> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://snowseo.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SnowCMS

> Publish your brand's blog on SnowCMS, with a ready-to-use address out of the box or your own custom domain.

SnowCMS is where your brand's blog lives. Every public article you publish shows up on your blog automatically, and SnowCMS gives you a polished place to share it, either on a **free SnowCMS address** or on **your own domain**.

{/* <Frame>
<img src="/docs/images/user-guide/snowcms-tab.png" alt="The SnowCMS tab in your brand settings" />
</Frame> */}

## Your free blog address

Your brand's blog comes with a free, ready-to-use SnowCMS address, nothing to set up. Share it right away, link to it from your main site, or drop it in your newsletter.

<Tip>
  Your free address keeps working even after you connect a custom domain, so any links you've already shared stay valid.
</Tip>

## Connect your own domain

Want your blog to live on your own domain, like `blog.yoursite.com`? Connect it in a few steps.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Turn on SnowCMS">
    In your brand settings, open the **SnowCMS** tab and switch **Enable SnowCMS** on. Your blog goes live on its free SnowCMS URL right away.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your domain">
    Enter the subdomain you want to use (for example `blog.yoursite.com`) and click **Add**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add two DNS records at your provider">
    SnowCMS shows two records. At your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, and so on), add both:

    * A **CNAME** record pointing your subdomain at the target shown. This routes your domain to your blog. If you proxy it (Cloudflare's orange cloud), set your SSL/TLS mode to **Full** so HTTPS works.
    * A **TXT** record with the name and value shown. This proves you own the domain.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify">
    Back in the SnowCMS tab, click **Verify**. Once the TXT record is detected, your domain is connected and your blog goes live on it.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours to apply. If verification doesn't succeed on the first try, wait a little and click **Verify** again.
</Note>

## FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need to set up SSL or a certificate?">
    No. Your blog is served securely over HTTPS automatically, on both your free address and your custom domain.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does it take to connect a domain?">
    Adding the domain is instant. The only wait is your DNS provider applying the records, usually a few minutes, occasionally up to a couple of hours. Click **Verify** once they're in place.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I'm on Cloudflare, does the proxy (orange cloud) matter?">
    Verification uses the **TXT** record, which Cloudflare never proxies, so verifying works either way. For the **CNAME** (routing), proxying (orange cloud) is fine and keeps Cloudflare's caching and optimizations - just set your SSL/TLS mode to **Full** (or **Full (strict)**). Avoid **Flexible** mode, which breaks HTTPS. **DNS only** (grey cloud) works too if you prefer.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Should I use a subdomain or my main domain?">
    Use a subdomain such as `blog.yoursite.com`. It's the simplest to set up and leaves your main website untouched.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will my free SnowCMS address stop working after I connect a domain?">
    No. Both keep working. Your custom domain simply becomes the primary address for your blog.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I disconnect a custom domain?">
    Open the **SnowCMS** tab and choose **Disconnect**. Your blog falls back to your free SnowCMS address.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>