Every MenuDock store has a web address from day one: a free subdomain on menudock.co.uk. If you're on Pro or Business, you can also point your own domain at the same storefront. This article explains the difference and when to bother with a custom one.
Your free subdomain
When you signed up you chose a subdomain, so your storefront already lives at something like cozy-kitchen.menudock.co.uk. It works straight away, costs nothing, and is included on every plan. For a lot of restaurants that's all they ever need.
A custom domain
A custom domain is a web address you own, like order.yourrestaurant.com or yourrestaurant.com. It points customers at the same MenuDock storefront, just under your own name. Custom domains are a Pro and Business feature.
| Free subdomain | Custom domain | |
|---|---|---|
| Address | you.menudock.co.uk |
yourrestaurant.com |
| Cost | Included | You buy the domain from a registrar |
| Plans | All plans | Pro and Business |
| Setup | None, it's ready at signup | Add DNS records at your registrar |
| Looks like | MenuDock | Entirely your brand |
Your subdomain keeps working even after you add a custom domain, so links you've already shared won't break.
Setting up a custom domain
You manage this in the admin panel under Settings → Domain.
The short version:
- Buy the domain (or subdomain like
order.yourrestaurant.com) from a registrar, if you haven't already. - In Settings → Domain, press Add domain and enter it.
- MenuDock shows you the DNS records to add, including a record that proves you own the domain. Add them in your registrar's DNS settings.
- Once DNS propagates the page flips to active on its own, usually within a few minutes, though it can take up to an hour.
The full walkthrough, with screenshots of the DNS records, is in Connect a custom domain.
Which should I use?
Start on the subdomain. It's free, instant, and perfectly fine for taking orders. Move to a custom domain when you want the address on your menus, flyers and Google listing to be your own brand rather than menudock.co.uk. It looks more established to customers and is easier to remember.
Related articles
- Getting started: the 10-minute checklist
- Connect a custom domain
- Business settings
- Custom domain isn't working
Need a hand?
Domain added but the storefront won't load on it? DNS changes can lag, so give it up to an hour first. Still stuck after that? Email support@menudock.co.uk with your domain name and we'll check the records with you.