If you've built a site in Google Sites and want visitors to see it when they type in your Rocketspark domain, instead of your Rocketspark website, you can do this by updating a couple of DNS records (the settings that tell the internet where to send visitors for your domain). This guide walks you through getting those records from Google and adding them to your domain.
Verify that you own the domain
Google needs to confirm you own the domain before it'll connect your site to it.
Step 1 — Start verification in Google Search Console
- Go to Google Search Console.
- Choose Add property, then select the Domain option (not "URL prefix") and enter your domain, for example
mydomain.com. - Click Continue, then follow the instructions shown for "Any DNS Provider."
- Copy the TXT record Search Console gives you. Keep this tab open, you'll need it again shortly.
Step 2 — Add the TXT record in Rocketspark
Head over to How do I edit DNS settings using Rocketspark? and add a new record with:
- Type: TXT
-
Host: leave blank (or
@if your account asks for one) - Value: the TXT record you copied from Search Console
Save your changes.
Step 3 — Verify
Go back to Search Console and click Verify. If it doesn't verify straight away, that's normal, DNS changes can take a little while to show up. Try again in an hour or two.
Point your domain to the Google Site
Once your domain is verified, you can connect it to your Google Site.
Step 1 — Start the custom domain setup in Google Sites
- Open your site at sites.google.com.
- Go to Settings, then click Custom domains.
- Click Start setup.
- Enter your domain, for example
www.mydomain.com. - Click Next.
Google Sites will now show you a CNAME record (a type of DNS record that points one web address to another). It'll usually point to ghs.googlehosted.com.
Step 2 — Add the CNAME record in Rocketspark
Back in your Rocketspark DNS settings, add:
- Type: CNAME
-
Host:
www -
Value:
ghs.googlehosted.com, copied exactly as Google shows it
Save your changes.
Step 3 — Finish up in Google Sites
Go back to the Google Sites setup screen and click Done. Your domain should now show up under Connected domains.
Changes can take up to 48 hours to appear everywhere on the internet, though it's often much faster.
What happens to your Rocketspark website and SSL
Once the CNAME record is live, your Rocketspark website will stop showing on this domain. It isn't deleted, it just won't be what visitors see at that address any more, it'll still be there if you ever switch back.
Your Rocketspark SSL certificate (the padlock that shows your site is secure) for this domain will no longer apply either, since the domain now points to Google. Google Sites handles its own certificate once it's connected.
Keep your email working
If you use Rocketspark or any other provider for your email on this domain, don't touch your existing MX records while doing this. The TXT and CNAME records above are the only ones you need to add.
⚠ Moving the rest of the DNS around sometimes disturbs MX records by accident. Once you're done, it's worth checking they're still in place.
Tips and things to watch out for
- If you see an "Invalid DNS" message in Google Sites, it usually means the CNAME record hasn't been picked up yet. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again before assuming something's wrong.
- Your domain needs a subdomain in front of it,
wwwis the standard choice. A bare domain on its own (mydomain.comwith nothing in front) isn't supported. - You can connect up to five custom domains to a single Google Site.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch back to my Rocketspark website later?
Yes. Remove the CNAME record you added and your domain will go back to working exactly as it did before.
Will my email still work after I do this?
Yes, as long as you leave your existing MX records alone. Only the TXT and CNAME records need to be added.
I added the records but my Google Site still isn't showing up. What now?
Give it a little more time first, DNS changes can take up to 48 hours. If it still isn't working after that, double check the CNAME value matches exactly what Google Sites showed you, including no extra spaces.
Can I keep my Rocketspark website and add a Google Site as well?
Not on the same web address, but yes if you use a subdomain instead of your main domain. See How do I connect a Google Site to my Rocketspark domain? for that setup.
Need more help?
If you're still stuck, flick us a message at support@rocketspark.com. We're happy to help, and if you'd rather not touch the DNS settings yourself, our team can add these records in for you.