Connect your own domain

How to Set Up a Custom Domain on Occasion (Complete BYOB Guide)

Quick Answer: To add a custom domain to Occasion, create a CNAME record pointing to custom.occasion.app in your DNS settings, then verify it in Occasion's Settings → Domains. Setup takes 10-30 minutes including DNS propagation. Costs $20/month for Starter plans, included free with Grow/Maximize.

Prerequisites:

Access to your domain's DNS settings
Active Occasion account with BYOB enabled
10-30 minutes for setup and propagation

What is a Custom Domain on Occasion?

A custom domain replaces the default occasion.app/yourbusiness URL with your own branded domain like book.yourbusiness.com . This creates a white-label booking experience that:

Builds Trust: Customers stay on "your" website
Improves SEO: Links point to your domain
Increases Conversions: 23% higher completion rate (Occasion data)
Looks Professional: Consistent brand experience

Domain Options Comparison:

Type	Example	Setup Time	Best For
Subdomain	book.yourbusiness.com	5-10 min	Most businesses (recommended)
Path-based	yourbusiness.com/book	30-60 min	Single domain preference
Separate Domain	yourbusinessclasses.com	10-15 min	Multi-brand businesses

How to Configure DNS for Occasion Custom Domain

Step 1: Add CNAME Record to Your DNS

Required DNS Record:

Type: CNAME
Name: book (or your chosen subdomain)
Value: custom.occasion.app
TTL: 3600 (or Auto)
Proxy: Disabled (Cloudflare users)

Provider-Specific Instructions:

GoDaddy DNS Setup:

Go to: My Products → Domains → Manage
Click "DNS" next to your domain
Click "Add" → Type: CNAME
Host: book | Points to: custom.occasion.app
Save (propagation: 5-30 minutes)

Namecheap DNS Setup:

Go to: Domain List → Manage
Click "Advanced DNS" tab
Add New Record → CNAME Record
Host: book | Value: custom.occasion.app
Save (propagation: 5-30 minutes)

Cloudflare DNS Setup:

Go to: DNS → Records
Click "Add Record"
Type: CNAME | Name: book | Target: custom.occasion.app
Important: Proxy status = DNS only (gray cloud)
Save (propagation: instant-5 minutes)

Google Domains Setup:

Go to: DNS → Custom records
Click "Create new record"
Host name: book | Type: CNAME | Data: custom.occasion.app
Add (propagation: 5-30 minutes)

Step 2: Verify DNS Propagation

Check Your DNS Status:

Visit: whatsmydns.net
Enter: book.yourbusiness.com
Select: CNAME
Verify: Shows custom.occasion.app globally

Propagation Times by Provider:

Cloudflare: Instant to 5 minutes
Google Domains: 5-15 minutes
GoDaddy: 15-30 minutes
Namecheap: 15-30 minutes
Others: Up to 48 hours (rare)

How to Connect Your Domain in Occasion

Connection Process:

Navigate to Domain Settings
- Log into Occasion
- Go to: Settings → Domains → Custom Domain
  Enter Your Domain
- Full domain: book.yourbusiness.com
- Do NOT include https:// or trailing slash
  Verify Domain Ownership
- Click "Verify Domain"
- System checks DNS configuration
- Success: Green checkmark appears
- Failed: See troubleshooting below
  Activate Your Domain
- Click "Activate Domain"
- Domain goes live immediately
- Old links auto-redirect to new domain

Verification Requirements:

✓ CNAME points to custom.occasion.app
✓ DNS has propagated (5-30 minutes)
✓ No conflicting A records
✓ Domain not used elsewhere

SSL Certificate Information

Automatic SSL Setup:

Occasion automatically provisions free SSL certificates through Let's Encrypt for all custom domains.

SSL Timeline:

Domain verified → Certificate requested (instant)
Certificate issued → 5-10 minutes
HTTPS active → Automatic
Renewal → Auto-renews every 90 days

What This Provides:

🔒 Secure https:// connection
✓ Green padlock in browsers
✓ PCI DSS compliance maintained
✓ 256-bit encryption
✓ No additional cost

Troubleshooting Custom Domain Issues

Domain Not Verifying

Problem: "Domain verification failed" error

Solutions by Cause:

DNS Not Propagated
- Wait 30 minutes
- Check: whatsmydns.net
- Look for: All green checkmarks
  Wrong CNAME Target
- Must be: custom.occasion.app
- NOT: occasion.app or www.occasion.app
- Fix: Update DNS record
  Cloudflare Proxy Enabled
- Set to: DNS only (gray cloud)
- NOT: Proxied (orange cloud)
- Location: Cloudflare → DNS → Edit record
  Conflicting Records
- Remove: Any A records for same subdomain
- Check: No duplicate CNAMEs
- Keep: Only one CNAME per subdomain

SSL Certificate Issues

Problem: "Not Secure" warning in browser

Quick Fixes:

Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)
Try incognito/private mode
Wait 10 minutes for certificate
Contact support if > 1 hour

Common Error Messages

Error	Meaning	Solution
"Domain already in use"	Domain used by another Occasion account	Contact support with proof of ownership
"Invalid CNAME"	DNS record incorrect	Update to point to `custom.occasion.app`
"DNS timeout"	Propagation incomplete	Wait 30 minutes and retry
"SSL pending"	Certificate generating	Wait 10 minutes, auto-resolves

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my main domain (yourbusiness.com)?

A: Yes, but subdomains are recommended. Main domains require proxy configuration and may affect your website's SEO.

Q: How many domains can I connect?

A: Starter/Grow: 1 domain. Maximize: Up to 5 domains for multi-brand operations.

Q: Will my old Occasion links still work?

A: Yes. All occasion.app/yourbusiness links automatically redirect to your custom domain with 301 redirects.

Q: Can I change my custom domain later?

A: Yes. Add new domain → Verify → Activate. Old domain disconnects automatically. Update marketing materials.

Q: What if I switch domain providers?

A: Just add the CNAME record at your new provider. No changes needed in Occasion.

Q: Do I need to buy an SSL certificate?

A: No. SSL certificates are free and automatic for all custom domains.

Q: How does this affect my email?

A: It doesn't. Subdomains don't affect email. Your MX records remain unchanged.

Get Help

Setup Support: support@occasion.app
Include: Screenshot of DNS settings
Response: Within 24 hours

Last Updated: January 2025

Version: 2.0

Requirements: BYOB enabled on your plan