Whether you want to launch a new website on HubSpot Content Hub or keep your content production and publication in one place, a Domain-HubSpot connection becomes necessary.
At first, connecting a domain to HubSpot may look simple. Still, it can turn into a complicated puzzle if you aren’t clear about how HubSpot handles domains, DNS records, and its subscription-based domain connection limits.
Many teams follow the connection setup steps blindfolded & end up with failed connections, unexpected subscription upgrades, or last-minute chaos while adding subdomains or scaling campaigns. It happens mainly because they avoid checking: how many domains HubSpot actually allows under each subscription.
Here, we will walk you through both sides of the coin: how to connect a domain to HubSpot, and domain subscription limits across HubSpot plans.
If you want a Domain-HubSpot connection setup that works today and scales tomorrow, this guide will help you get it right the first time.
First, Let’s Understand HubSpot Subscription Limits for Domain Connection
Each domain you want to connect will consist of three things: a subdomain, a brand domain, and a Top-Level Domain (TLD). For instance:
| HubSpot Subscription | Domain Limits |
|---|---|
| Content Hub Professional |
|
| Content Hub Enterprise |
|
| Service Hub Professional |
|
| Service Hub Enterprise |
|
| Marketing Hub Professional |
|
| Marketing Hub Enterprise |
|
Pre-Setup Checklist: What You Need Before Connecting a Domain to HubSpot?
Here are simple steps to check before connecting a domain to a HubSpot:
- Keep your DNS (Domain Name System) records updated. Also, keep your DNS provider login details handy to access the DNS records regularly.
- While moving the existing live website to HubSpot, review the domain verification process for pre-provisioning SSL for the domain.
- A root/subdomain can host pages in a single location only. If you try to connect root/subdomain to Hubspot that’s hosting other external pages, links to those pages will break.
If you want to host pages in multiple locations, like WordPress and HubSpot, you have to use a separate subdomain for each provider. - Before connecting a subdomain to HubSpot, you will need to update the CNAME records and connect. And when connecting a root domain, you will need to update A records.
- Convert IP addresses to IPV6 from IPV4.
Once these factors are in place, you can start with the domain-HubSpot connection process.
Steps to Connect a Domain to HubSpot
Here’s a stepwise guide for that will help you connect a domain easily to your HubSpot account:
1. Log in to your HubSpot account and navigate to the settings in the top navigation bar.
2. In the left sidebar menu, navigate to Content -> Domains & URLs
3. Click on Connect a domain option, then select the type of domain you want to connect:
- Hosting: It makes the subdomain the default host for the selected content types in HubSpot.
- Email Sending: It will add another layer of authentication to your HubSpot emails.
- Redirect: Here subdomain isn’t used to host content. It will automatically redirect to another domain connected to HubSpot. You can use individual URL redirects in the redirect domains for any HubSpot-hosted page or external page.
4. While connecting a reverse proxy, don’t forget to toggle off the “Connect with HubSpot’s CDN (content delivery network).”
5. At last, click on the Connect button.
6. Enter the full domain name you wish to use (e.g., www.trooinbound.com).
- Subdomain: The prefix (e.g., www or blog).
- Brand Domain: Your core company name (e.g., trooinbound).
- Top-level Domain: The extension (e.g., .com), then click Next.
7. Now navigate to Advanced options and click on the Primary content types dropdown menu to select the relevant content types for hosting.
8. Then click the Primary language dropdown menu and select a language. It helps search engines understand the language of your website. Then click Next.
9. Next comes the redirection option. Pages will be automatically redirected from the root domain to the subdomain or vice versa, depending on what you are connecting to HubSpot. So, click on Next.
10. Now next is the DNS setup, where you will need to log in to your DNS provider to access your records. Click the I understand checkbox to confirm the hosting configuration details.
- If you’re using a common DNS provider, like AWS, GoDaddy, IONOS, Cloudflare, etc., click Sign in with <provider name> and log in directly.
- Click No, I’ll set it up manually, if you’re using a different domain provider.
11. Now, copy the Host and Required Data values from HubSpot.
12. Then, log in to your DNS provider and paste these values into the matching fields for the subdomain record you’re connecting.
13. After saving the record, click Verify in HubSpot.
14. Once the DNS records are updated, they will be verified within 15-80 minutes
- If there are errors in verifying your DNS changes, you can check the detailed description of each error as well.
How To Verify Whether Your Domain Is Connected to HubSpot or Not?
Follow these steps to check whether your domain is properly connected and is active on HubSpot or not:
- Log in to your HubSpot
- Navigate to Settings and then go to Domains & URLs
- From there, you can check the status of your domain. If the connection process was successful, it should show “Connected.”
- If you see the status as “Pending” even after 1-2 days, click “Refresh” to update the status. You can also cross-check your domain by visiting your landing pages or site using the connected domain URL.
In Case of Any Issues
- Cross-check that DNS records match the HubSpot values.
- Check for typos or extra characters in your DNS records.
- Connect with the domain registrar for further assistance.
- Reach out to HubSpot support for guidance.
Ready To Connect a Domain to HubSpot?
Connecting a domain to HubSpot will directly impact how your website, campaigns, and emails perform as your business grows. And the keys to accurate connection are clarity and planning.
Knowing which domain types you actually need, preparing DNS access in advance, and understanding HubSpot’s subscription limits can prevent messy workarounds later.
At TRooInbound, we help businesses plan and implement HubSpot setups that are built to scale. Whether you are launching a new site, restructuring multiple domains, or preparing HubSpot for long-term growth, the right setup makes everything downstream easier.
If you want expert guidance on connecting and managing domains in HubSpot without overcomplicating your setup, feel free to reach out to our expert HubSpot developers or start a quick conversation to discuss your requirements.