steps.

What is DNS and Why Does It Matter?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the internet’s phonebook. It tells browsers where to find your website by linking your domain name (e.g., MyWebsite.com) to an IP address (e.g., 192.0.2.1) — the real location of your web server.

Without DNS properly configured, your domain won’t display your website. Whether you’re using shared hosting, a cloud server, or a website builder, the DNS setup is what ties everything together.

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider

Your hosting provider is where your website files will live. Popular choices include:

• Shared Hosting: Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger
• Cloud Hosting: DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr
• Website Builders: Wix, Squarespace, Shopify
• CMS Hosting: WordPress.com or managed WordPress hosts like Kinsta

Once you select your host, they will give you either:

• A set of nameservers (e.g., ns1.hostingcompany.com, ns2.hostingcompany.com)
• Or, a server IP and DNS record details

Step 2: Access Your Domain Registrar

Go to the platform where you registered your domain — for example, Namecheap, Sav, or Dynadot.

Log into your account and navigate to the “Domain List” or “Manage Domains” section. Click the domain you want to configure, and look for options like:

• Manage DNS
• Nameservers
• Advanced DNS

Step 3: Set Nameservers

If your hosting provider gave you nameservers, do the following:

1. Find the “Nameserver Settings” area in your domain panel
2. Select “Custom DNS”
3. Enter the two (or more) nameservers provided by your host
4. Save your changes

Example:

• ns1.bluehost.com
• ns2.bluehost.com

It may take 1–48 hours for changes to propagate globally (usually much faster).

Step 4: Use DNS Records (Optional Alternative)

If your registrar manages DNS (instead of pointing to the host via nameservers), you’ll need to manually add DNS records like:

• A Record: Points your domain to your server’s IP address
• CNAME Record: Used for subdomains (e.g., www to root domain)
• MX Records: Routes email through providers like Google Workspace

Example for A Record:

• Host: @
• Value: 192.0.2.1 (your host’s IP)
• TTL: 3600 or Auto

Example for CNAME Record:

• Host: www
• Value: @ (points to root domain)

Step 5: Test Your Configuration

Once DNS settings are saved, test your domain:

• Open your browser and type in your domain
• Use tools like What’s My DNS to check propagation
• If the site loads or redirects to your host, you’re live

DNS propagation may take a few hours to complete. Be patient, and clear your cache if you’re not seeing changes.

Common Scenarios for Domain and Hosting Setup

1. Pointing Domain to Website Builder (Wix, Squarespace, etc.)

• These platforms usually provide nameservers or IP + CNAME
• Follow their step-by-step guides for DNS setup

2. Using Hosting from One Provider, Domain from Another

• Common for investors and site builders
• Just use the host’s nameservers or A record to connect

3. Creating Subdomains (e.g., blog.mydomain.com)

• Go to DNS settings → Add subdomain with a new A or CNAME record
• Point to the appropriate hosting or directory

Tips for Domain Investors Managing DNS

• Use DNS management dashboards with tagging (e.g., Dynadot, Namecheap)
• Set up redirect records if domains are not developed
• Use Sedo or Dan.com parking templates if domains are for sale
• Keep a spreadsheet of your domains and DNS settings

Conclusion

Learning how to set DNS and hosting is an essential skill for domain investors, web developers, and digital entrepreneurs. Whether you’re pointing a domain to a website, redirecting it for parking, or managing a portfolio, mastering DNS gives you control over your online presence. With just a few steps, you can connect your domain to the right server, launch your website, and ensure everything works as intended.

Pro Tip: Use free DNS management tools like Cloudflare for added speed, security, and redundancy — especially when managing multiple domains or custom configurations.