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Should I Use a Sierra Subdomain or My Own Custom Domain for Seller Lead Sites and Single Property Sites?

How to choose the right domain option based on speed, branding, compliance, and technical setup.

Summary

When you create a Seller Lead Site or Single Property Site in Sierra, you can choose to use either a free Sierra subdomain or connect your own custom domain. This article explains the differences between these options, why each one matters, and how to choose the best fit for your business.

Table of Contents

  1. Why This Feature Matters

  2. Domain Options: Setup & What to Expect 

  3. Best Practices

  4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  5. FAQs

Why This Feature Matters

Your domain is part of your online brand and your seller presentation. It affects:

  • How professional your marketing looks

  • How quickly you can launch a property site

  • Whether your site supports MLS compliance requirements like unbranded tours

Understanding the benefits of each domain type helps you choose the option that best aligns with your goals, timeline, and comfort with technical setup.

Domain Options: Setup & What to Expect

Option 1: Use a Sierra Subdomain

When creating your site, choose the option to use a Sierra subdomain.

Example URL:
yourchoice.onepageproperties.com

What to expect:

  • The subdomain is generated instantly.

  • No domain purchase is required.

  • No DNS or nameserver changes are needed.

  • The URL is system-generated and cannot be customized.

  • Unbranded tours are not available with this option.

This is the fastest and simplest way to get a site live.

Option 2: Use Your Own Custom Domain

If you want a branded URL, you can purchase a domain from any registrar and connect it to Sierra.

What to expect:

  1. Purchase a domain through a registrar (such as GoDaddy or Namecheap).

  2. Attach the domain in Sierra.

  3. Wait for the Support team to secure the site — you’ll receive an email from Support@SierraInteractive.com with nameserver instructions.

  4. Update your nameservers with your registrar.

  5. Allow time for DNS propagation.

  6. Once active, Sierra routes the domain to your site.

Important notes:

  • Unbranded tours are available when using a custom domain.

  • This option gives you the most control over branding, but requires a few technical steps.

Option 3: Register a New Domain Through Sierra

You can also register a brand-new domain directly through Sierra.

  • Check availability during setup.

  • Select “Yes, Register the Domain.”

  • Cost: $16/year (auto-renews annually unless the site is archived).

Why choose this option?
This is Sierra’s preferred method because it reduces the number of setup steps and avoids needing to work inside a third-party registrar.

Best Practices

  • Use a Sierra subdomain if you want:

    • A fast launch

    • Zero technical setup

    • A simple, no-maintenance option

  • Use a custom domain if you want:

    • Stronger branding

    • More polished seller presentations

    • Support for unbranded tours

  • If you frequently market luxury listings or premium properties, custom domains tend to make a stronger impression.

  • If you’re uncomfortable managing DNS or domain settings, the Sierra subdomain is the safest and easiest choice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • My custom domain is not loading
    This usually means the nameservers were not updated correctly or DNS is still propagating. Double-check the nameserver values provided by Sierra.

  • My Sierra subdomain does not support an unbranded tour
    Unbranded tours are only available when using a custom domain. Switch to a purchased domain if you need this for MLS compliance.

  • My domain is still pointing to my old website
    Make sure you updated the nameservers, not just individual DNS records. Sierra requires full nameserver control.

FAQs

  • Do I have to buy a domain?
    No. Sierra offers a free subdomain so you can launch without purchasing anything.

  • Can I customize a Sierra subdomain?
    No. It is system-generated and cannot be edited.

  • Does a custom domain look more professional?
    Yes. It reinforces your brand and often feels more polished during listing presentations.

  • Do I need a custom domain for unbranded tours?
    Yes. Unbranded tours only work with custom domains.

  • Which option is best for beginners?
    Most beginners choose the Sierra subdomain because it requires no technical setup and works immediately.