BigCommerce stores start with a default subdomain like mybcstore.mybigcommerce.com. To use Omnisend's Abandoned Cart, Signup Forms, Product Picker, and sales tracking, you must add a custom domain (e.g., yourowndomain.com) and enable SSL.
Note: These features also require Omnisend snippets. Learn more about snippets for Stencil themes and Blueprint themes.
Before You Begin
You must be the BigCommerce store owner (only owners can manage domains via Single Sign-On).
Your BigCommerce store must be active.
If you haven't connected your BigCommerce store to Omnisend yet, follow Connect Your BigCommerce Store to Omnisend first.
Getting Your Custom Domain
You can purchase a domain from a third-party provider (like GoDaddy or Namecheap) or directly from BigCommerce. We recommend buying from BigCommerce – it auto-configures DNS settings and integrates with one click.
⚠️ Important: You must have a paid BigCommerce plan to purchase a domain. Purchasing a custom domain may add charges to your BigCommerce invoice.
Purchase a Domain from BigCommerce
Step 1. Log into your BigCommerce control panel as the Store Owner, then go to Settings → Domain name and click Purchase under Buy a new one.
Step 2. Enter your desired domain name and select the top-level domain option from the dropdown menu. If the domain is available, click Next to register it.
Step 3. Select the registration length and verify your Bill to and Address details.
Step 4. Select the appropriate email address for each domain contact:
Administrative Contact – handles administrative, non-technical matters (legal issues, ownership changes).
Registrant Contact – the individual or organization that owns the domain.
Technical Contact – handles technical matters relating to the domain.
You may see additional registration information fields for certain top-level domains. These must be completed before purchasing.
Step 5. Click Confirm purchase.
Your new domain will automatically apply to your BigCommerce store. You'll receive a confirmation email with an invoice attached.
💡 Check full details in BigCommerce's Purchasing a Domain guide.
Adding a Custom Domain to Your Store
After purchasing a domain from BigCommerce, it's automatically assigned to your store. To verify:
In BigCommerce, click Domains (top left).
Click Manage next to your domain.
Confirm it's applied to your store. If it is, no further action is needed.
For domain transfer or termination, see BigCommerce's Purchasing a Domain guide.
Enabling SSL
An SSL certificate encrypts data between your store and customers (e.g., checkout pages). All SSL-secured sites use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
BigCommerce offers three SSL options:
Free SSL certificate (Encryption Everywhere):
Included for all custom domains added after May 24, 2017.
If your domain was added before that date, enable it manually.
Paid SSL certificate:
Offers extra features like site seals and Extended Validation.
Third-party SSL certificate:
Available for BigCommerce Pro plans.
Most stores should use the free Encryption Everywhere option. Stores without a custom domain (e.g., mybcstore.mybigcommerce.com) use BigCommerce's shared SSL certificate, but this won't unlock Omnisend features.
💡 For more details, see BigCommerce's SSL Certificate guide.
FAQ
Why is a custom domain required?
Omnisend's tracking features rely on secure HTTPS connections and consistent domain URLs. BigCommerce's default subdomains don't support all SSL configurations needed for Abandoned Cart and form tracking.
My domain is set up, but Abandoned Cart isn't working. Why is that?
Check that Omnisend snippets are installed. Verify in BigCommerce → Storefront → Script Manager for three Omnisend scripts (Storefront, Order confirmation, Checkout). Also, confirm your domain uses HTTPS.
What's the difference between a store domain and an email domain?
Your store domain (this article) is your BigCommerce website URL. An email domain is used for sending campaigns from your branded email address (e.g., [email protected]). Learn how to set up your email domain.
Have questions? Our Support Team is ready to help through in-app chat or at [email protected].