Buttondown Documentation
This topic explains what a custom domain is and how to think about buying and configuring one.
A custom domain is a unique URL that's attached to a website's IP address. It's a memorable shorthand that helps customers find a website by typing the domain name into their browser's address bar instead of memorizing a long IP address. For example, if you wanted to associate a memorable phrase with your personal website, you could register "yourname.com" as a custom domain.
There are two reasons to use a custom domain for your newsletter:
The answer, as always, is "it depends". Domains generally cost around $10—$20 annually; rare or in-demand domains can cost much, much more than that.
We recommend finding a domain name that is as close to your name or your newsletter's name as possible. This will make it easier for people to remember and find your newsletter.
When you choose a custom domain for your website or online project, there are a few additional things to consider:
Once you've got a domain name in mind, it's time to actually purchase it! There are a number of different services, which are called "domain registrars," that allow you to do this.
We recommend using Namecheap. It's cheap, easy to use, and has a good reputation.
Both services will prompt you for a domain name. If your top choice is available, it will let you purchase your domain (at what is hopefully a reasonable price!) and you're all set. If not, they will suggest variations on that domain that may be available (perhaps with a different 'TLD', like .net instead of .com, or with some hyphens or additional words included.)