Connecting Your Domain
Already own a domain? Here's how we get it pointed to your new site.
You have a domain and we're building your site
If you already own a domain (like yourbusiness.com) and we're building and hosting your new site, we just need a few things from you to connect it.
What we need from you:
- Your domain name — the exact web address (e.g., smithsplumbing.com)
- Where it's registered — GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Squarespace, Wix, etc.
- Login access or permission to make changes— we'll need to update your DNS records. You can either:
- Share temporary login credentials
- Add us as a delegate/collaborator on the account
- Make the changes yourself with our instructions (we'll walk you through it)
- Set up a CNAME record pointing your domain to your new site's hosting
- Configure SSL (the padlock icon) so your site is secure
- Verify everything is working and the old site is no longer showing
- If you use email on this domain, we won't touch those records — your email stays working
You have a domain pointing somewhere else and want to switch to us
If your domain is currently pointing to an old site (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, another host) and you want it to point to the site we built, here's the process.
What we need from you:
- Confirm you want to switch — once we reroute, your old site will stop showing at that address
- Where your domain is registered — this might be different from where your old site is hosted. Not sure? We can help you figure it out.
- Access to your domain registrar — same options as above (share login, add us as delegate, or follow our instructions)
- Let us know if you have email on this domain— we'll make sure MX records stay untouched so your email keeps working
- We update the A record or CNAME to point to your new site's hosting
- DNS changes can take 15 minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate (usually under an hour)
- During propagation, some visitors may briefly see the old site — this is normal
- Once propagated, your new site is live at your domain with SSL active
Common Domain Registrars
Not sure where your domain is registered? It's probably one of these. Check your email for annual renewal notices — that'll tell you who has it.
Quick Answers
Will my email stop working?
No. We only change the records that control where your website points. Email (MX records) stays untouched.
How long does it take?
The actual change takes 5 minutes on our end. DNS propagation (the internet catching up) usually takes under an hour, but can take up to 48 hours in rare cases.
Do I need to cancel my old hosting?
If you were paying for hosting elsewhere (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress hosting), yes — you can cancel that once your new site is live. Your domain registration is separate and should stay active.
What's the difference between my domain and my hosting?
Your domain is your address (smithsplumbing.com). Your hosting is where the website files live. You can keep the same address and just point it to a new location — that's what we're doing.
What if I don't know my login?
Check your email for messages from your registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.) — they send annual renewal reminders. You can usually reset your password from there. If you're stuck, let us know and we'll help you track it down.
Ready to connect your domain?
Send us a message with your domain name and where it's registered. We'll handle the rest.
Get in Touch