change to Connected.
5. Once connected, set this domain as the Primary Domain for the project so all your site traffic uses it.
6. Make sure SSL is enabled inside Estage as well, matching the Cloudflare SSL settings you configured earlier.

With this step, your Estage project is officially live on your branded, professional domain. Visitors will now see your custom domain in the browser instead of a generic Estage link.

Step 6: Create Custom URLs for Pages or Funnels

Now that your main domain is connected, you can set up clean, branded URLs for your specific Estage pages or funnels.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Inside your Estage project, go to the Pages or Funnels section.
2. Select the page or funnel you want to customize.
3. Click Edit Page Settings or Edit Funnel Settings depending on what you’re working on.
4. In the URL Slug or Custom Path field, enter a clean, easy-to-remember name (for example, /free-guide or /offer-page).
5. Save your changes.

For example, if your main domain is mybusiness.com and your page slug is /free-guide, the full URL will now be mybusiness.com/free-guide.

Using clear, short URLs not only looks more professional but also improves user experience and makes it easier to share your links across marketing channels.

Advanced Step: Improve DNS Security With DNSSEC

To strengthen the security of your domain, you can enable DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) in Cloudflare. This protects your domain from certain types of attacks, such as DNS spoofing.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. In your Cloudflare dashboard, select your domain.
2. Go to the DNS section.
3. Look for the DNSSEC option and click Enable.
4. Cloudflare will generate DNSSEC records.
5. Log in to your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy or Namecheap) and enter the provided DNSSEC records into their system.

Once this is complete, your domain’s DNS will have an extra layer of security, making it even more reliable for your Estage setup.

Advanced Step: Create an Estage Community Subdomain

If you want to run a separate community site under your main domain (for example, community.mybusiness.com), Estage lets you create a dedicated subdomain.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. In your Cloudflare dashboard, go to the DNS section for your domain.
2. Add a new CNAME record:
   • Name: community
   • Target: the Estage-provided subdomain or server address (you’ll get this inside Estage when setting up the community module)
3. In Estage, go to Community Settings and input your chosen subdomain (like community.mybusiness.com).
4. Save your settings and wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take a few hours.

This allows you to run your main website and a connected community space under the same branded domain, keeping your ecosystem unified and professional.

Advanced Step: Use a Cloudflare API Token for Performance Boost

For even more control over performance and settings, you can connect Estage to Cloudflare using an API token. This allows Estage to automatically manage certain Cloudflare features, such as cache purging and security tweaks, without you needing to adjust them manually.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
2. Go to My Profile and click API Tokens.
3. Click Create Token and select the template or permissions recommended by Estage (usually limited to cache management and DNS edits).
4. Copy the generated API token.
5. Go back to Estage and paste the token into the Cloudflare integration field under Integrations or Advanced Settings.

By using an API token, you give Estage the ability to handle some performance optimizations automatically, saving you time and keeping your site running smoothly.

Advanced Step: Configure Custom Domain Email (for Namecheap)

If you purchased your domain through Namecheap and want a branded email address (like [email protected]), you’ll need to configure the email settings properly.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Namecheap dashboard.
2. Go to your domain’s Advanced DNS section.
3. Add or update the MX records provided by your email hosting provider (for example, Google Workspace or Zoho Mail).
4. Make sure any existing MX records are removed if they don’t match your email host.
5. In Cloudflare, double-check that your MX records match the ones from Namecheap.

Once the DNS settings are correct, your custom email will start working. Remember, email setup is separate from the website setup but needs DNS to be pointed properly for everything to function together.

Advanced Step: Configure Custom Domain Email (for GoDaddy)

If you bought your domain through GoDaddy and want to use a branded email like [email protected], you’ll need to set up the correct DNS records for your email provider.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Navigate to My Products and select DNS Management for your domain.
3. Find the MX records section and input the records provided by your email host (such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or Zoho Mail).
4. Remove any old or default MX records that could conflict.
5. Go back to Cloudflare and make sure the same MX records appear under your DNS settings there.

With the correct MX records in place, your custom email addresses will route correctly, letting you send and receive professional emails tied to your branded domain.

Advanced Step: Create a Subdomain and Add It to Estage

If you want to set up a subdomain for special projects or microsites (for example, shop.mybusiness.com or events.mybusiness.com), Estage makes it easy to link them.

Here’s how to do it:

1. In your Cloudflare dashboard, go to the DNS section for your main domain.
2. Add a CNAME record with:
   • Name: the subdomain you want (like shop or events)
   • Target: the Estage-provided address or server (you’ll get this info when setting up the subdomain inside Estage)
3. In Estage, go to Project Settings > Custom Domains and add the new subdomain (for example, shop.mybusiness.com).
4. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate (usually within a few hours).

Once connected, you can build separate pages, funnels, or offers under the subdomain, keeping your brand ecosystem organized and easy to navigate.

Troubleshooting Common Domain Connection Issues

Even with the right setup, sometimes domain connections run into snags. Luckily, most issues can be resolved quickly if you know what to look for. This section will walk you through the most common problems people face when connecting domains to Estage, along with clear solutions to get everything running smoothly again. Let’s dive into the key fixes you might need.

Troubleshooting: Fix ‘Not Connected’ Status

If your domain shows Not Connected inside Estage, don’t panic - this usually means something small needs adjusting.

Here’s what to check:

1. Confirm that your nameservers at your domain registrar point to the correct Cloudflare nameservers.
2. Double-check the domain entry inside Estage - make sure you entered the full domain correctly (no typos, no missing “www” if it’s included).
3. Make sure DNS changes have had time to fully propagate. Sometimes it can take several hours, or even up to 24–48 hours, for changes to spread across the internet.
4. In Cloudflare, ensure that your DNS records match what Estage recommends.

If all these steps are correct and you still see the issue, contact Estage support with a screenshot of your DNS and nameserver settings so they can help troubleshoot further.

Troubleshooting: Resolve Browser Errors (Site Can’t Be Reached)

If visitors see a Site Can’t Be Reached error when they try to access your domain, here’s what to check:

1. Confirm that your Cloudflare nameservers are correctly set at your domain registrar.
2. Make sure your Cloudflare account has an active, Full SSL configuration (under SSL/TLS settings).
3. Check your DNS records in Cloudflare to ensure the root domain (@) and any subdomains are pointing to the right targets (like your Estage server or CNAME).
4. Ensure that any firewall settings, either in Cloudflare or Estage, aren’t unintentionally blocking traffic.

Sometimes, simply waiting for DNS propagation or clearing your browser cache can resolve temporary connection issues. If problems persist, test the site from another device or network to rule out local issues.

Troubleshooting: Fix ‘Domain Already in Use’ Error

If you try to connect your domain in Estage and see a Domain Already in Use error, it usually means the domain has been previously connected to another Estage project or account.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Check all your Estage projects to see if the domain is still linked elsewhere.
2. If you no longer need it connected there, go into that project’s settings and remove the domain.
3. If you can’t find where it’s connected or you suspect it’s tied to an old account, reach out to Estage support. Provide the exact domain name and explain the issue so they can clear it on their end.

Once the domain is released, you should be able to add it to your current Estage project without any errors.

Troubleshooting: Remove Parking Page for Domain

If visitors land on your domain and see a parking page (often saying “This domain is parked” or showing registrar ads), it means the domain’s DNS isn’t yet pointing correctly to Cloudflare or Estage.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Log in to your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains).
2. Double-check that the nameservers are set to the ones provided by Cloudflare — if they’re still using the registrar’s default nameservers, the domain will stay parked.
3. In Cloudflare, ensure that your DNS settings are active and pointing correctly to your Estage setup.
4. Clear your local browser cache or test the site on a different device to make sure you’re seeing the updated version.

Once everything is aligned, the parking page should disappear, and your live Estage site will show up on the domain.

Troubleshooting: Activate or Deactivate ‘Under Attack’ Mode

Cloudflare’s Under Attack mode adds an extra security layer if your site is facing suspicious traffic or DDoS attacks, but sometimes it can block legitimate visitors or cause extra loading screens.

Here’s how to manage it:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
2. Select the domain you’re working on.
3. Go to the Overview tab.
4. Look for the Quick Actions panel on the right side.
5. Toggle Under Attack Mode on or off, depending on whether you want extra protection or want to open up normal traffic flow.

If you don’t currently have security issues, it’s usually safe to leave Under Attack mode off so users have the fastest, smoothest experience on your Estage site. Turn it on only if you notice malicious traffic or performance drops due to attacks.

Troubleshooting: Purge Cloudflare Cache

Sometimes you make updates in Estage (like design changes or new content), but when you visit your live site, it still shows the old version. This is often due to cached files in Cloudflare.

Here’s how to clear it:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.
2. Select your domain.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Caching.
4. Click Purge Cache.
5. Choose Purge Everything to clear all cached files and force Cloudflare to pull the newest version from Estage.

After purging the cache, refresh your website, and you should see the most up-to-date content live. Remember, only purge the cache when necessary, as doing it too often can temporarily slow down site performance.

FAQs

Do I need a different Cloudflare account for each domain?
No, you can manage multiple domains inside a single Cloudflare account. Each domain has its own settings, but you can control them all from one place.

Can I add multiple domains in Estage?
Yes, Estage allows you to add multiple domains or subdomains to your projects. Just ensure each one is correctly set up in Cloudflare and linked in your Estage Project Settings.

Do I need to buy a hosting package separately?
No, Estage includes hosting as part of its platform. You only need to purchase your domain and point it through Cloudflare. Your pages, funnels, and products are hosted by Estage once the domain is connected.

How long does it take for DNS changes to update?
Most DNS changes update within a few hours, but full global propagation can take up to 24–48 hours. Be patient and monitor your site during this period.

Can I use www and non-www versions of my domain?
Yes, but you’ll need to set up a redirect or CNAME record in Cloudflare so both versions point to the same destination. This ensures visitors can reach your site no matter which version they type in.

What should I do if my SSL certificate isn’t showing as secure?
First, make sure SSL is set to Full in Cloudflare and that SSL is enabled in your Estage project settings. If needed, clear your browser cache or wait a few minutes for the SSL configuration to fully apply.

Do I need to set up email through Cloudflare?
No, Cloudflare only handles DNS management. You need a separate email hosting provider (like Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, or Microsoft 365) to manage your domain email accounts. Make sure to add the correct MX records in Cloudflare for the email service to work.

Final Thoughts

Connecting your custom domain to Estage may seem technical at first, but once you follow the clear steps with Cloudflare and Estage’s built-in tools, the process becomes simple and smooth. A properly connected domain boosts your brand’s professionalism, builds customer trust, and ensures your marketing funnels and pages run under your own name, not a generic link.

By combining the right DNS setup, SSL security, speed optimizations, and clean URLs, you give your visitors a seamless experience from start to finish. And if you ever hit a snag, Estage and Cloudflare both provide detailed tools and support options to help you troubleshoot and fix common issues.

Bookmark this guide, because as Estage grows and adds new features or integrations, we will update this resource with the latest best practices to keep your domain setup running at its best.

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