Website

Custom domain

Link your domain to your Smart Directory AI installation for live access.

Last updated on 01 Apr, 2026

IMPORTANT: If you are upgrading an existing Agency Growth Machine site to SmartDirectoryAI, do NOT change your domain until after you've imported all listings from your old site. See here for more info:
I have an existing Agency Growth Machine directory. How do I transfer it to SmartDirectoryAI?

Let's do it together!

Step 1: Access Dashboard

Log into your Smart Directory AI sub account to access the dashboard.

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Step 2: Preview Site

Click the Preview button to view the current site URL.

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Step 3: Note Current URL

Recognize that the displayed URL is a preview URL, not the final domain.

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Step 4: Confirm Setup Completion

Ensure all setup steps for Smart Directory AI are completed before connecting your domain.

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Step 5: Log into Domain Provider

Access the account of your domain name provider where your domain was purchased.

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Step 6: Identify Domain Provider

Identify your domain provider, such as GoDaddy or Bluehost, to find instructions.

Check the bottom of this article for instructions for common registrars.

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Step 7: Prepare to Add A Record

Navigate to the branding section in your Smart Directory AI and click on the domain tab.

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Step 8: Copy IP Address

Click Domain Connection Info and copy the IP address shown in step two.

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Step 9: Delete Existing Records

In your domain provider, delete any existing redirection and old DNS records.

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Step 10: Add A Record

Add a new A record by selecting it from the list and using the at symbol as the host.

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Step 11: Save Changes

Note: If you want to use a sub-domain for your SmartDirectory, instead of using host @ for your A record, set the host value to whatever subdomain you'd like to use. Do not include the full domain, just the subdomain itself. For example, if you wanted to setup your SmartDirectory at directory.yourdomain.com, you'd create an A record with host value set to directory.

Paste the copied IP address and click Save to finalize the A record.

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Step 12: Wait for Propagation

Allow time for the DNS changes to propagate before verifying the domain.

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Step 13: Update Domain

Return to your Smart Directory AI dashboard and enter your domain, then click Update.

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Step 14: Check Configuration

If you see a configuration error, wait before trying to update again. Propagation may take time.

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Step 15: Confirm Success

After successful update, your site will be live. Click Preview to check.

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DNS Update Instructions for Common Registrars

The process for updating your domain's DNS records varies depending on where you purchased the domain. Below are how-to articles for the most commonly used domain registrars:

Instructions for Namecheap

Instructions for GoDaddy

Instructions for Bluehost

Instructions for HostGator

Instructions for Cloudflare

Instructions for HighLevel Domains

Instructions for 1and1

If your registrar is not listed above, try to Google [your registrar name] update DNS settings.

Note: Also, if you're using Cloudflare, you'll need to edit the DNS settings there instead of at your registrar.

Troubleshooting

Domain not configured
Wait for DNS propagation and try updating again.
Getting a "Welcome to nginx!" message
This usually means your domain was updated in SmartDirectoryAI before the DNS finished propagating. Here’s how to fix it: 1. Go to your SmartDirectoryAI Dashboard 2. Click the Branding option in the top menu 3. Click the Edit button on your active theme 4. Select the 2. Domain tab 5. Confirm your domain is entered correctly 6. Click the Update button again You should see a green confirmation message — and your directory should load properly now.
Error message persists
Give it time, DNS can take up to 24 hours to propagate.

FAQ

How long does DNS propagation take?
Up to 24 hours, depending on various factors.
What if my domain shows an error?
Wait and try updating again after some time.
Can I use any domain provider?
Yes, but the steps may vary slightly.

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