To connect a custom domain to your standard Etsy shop, you must use domain forwarding. Log into your domain registrar's DNS dashboard and set up a 301 permanent redirect pointing your custom domain to your full Etsy shop URL. If you upgrade to Etsy Pattern ($15/month), you can connect the domain natively using an A record and CNAME.
Domain Forwarding (Standard Etsy) vs DNS Routing (Etsy Pattern)
Etsy offers two paths depending on your plan:
| | |
| | Redirects to Etsy shop URL |
| | Custom domain serves full Pattern site |
Standard Etsy: Your domain simply redirects visitors to etsy.com/shop/yourshop. The URL bar shows Etsy's domain after redirect, but your domain appears on business cards, bios, and print materials.
Etsy Pattern: A standalone website synced to your Etsy inventory, served under your custom domain. Visitors never see etsy.com in the URL.
Both approaches are legitimate, the right one depends on your budget and ambitions.
Why It Matters: Build Independent Brand Equity
etsy.com/shop/CeramicsByMaya vs CeramicsByMaya.com
One looks professional. One depends entirely on Etsy's domain authority.
Real benefits of a custom domain:
- Business cards and packaging look legitimate
- Social media bios carry branded links
- Easier to remember for repeat customers
- Platform independence if you ever migrate away
Custom domains signal permanence. A branded URL tells customers you're building a real business.
Decision Framework: Forwarding vs Pattern
Choose forwarding if: You want a clean shareable URL with zero cost. Perfect for Etsy sellers not ready to invest in a standalone store.
Choose Pattern if: You want a fully branded shopping experience where customers never leave your domain.
Implementation Steps: Standard Etsy Forwarding
Step 1: Copy Your Etsy Shop URL Navigate to your Etsy shop and copy the full URL: https://www.etsy.com/shop/YourShopName
Step 2: Access NameSilo Domain Forwarding Log in → Domain Manager → Select domain→ DNS → Click Domain Forwarding. Step 3: Configure the Forward
- Forwarding Address: Paste your full Etsy shop URL
- Redirect Type: Permanent Forward (301)
- Do NOT select Cloaked Forward
Click Submit. Changes take effect within 15 minutes.
For Etsy Pattern DNS Connection: In your registrar's DNS Manager:
- A record: Host @ → IP 130.211.40.170
- CNAME: Host www → Value patternbyetsy.com
Then enter www.YourDomain.com in your Pattern Dashboard under Domains → Connect.
Common Mistakes
Using Cloaked (Masked) Forwarding: Never select this for Etsy. Masked forwarding loads the Etsy storefront inside an iframe. Modern browsers block iframe embedding for security reasons, the checkout process breaks entirely on mobile devices. Buyers see a broken page and leave.
Always use 301 Permanent Redirect. Visitors will see etsy.com in the URL bar after redirect, this is normal and expected with standard forwarding.
Conflicting DNS records: For Pattern, delete any existing A records before adding Etsy's.
What This Means for You
NameSilo provides free domain forwarding on all registered domains. Set up your Etsy redirect in under a minute. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own domain name for Etsy?
Yes, via domain forwarding or Etsy Pattern.
Does Etsy charge to use a custom domain?
For forwarding, No however Pattern costs $15/month.
A standalone branded website synced to your Etsy listings.
How do I forward my domain to my Etsy shop?
301 redirect to your full etsy.com/shop URL via registrar.
Why is my Etsy domain redirect not working?
Check DNS propagation and avoid masked forwarding.
Will redirecting a domain hurt my Etsy SEO?
No. A 301 from your domain doesn't affect Etsy shop SEO.
Can I use masked forwarding for Etsy?
No. Iframes break mobile checkout, always use 301.
How do I connect an A record to Etsy Pattern?
A record @ → 130.211.40.170, CNAME www → patternbyetsy.com.
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