Map a Custom Domain to Your Zoho Backstage Event Website

Event-Level Custom Domain Mapping

In Zoho Backstage, domain mapping allows you to create a branded experience for your attendees by assigning custom URLs to your event websites. At the event level, this means your event will be accessible through a specific subdomain under your brand’s domain, such as www.yourdomain.com/site/event-key, instead of using the default Zoho Backstage event URL.

Understanding the Hierarchy 

Before we begin, here’s a quick look at how Zoho Backstage is structured:
  1. Portal – Your overall account and organization.
  2. Spaces – A subdivision within the portal (e.g., departments, event tracks).
  3. Events – Individual events hosted under each space.
This guide applies to event-level domain mapping, meaning the custom domain will apply only to the selected event, not to the entire portal or space.
Info
Event-level custom domain mapping is available for users with Premium and Ultimate per-event licenses.

Adding a Custom Domain  



To configure a custom domain for an event:
  1. Open the event you want to configure.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Custom Domain from the Dock.
  3. Map your custom domain:
    1. In the Custom Domain tab, you’ll be prompted to enter the domain where you want your event website to be accessible.
    2. Type in your custom domain (e.g., www.zylker.com) into the input field provided.
      1. Note: If the format is incorrect or missing, you’ll receive an error message.
  4. Create a CNAME record:
    1. Log into your domain registrar’s website (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) and locate the DNS or zone file settings.
    2. Add the following CNAME record:

      Type
      Name
      Target
      CNAME
      www
      backstage.cs.zohohost.com

    3. This DNS configuration points your domain to Zoho Backstage’s hosting service and allows your event website to load when someone visits your domain.
  5. Once you’ve added the record, return to Zoho Backstage and click Next.
Info
Once domain mapping is initiated, you’ll see an In Progress status:

“In Progress – Mapping your custom domain https://www.zylker.com”

Securing Your Domain

To ensure your event website is secure and accessible, Zoho Backstage requires all custom domains to use HTTPS, which is enabled through an SSL certificate.

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the connection between your website and the attendee’s browser. This protects sensitive data, builds trust, and prevents browser warnings or access errors when someone visits your event website.


  1. If you already have an SSL certificate for your domain, install it via your domain registrar’s control panel.
  2. Return to Zoho Backstage and click Verify. 
Alert
Make sure the domain becomes HTTPS-secure within 7 days to avoid mapping failures. If your domain is not secure, you’ll see an error message.
  1. If you don’t own an SSL certificate, you can request Zoho Backstage to install a free group SSL certificate for your domain.
    1. Click the Apply Domain SSL Certificate button to begin. This process usually takes 3–5 business days, during which Zoho Backstage will handle the certificate provisioning and installation.

Verifying Your Domain Mapping 


  1. Once your domain is pointed and secured, return to the domain settings page in Zoho Backstage and click Verify Domain Mapping.
  2. Zoho Backstage will then check your DNS settings and SSL configuration.
  3. If everything is in place, the domain will be successfully mapped to your event website
Available Actions:
  1. Change – Update the mapped domain if needed.
  2. Remove – Delete the current domain mapping and revert to the default Backstage domain.

Alert
Domain Change Limit: You are allowed only a limited number of domain changes. If you've already mapped once, you might see a note like:

“Remaining attempts for domain change: 1”

Troubleshooting

If your domain is not verifying:
  1. Double-check the CNAME record for typos or incorrect values.
  2. Ensure the CNAME has fully propagated. DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours.
  3. Make sure your domain is HTTPS-secure before verification.
  4. If verification still fails, contact support@zohobackstage.com with your event URL and domain details.
If you have any questions, please contact support@zohobackstage.com with your event URL and domain details.