Connect a Domain Name
Connecting your domain to your Madra site is a straightforward process that involves updating DNS records at your domain registrar.
Once you have purchased a domain name, you need to point it to the servers hosting your Madra site. The Madra team can handle this step for you, or you can do it yourself by following the instructions below.
How do I connect a domain I already own?
If you already own a domain purchased from a registrar (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Gandi, Google Domains, etc.), here are the steps to connect it to your Madra site:
From your Dashboard, provide the domain name you want to use. The team will send you the DNS records to configure.
Access the DNS management panel of your domain provider (Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.). Look for the "DNS Zone" or "DNS Records" section.
Add or modify the records provided by Madra. Typically, this involves an A record (for the root domain) and a CNAME record (for the www subdomain).
DNS changes take between 1 and 48 hours to propagate across the internet. In practice, it usually takes effect in under 2 hours.
Once propagation is complete, the Madra team verifies that everything is working correctly and automatically activates the SSL certificate.
For a simpler setup, you can change your domain's nameservers to point to Madra's servers. This lets the team manage your entire DNS configuration. Request the exact nameservers via your Dashboard.
Can I buy a domain directly through Madra?
Yes. With the Pro plan (€39.90/month), the Madra team can purchase a domain name on your behalf. In this case, you do not need to perform any technical steps: the domain is purchased, configured, and connected to your site automatically.
The domain price depends on the extension you choose (typically between €7 and €50 per year). This cost is separate from your Madra subscription.
How long does DNS propagation take?
DNS propagation is the time required for your changes to become visible worldwide. Here is what to expect:
- Typical timeframe — between 1 and 4 hours in most cases
- Maximum timeframe — up to 48 hours in rare cases (some internet providers are slower to refresh their DNS caches)
- During propagation — some visitors will see your new site while others may still see the old content or an error page. This is normal and temporary
You do not need to do anything during this period. Propagation happens automatically.
What are common issues?
Here are the most frequent problems and how to resolve them:
- Site not showing after 48 hours — verify that the DNS records are entered correctly (no extra spaces, no typos). Contact the Madra team for verification
- Site loads as HTTP instead of HTTPS — the SSL certificate is activated automatically after DNS propagation. If the padlock does not appear after 24 hours, report it via your Dashboard
- Old site still showing — DNS propagation may still be in progress. Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete) and try again
- The www subdomain does not work — check that the CNAME record for "www" is configured in addition to the A record for the root domain
If you encounter any issues connecting your domain, the Madra team is here to help. Contact us via your Dashboard or by email at hello@madra.io.