Getting Started
How to connect your own domain to your dealer website
Using your own domain (yourdealership.com) instead of a subdomain makes your website look more professional and builds SEO authority faster. This guide walks through the DNS configuration process.
Key takeaways
- A custom domain costs $10–$15/year from any domain registrar
- SSL (HTTPS) is installed automatically — no separate setup needed
- DNS changes typically take 1–2 hours to propagate
- Custom domains build SEO authority faster than shared subdomains
Why a custom domain matters
A website at yourdealership.com projects professionalism and builds trust with buyers. It also builds SEO authority — search engines accumulate trust signals for a domain over time, meaning the sooner you establish yours, the better.
If you do not yet own a domain for your dealership, purchase one from any domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.). A .com domain typically costs $10 to $15 per year.
Step 1: Find your DNS settings
Log in to wherever you purchased your domain (your registrar's website). Find the DNS management section — it may be called DNS Settings, DNS Management, or Name Servers.
Step 2: Add the DNS records
In your Automo Soft dashboard, navigate to Website Settings > Domain. You will see the DNS records you need to add — typically an A record pointing to the server IP address.
In your registrar's DNS panel, add the A record with the values shown in your dashboard. If you want www.yourdealership.com to also work, add a CNAME record for www pointing to your Automo Soft subdomain.
Step 3: Enter your domain in your dashboard
Return to your Automo Soft dashboard and enter your domain name in the Custom Domain field. The system will verify that the DNS records are correctly pointing to your website.
DNS changes typically propagate within 1 to 2 hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. Once verified, your website is live at your custom domain with an SSL certificate installed automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What if I already have a website at my domain?
If your domain currently points to another website, updating the DNS records will move your site to Automo Soft. Back up your existing website content before making any DNS changes.
Can I use a subdomain like cars.mydomain.com?
Yes. Subdomains can be connected using a CNAME record instead of an A record. The process is similar — contact support if you need help with a subdomain configuration.
More guides on Getting Started
How to set up your dealer website
A professional dealer website is live in a day when you use Automo Soft. This guide walks through every step — from choosing your theme to going live on your own domain.
How to add your first vehicle to inventory
Adding a vehicle to Automo Soft takes under 5 minutes when you use the VIN decoder. Here is the complete step-by-step process — from VIN entry to published listing.
How to connect and post to Facebook Marketplace
Automo Soft's Facebook Marketplace posting tool lets you post vehicles in bulk with scheduling. This guide walks through connecting your account and posting your first vehicles.
How to set up live chat on your dealer website
Automo Soft includes a built-in live chat widget with three modes: human chat, AI auto-responder, and Smart AI Assistant. This guide helps you choose and configure the right mode for your dealership.
Ready to put this into practice?
Automo Soft gives you the tools to run a more efficient, more profitable dealership. Start your 14-day free trial today.