Flowhub Custom Hostname makes it quick and easy to serve your online menu through your own domain (sometimes called a "vanity URL"). In this article, we'll guide you through setting it up so your team can preserve your brand identity, strengthen SEO, and increase customer confidence.
Note: Setting up a Custom Hostname requires access to your domain's DNS configuration. This is typically managed through your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Cloudflare). If you're unsure who manages your DNS, check with your web administrator before proceeding.
Choose a Subdomain
Before making any DNS changes, decide what subdomain you want customers to use when visiting your online menu. A subdomain is the text that appears before your main domain name.
Choose a subdomain value that reflects your brand and is easy for customers to remember.
For example, if your domain is
alphacannabis.com, your online menu might live atmenu.alphacannabis.com. In this case,menuis the subdomain.
If you have multiple store locations, consider including a location indicator in each subdomain.
For example:
menu.denver.alphacannabis.comandmenu.boulder.alphacannabis.comAlternatively:
order-denver.alphacannabis.comandorder-boulder.alphacannabis.com
Select a unique subdomain for each online menu you operate.
If you have one store, you need one subdomain.
If you have multiple stores with separate menus, each menu needs its own subdomain.
Contact Flowhub and share your chosen subdomain(s).
Your Flowhub representative will initiate the setup and provide you with the ownership verification values you need for the steps below.
💡 Tip: Subdomains can include periods and hyphens. Choose a format that is recognizable and easy for your customers to type.
Create a CNAME Record
A CNAME record tells browsers where to direct traffic when customers visit your new subdomain. You will create this record in your domain registrar's DNS configuration.
Navigate to the DNS management area in your domain registrar's dashboard.
Select the option to add a new DNS record.
Select CNAME as the record type.
In the Label or Host field, enter your chosen subdomain.
For example:
order.boulder
In the Destination or Target field, enter
stores.dispensary.shop.If there is a TTL field, leave the default value or select Auto. If a value is required, enter
3600.
💡 Tip: DNS providers may use different labels for these fields (such as "Host" vs. "Label" or "Target" vs. "Destination"). Refer to your domain registrar's documentation if the field names look different from what is described here.
Add a Domain Ownership Verification Record
After creating the CNAME, you need to prove to Flowhub that you own and control the domain. You do this by adding a TXT record with a unique verification value that Flowhub provides to you.
In the same DNS management area, select the option to add a new DNS record.
Select TXT as the record type.
In the Name, Host, or Alias field, enter the TXT record name provided by Flowhub.
This value will follow a format similar to:
_custom-domain.order.boulder.alphacannabis.comDo not use the example above — use the value provided to you by your Flowhub representative.
In the Value, Answer, or Destination field, enter the verification value provided by Flowhub.
This value will follow a format similar to:
b6f76e9e-20cc-4163-a931-153bb8f0089bDo not use the example above — use the value provided to you by your Flowhub representative.
If there is a TTL field, leave the default value or select Auto. If a value is required, enter
3600.
Add an SSL Certificate Verification Record
This step ensures that your custom hostname is secured with an SSL certificate, so customers see a trusted connection when visiting your online menu.
In the same DNS management area, select the option to add a new DNS record.
Select TXT as the record type.
In the Name, Host, or Alias field, enter the SSL verification record name provided by Flowhub.
This value will follow a format similar to:
_acme-challenge.order.boulder.alphacannabis.comDo not use the example above — use the value provided to you by your Flowhub representative.
In the Value, Answer, or Destination field, enter the SSL verification value provided by Flowhub.
This value will follow a format similar to:
wOPcmLYHSnzf4a5U2mWLfcUuYmB_eaUTokbLQgnpC34Do not use the example above — use the value provided to you by your Flowhub representative.
If there is a TTL field, leave the default value or select Auto. If a value is required, enter
3600.
Notify Flowhub and Verify
Let your Flowhub representative know that you have completed all DNS changes.
Allow time for DNS records to propagate through the global DNS system.
Propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on your DNS provider.
Once propagation is complete, Flowhub will verify your records and activate your custom hostname.
💡 Tip: If your custom hostname is not working after 48 hours, double-check that all DNS record values match exactly what Flowhub provided. Even small differences (extra spaces, missing characters) can prevent verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need technical experience to set this up?
You need access to your domain's DNS configuration, which is typically managed through your domain registrar. If you're unfamiliar with DNS settings, we recommend working with your web administrator or IT team.
Can I use a subdomain with multiple parts, like menu.denver?
Yes. Subdomains can include periods and hyphens. For example,
menu.denver.alphacannabis.comandorder-boulder.alphacannabis.comare both valid formats.
What if I have multiple stores?
Each online menu needs its own unique subdomain. Repeat the CNAME, domain ownership verification, and SSL certificate verification steps for each menu.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Propagation typically takes a few minutes to 48 hours. During this time, the custom hostname may not resolve for all users.
What is stores.dispensary.shop?
This is the destination address that Flowhub uses to route traffic from your custom subdomain to your ecommerce menu. All custom hostnames point to this address via the CNAME record.
Can I use my root domain (like alphacannabis.com) instead of a subdomain?
No. Flowhub supports subdomain routing, not root domain routing. Your custom hostname must be a subdomain, such as
menu.alphacannabis.com.
Success! 🎊
You've set up a Custom Hostname for your Flowhub Ecommerce menu. Your customers can now access your online ordering experience through your own branded domain.