A custom domain is a unique web address that you choose for your website – something like yourbusiness.com instead of a generic one like yourbusiness.b12sites.com. It’s your personalized URL that represents your brand online and makes your site easier to find and remember.

Using a custom domain signals credibility, builds trust with visitors, and gives your business a more professional online presence. 

Why custom domains matter for websites

Well, it offers some pretty significant advantages:

• Brand recognition – Your domain name is often the first thing people see. A custom domain reinforces your brand identity and makes it much simpler to include in your marketing materials.
• SEO benefits – Search engines tend to favor websites with clear and relevant domain names, especially if they include keywords related to your business or what you offer.
• Professionalism and trust – Visitors are generally more likely to trust a website with its own dedicated domain name compared to a generic or temporary-looking address. It just feels more established.
• Email branding – Imagine having email addresses like hello@yourbusiness.com. It adds another layer of professionalism and reinforces your brand with every communication.

How to get a custom domain

Getting your own domain is easy:

1. Search for your name – Use a domain search tool to check if your desired web address is available.
2. Register it – Purchase the domain through a registrar or directly through your website builder.
3. Connect to your site – Once purchased, point the domain to your website so people can access it with your custom URL.
4. Renew annually – Domains are registered yearly, so make sure you renew it to keep ownership.

Examples of custom domains

Here are a few quick examples of what custom domains can look like in action:

• thegreenstudio.com instead of thegreenstudio.b12sites.com
• shopwithluna.com instead of luna-store.webbuilder.com
• smithlegalgroup.com instead of smithlegalgroup123.hostingplatform.com

In each case, the custom domain is cleaner, easier to remember, and makes a better impression with clients or customers.

FAQs about custom domains

Why do I need a custom domain?

A custom domain makes your website look more polished and trustworthy. It also helps improve search engine visibility and builds brand recognition with visitors.

Can I use my existing domain with a new website?

Yes! If you already own a domain, most website builders let you connect it to your new site during setup.

How much does a custom domain cost?

Domain prices typically start at $10–$20 per year, depending on the extension (like .com, .co, or .net). Some website builders include a free custom domain in their plans.

What if my preferred domain is taken?

You can try variations. Add a word like “get,” “try,” or “hq” to your name, or consider alternate extensions like .co or .studio.

Build your website with a custom domain on B12

With B12’s AI-powered website builder, you can launch a site that includes a custom domain. Get a professional web address that matches your brand and helps you stand out online. Start building your website today and make your mark on the web.