Setting up a custom domain for your Stape server-side tagging container? You’ll need to add some DNS records in GoDaddy to connect everything. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds.

This guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Why Do You Need This?

When you use Stape for server-side Google Tag Manager, you need a custom subdomain (like sgtm.yourdomain.com) to load your tracking scripts. This helps with:

• Better data accuracy
• First-party cookies that last longer
• Improved page speed
• Bypassing ad blockers

Let’s set it up.

Step 1: Log in to GoDaddy

Go to account.godaddy.com/products and sign in to your GoDaddy account.

You’ll see a list of all your domains and websites. Find the domain you want to use for Stape and click on it to open the settings.

Step 2: Go to Domain Settings

Once you’ve selected your domain, you’ll see a sidebar menu on the left. Click on “Domain” to access your domain settings.

Step 3: Open DNS Settings

In the top menu, click on the “DNS” tab. This is where you’ll add the records that connect your domain to Stape.

Step 4: Add New Record

On the DNS page, you’ll see an option to “Add a new record”. Click the “Add New Record” button to start creating your first DNS entry.

Step 5: Get Your DNS Records from Stape

Now switch to your Stape dashboard at app.stape.io. Go to your container settings where you set up your custom domain.

You’ll see a table with the DNS records you need to add. There are two CNAME records:

First Record:

• Type: CNAME
• Host: sgtm.yourdomain.com
• Value: usb.stape.io

Second Record:

• Type: CNAME
• Host: load.sgtm.yourdomain.com
• Value: lusb.stape.io

Important: When copying the Host value, only copy “sgtm” and “load.sgtm” — don’t include your domain name. GoDaddy adds the domain automatically.

Step 6: Add the First CNAME Record

Back in GoDaddy, fill in the new record form:

• Type: Select “CNAME” from the dropdown
• Name: Enter “sgtm” (just the subdomain, not the full domain)
• Value: Enter “u**.*****.**”
• TTL: Leave as default (1/2 Hour is fine)

Step 7: Save the Record

Click the “Save” button to add this record.

Step 8: Add the Second CNAME Record

Click “Add More Records” or “Add New Record” again to create the second entry.

Fill in the details:

• Type: Select “CNAME”
• Name: Enter “load.sgtm”
• Value: Enter “lus**.****.**”
• TTL: Leave as default

Step 9: Save the Second Record

Click “Save” to add this record too.

Wait for Verification

After adding both records, go back to your Stape dashboard. The verification process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours, but it’s usually much faster — often within 15-30 minutes.

You’ll see a “Verifying” status while Stape checks your DNS records. Once verified, your custom domain is ready to use.

Quick Summary

1. Log in to GoDaddy and select your domain
2. Click “Domain” in the sidebar
3. Click the “DNS” tab
4. Click “Add New Record”
5. Get the CNAME records from your Stape dashboard
6. Add first record: Name = “sgtm”, Value = “**l.s**p*.**”
7. Save the record
8. Add second record: Name = “load.sgtm”, Value = “l***.s***e.i*”
9. Save and wait for verification

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t include your domain in the Name field. Just enter “sgtm” not “sgtm.yourdomain.com” — GoDaddy adds the domain part automatically.
• Make sure you select CNAME as the type. Not A record, not TXT record.
• Copy the values exactly. A small typo will cause verification to fail.
• Be patient. DNS changes can take time to spread across the internet.

Troubleshooting

If verification is taking too long:

• Double-check your records match exactly what Stape shows
• Make sure there are no extra spaces in your entries
• Clear your browser cache and check Stape again
• Wait a bit longer — sometimes it just takes time

That’s it! Once verified, your Stape server-side container will use your custom domain, giving you better tracking and more reliable data.