How to Set Up Custom Domains and Subdomains for Your Property & Static Guides

🧭 Overview

BetterSTR allows you to create custom URLs for your property and static guides, making them easier to share and more professional. You have two options:

1. Subdomains – Use our domain with your chosen subdomain (e.g., myguide.guidebook.cloud)

2. Custom Domains – Use your own domain (e.g., guide.yourdomain.com) 

Both options provide a clean, branded URL without any BetterSTR branding in the link.

✅ Prerequisites

• At least one active property or static guide

• Sufficient funds in your account (however a 14 day trial is available)

• For custom domains: ownership of the domain and access to its DNS settings

🔹 Setting Up a Subdomain

Step 1: Navigate to Your Guide

1. Log in to your BetterSTR dashboard

2. Go to:

   • Properties → Choose a property

   • Static Guides → Choose a guide

Step 2: Access Domain Settings

1. Click the "More Actions" (three dots) button

2. Select "Add Domain"

Step 3: Configure Your Subdomain

1. Choose "Subdomain"

2. Enter your subdomain (e.g., beachhouse, miami-rental)

   • Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only

   • 3–63 characters, cannot start or end with a hyphen

3. Choose .guidebook.cloud as the base domain

4. System will check availability

Step 4: Complete Registration

1. Review cost 

2. Click "Register Subdomain"

3. The amount will be deducted from your balance

4. Subdomain is active immediately!

Step 5: Share Your New URL

Your guide is now available at:
https://yoursubdomain.guidebook.cloud

🔸 Setting Up a Custom Domain

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain

• Ensure you own the domain

• Have DNS access via your registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare)

Step 2: Navigate to Your Guide

1. Log in to BetterSTR

2. Go to:

   • Properties → Choose a property

   • Static Guides → Choose a guide

Step 3: Access Domain Settings

1. Click "More Actions"

2. Select "Add Domain"

Step 4: Configure Your Custom Domain

1. Choose "Custom Domain"

2. Enter full domain (e.g., guide.yourdomain.com)

3. Confirm the requirements and hosting notice

Step 5: Complete Registration

1. Review cost 

2. Click "Register Custom Domain"

3. Funds will be deducted from your balance

Step 6: Configure DNS

At your domain registrar:

Step 7: Wait for DNS Propagation

• Typically 1–4 hours

• May take up to 48 hours

• Your custom domain will work once DNS updates complete

🛠 Managing Your Domains

Viewing Domains

1. Go to Domains in the dashboard

2. View all active domains with:

   • Type

   • Linked guide

   • Creation & expiry dates

   • Status

Deleting a Domain

1. In Domains, find your domain

2. Click the 🗑️ icon

3. Confirm deletion
   Note: Registration fees are non-refundable

📌 Important Notes

Subdomains

• Instantly available

• Renew yearly fee

• Reserved names like www, admin, etc. are blocked

Custom Domains

• You must maintain domain ownership

• If your domain expires, the custom link stops working

• Keep your CNAME record active

• DNS updates can take time—be patient!

🧩 Troubleshooting

Subdomain Not Working

• Confirm it's registered

• Ensure the guide is published

• Clear browser cache

Custom Domain Not Working

• Double-check DNS settings

• Use a DNS checker tool

• Wait for propagation (up to 48 hrs)

• Confirm your BetterSTR registration is active

"Insufficient Balance" Error

• Top up via Settings → Add Funds

• Ensure funds available

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my subdomain later?
A: No. You must delete and re-register a new one.

Q: Can I use multiple domains for one guide?
A: Yes! You can add several pointing to the same guide.

Q: What happens when a domain expires?
A: The domain stops working, but your guide remains accessible via its BetterSTR URL.

Q: Can I move a domain to another guide?
A: No. You must delete it and add it to the new guide.

Q: Do you provide SSL?
A: Yes! All domains automatically receive HTTPS certificates.

💬 Need Help?

If you’re stuck, contact our support team with:

• Your domain name

• The guide it connects to

• Any error messages

• Screenshot of DNS settings (for custom domains)