---
title: "Your domain and Google Maps key"
description: "Your own web address makes the marketplace yours. Your own Google Maps key makes addresses, zones, and tracking work on it. Set up both in the first week."
canonical: https://docs.ordering.co/docs/discovery-ordering/launch-your-marketplace/part-2-slow-parts-first/domain-and-maps-key/
---

# Your domain and Google Maps key

Your own web address makes the marketplace yours. Your own Google Maps key makes addresses, zones, and tracking work on it. Set up both in the first week.

**Time:** 45 min · **Waiting time:** minutes to 48 hours

## Choose the right domain

- **Short and easy to say.** If you have to spell it out loud, it is too long.
- **Use a subdomain if you already have a website.** For example, `order.northsideeats.com` keeps your main site untouched and sends ordering traffic straight to the marketplace.
- **Buy it from any registrar.** You manage the domain; you only point it to the platform.

## Point your domain to the platform

1. **Create your Google Maps key first (next section).** The default key only works on your temporary address. Your own domain needs your own key.
2. **Open the DNS settings at your domain provider.** Add a **CNAME** record for `www` pointing to `cname.my-sites.app`. For a subdomain, use the subdomain name instead of www, for example `order`.
3. **Handle the root domain.** If your provider allows a CNAME (or ALIAS, ANAME, or flattening) on the root (`@`), add one with the same value. Either way, add a redirect from the root domain to the www address.
4. **If you use Cloudflare,** turn the proxy off (grey cloud) on these records, add a cache purge rule, and set caching to "Respect Existing Headers", as described in the knowledge base article on domains.
5. **Enter the domain in your dashboard.** Go to **My Products › Ordering Website**, type your domain in the custom domain field, and save.
6. **Check it.** Open the domain on your phone using mobile data, not office Wi-Fi.

> **Give it time**
>
> DNS changes can take from a few minutes up to 48 hours to spread across the internet. If the domain does not load right away, wait. Re-entering the records again and again only restarts the clock. If it still does not work after 48 hours, open a ticket with a screenshot of your DNS records.

- [ ] The domain shows your marketplace, not a parking page
- [ ] The browser shows the padlock (secure https) with no warning
- [ ] Both the www and the bare domain reach the site
- [ ] Addresses autocomplete when you type them at checkout

## Create your Google Maps API key

Maps power address search, delivery zones, distance-based fees, and live driver tracking. Google requires a billing method on the account; usage is billed by Google under its own pricing.

1. **Go to mapsplatform.google.com and click Get Started.** Sign in with your business Google account, choose your country, and accept the terms.
2. **Create a billing account.** Without billing, maps show a "for development purposes only" watermark.
3. **Enable the APIs.** In Google's setup pop-up, select all the options offered, click Next, then Enable. Copy the key Google shows you. If you are unsure which APIs your project needs, ask support before you restrict the key.
4. **Paste it in your dashboard.** Open the Maps section of your settings and paste it in the **Google Maps API Key** field. Save.
5. **Send it with your app request.** The team adds the same key to your apps when building them.

> **Tip**
>
> In the same Maps settings you can limit address search to your country and set the default map center to your city. Both make address entry faster and more accurate for customers.