How to Change SmugMug Site URL?

Changing your SmugMug site URL is a straightforward process that can give your photography website a more professional and personalized touch. Whether you've rebranded your photography business or simply want a more memorable web address, updating your SmugMug URL can help establish your online presence. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the basics to successfully implementing your new custom domain.

Why Change Your SmugMug URL?

Before diving into the how-to steps, let's quickly look at why you might want to change your SmugMug URL:

• Professional branding for your photography business
• Easier for clients to remember and find you online
• Consistency with your other online platforms
• Better search engine visibility for your photography portfolio
• Creating a unique identity separate from the SmugMug brand

Types of SmugMug URLs Available

SmugMug offers several options for your site URL:

Prerequisites for Changing Your SmugMug URL

Before starting the process, make sure you have:

• An active SmugMug account
• Admin access to your SmugMug site
• For custom domains: a domain name purchased from a domain registrar
• Access to your domain registrar account (for custom domain setup)

How to Change Your SmugMug Subdomain URL

If you want to change your username.smugmug.com address to a different subdomain, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log into Your SmugMug Account

Start by logging into your SmugMug account using your credentials. Once logged in, you'll be taken to your dashboard.

Step 2: Access Your Account Settings

Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select "Account Settings."

Step 3: Navigate to Domain Settings

In the Account Settings page, look for the "Website" section or tab. Click on it to access your domain settings.

Step 4: Change Your SmugMug Subdomain

Look for the section labeled "Your SmugMug Web Address" or "SmugMug URL." Here, you'll see your current subdomain (username.smugmug.com).

Click the "Edit" or "Change" button next to your current URL. Enter your desired new subdomain name in the field provided.

Step 5: Check Availability and Confirm

SmugMug will automatically check if your desired subdomain is available. If it's available, you'll see a green checkmark or confirmation message. If not, you'll need to try a different name.

Once you've found an available subdomain, click "Save" or "Apply Changes" to update your URL.

Setting Up a Custom Domain for Your SmugMug Site

For photographers on the Power plan or higher, using a custom domain offers the most professional option. Here's how to set it up:

Step 1: Purchase a Domain Name

If you don't already own a domain name, you'll need to purchase one from a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Choose a domain name that reflects your photography brand.

Step 2: Access Your SmugMug Domain Settings

Log into your SmugMug account, go to Account Settings, and navigate to the Website or Domain settings section as described earlier.

Step 3: Add Your Custom Domain

Look for the "Custom Domain" section and click on "Add a Custom Domain" or similar button. Enter your purchased domain name (e.g., yourphotography.com) in the field provided.

Step 4: Choose Your Domain Setup Method

SmugMug offers two main methods to connect your custom domain:

Method 1: Using CNAME Records (Recommended)

1. SmugMug will provide you with CNAME record information
2. Log into your domain registrar account
3. Access the DNS management section
4. Add a CNAME record pointing to SmugMug's servers
5. The record will typically point to domains.smugmug.com

Method 2: Using A Records

1. SmugMug will provide you with A record IP addresses
2. Log into your domain registrar
3. Access the DNS management section
4. Add A records pointing to SmugMug's IP addresses

Step 5: Verify and Wait for Propagation

After setting up your DNS records, return to SmugMug and click the "Verify" button. DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate fully across the internet.

SmugMug will notify you when your custom domain has been successfully connected to your site.

Setting Up Subdomain Forwarding

If you want to use a subdomain of your custom domain (like photos.yourwebsite.com):

Step 1: Create a Subdomain at Your Registrar

Log into your domain registrar and create the subdomain you want to use.

Step 2: Set Up CNAME for the Subdomain

Create a CNAME record for your subdomain that points to domains.smugmug.com.

Step 3: Add the Subdomain to SmugMug

Follow the same process as adding a custom domain, but enter your subdomain (photos.yourwebsite.com) instead.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems while changing your SmugMug URL, here are some common issues and solutions:

Domain Not Connecting

• Double-check your DNS records for typos
• Verify you've added the correct CNAME or A records
• Allow more time for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
• Contact your domain registrar to confirm your settings

Subdomain Already Taken

If your preferred SmugMug subdomain is already taken, you'll need to choose an alternative name. Try adding your location, specialty, or a unique identifier to make it available.

SSL Certificate Issues

For custom domains, SmugMug automatically provides SSL certificates. If you're seeing security warnings:

• Ensure your DNS is properly configured
• Wait 24-48 hours for the SSL certificate to be issued
• Contact SmugMug support if issues persist

After Changing Your URL: Important Steps

Once you've successfully changed your SmugMug URL, don't forget these important follow-up steps:

Update Your Marketing Materials

Remember to update your website URL on:

• Business cards
• Email signatures
• Social media profiles
• Print materials and brochures
• Client communications

Set Up Redirects

SmugMug automatically redirects traffic from your old URL to your new one, but it's good practice to inform regular visitors about the change.

Test Your New URL

After changing your URL, test all the pages and functions of your site to ensure everything works correctly with the new domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos or site design when changing my SmugMug URL?

No, changing your SmugMug URL doesn't affect your photos, galleries, or site design. All your content remains intact—only the web address visitors use to access your site changes.

How long does it take for my new custom domain to work with SmugMug?

After setting up the DNS records, it typically takes between 15 minutes and 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet. This variation depends on your domain registrar and global DNS servers.

Can I use a subdomain of my main website for SmugMug?

Yes, you can use a subdomain like photos.yourdomain.com for your SmugMug site. You'll need to create the subdomain at your registrar and set up a CNAME record pointing to domains.smugmug.com.

Do I need to pay extra to use a custom domain with SmugMug?

SmugMug doesn't charge extra for using a custom domain, but you need to be on the Power plan or higher. You'll also need to purchase the domain name separately from a domain registrar, which typically costs $10-20 per year.

What happens to links to my old SmugMug URL after I change it?

SmugMug automatically redirects traffic from your old URL to your new one, so existing links will continue to work. However, it's still good practice to update your links wherever possible to avoid relying on redirects long-term.

Conclusion

Changing your SmugMug URL is a valuable step in creating a professional online presence for your photography business. Whether you opt for a custom SmugMug subdomain or connect your own domain name, the process is relatively straightforward and can significantly improve your brand's online visibility.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully update your SmugMug site URL and create a more memorable, professional web address for your photography portfolio. Take your time with the DNS configuration steps, and don't hesitate to contact SmugMug support if you need assistance during the process.