How to connect domain to hosting? A step-by-step guide

Connecting your domain to hosting is a crucial step in getting your website online. It involves configuring the domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings to point to the hosting server where your website’s files are stored. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you connect your domain to hosting:

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before you begin, make sure you have the following information ready:

  1. Domain Registrar Account: You should have access to your domain registrar’s account (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) where you purchased the domain.
  2. Hosting Provider Account: You’ll need access to your hosting provider’s account (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround), where your website is hosted.
  3. Hosting Server Information: Obtain the nameservers or IP address of your hosting server from your hosting provider. This information is crucial for pointing your domain to the correct server.

Step 2: Log In to Your Domain Registrar’s Account

  1. Go to your domain registrar’s website (where you purchased the domain).
  2. Log in to your account using your username and password.

Step 3: Access Domain Management

  1. After logging in, find and navigate to the “Domain Management,” “Domain Settings,” or a similar section within your domain registrar’s dashboard. The exact location and labels may vary depending on your registrar.

Step 4: Locate Your Domain

  1. Find the domain you want to connect to your hosting. Click on it to access its settings.

Step 5: Change Nameservers

  1. Look for an option called “Nameservers,” “DNS Settings,” or “DNS Management.” Click on it.
  2. Choose the option to “Use Custom Nameservers” or “Enter Custom DNS.”
  3. Enter the nameservers provided by your hosting provider. Typically, there are two nameservers you need to enter. If you’re unsure, your hosting provider’s support documentation or customer support can provide this information.
  4. Save or update the changes. It may take some time (usually a few hours to 48 hours) for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet. During this period, your domain will start pointing to your hosting server.

Step 6: Verify DNS Propagation

After making the DNS changes, it’s essential to verify that the changes have propagated. You can use online tools like “What’s My DNS” to check the DNS records for your domain and see if they match your hosting server’s IP address.

Step 7: Configure Hosting

  1. Log in to your hosting provider’s account.
  2. Access your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or a custom control panel provided by your host).
  3. Depending on your hosting provider and control panel, you may need to add your domain to your hosting account. Look for an option like “Add Domain” or “Add Website.”
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the domain setup. You may need to specify the directory where your website files will be stored.

Step 8: Upload Your Website

If you haven’t already, upload your website files to the directory specified during the domain setup. You can use an FTP client or the hosting provider’s file manager for this purpose.

Step 9: Test Your Website

Once your website files are uploaded and the DNS propagation has completed, you can test your website by entering your domain name in a web browser. If everything is configured correctly, your website should be accessible online.

Step 10: Secure Your Website (Optional)

Consider securing your website with an SSL certificate, especially if you plan to collect sensitive information from visitors. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, and you can typically install them from your hosting control panel.

That’s it! You’ve successfully connected your domain to hosting. Keep in mind that DNS changes can take time to propagate, so don’t be alarmed if your website is not immediately accessible after making these changes.

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