Domain names and DNS

What domain names are

A domain name is the address people use to find your website, such as example.com. It is how people remember and access your site.

Domain names are registered through registrars and point to where your website is hosted.

Choosing a domain name

Keep it simple

Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and type.

• Short names are easier to remember and type.
• Avoid hyphens and numbers where possible.
• Use your business or organisation name if it is available.
• Make it clear what your site is about.

Choose the right extension

Domain extensions indicate the type or location of your site.

• .com is the most recognised and trusted.
• .co.uk is common for UK businesses.
• .org is often used by charities and non-profits.
• Consider registering multiple extensions to protect your brand.

Check availability

Before settling on a name, check if it is available.

• Search for the domain name you want.
• Check if similar names are available.
• Consider social media handle availability.
• Check for trademark conflicts.

Registering a domain

Choose a registrar

Registrars are companies that sell domain names.

• Choose a reputable registrar with good support.
• Compare prices, but do not choose based on price alone.
• Check renewal prices, not just first-year prices.
• Ensure you can transfer the domain if needed.

Registration details

Register the domain in your own name or your organisation's name.

• Use accurate contact information.
• Keep registration details up to date.
• Enable privacy protection if available.
• Set up auto-renewal to avoid losing your domain.

What DNS is

DNS, or Domain Name System, translates domain names into IP addresses. It tells browsers where to find your website.

When someone types your domain name, DNS looks up the IP address of your hosting server and directs them there.

DNS records

A records

A records point your domain to an IP address.

• Used to point your domain to your hosting server.
• The most common type of DNS record.

CNAME records

CNAME records point one domain name to another.

• Used for subdomains, such as www.example.com pointing to example.com.
• Can point to another domain name instead of an IP address.

MX records

MX records specify where email for your domain should be delivered.

• Used for email hosting.
• Points to mail servers that handle your email.

TXT records

TXT records store text information for various purposes.

• Used for email verification, such as SPF and DKIM records.
• Used for domain verification for various services.

Managing DNS

Where DNS is managed

DNS can be managed in different places.

• At your domain registrar.
• At your hosting provider.
• At a dedicated DNS service.

DNS propagation

DNS changes can take time to propagate across the internet.

• Changes typically take a few minutes to a few hours.
• Some changes can take up to 48 hours.
• Plan DNS changes in advance when possible.

Common mistakes

• Registering a domain in someone else's name.
• Not renewing the domain and losing it.
• Choosing a registrar based only on low first-year price.
• Not understanding who controls the domain.
• Making DNS changes without understanding the impact.
• Not backing up DNS settings.

Domain security

Protect your domain

Take steps to protect your domain from being stolen or hijacked [1]Source 1 .

• Use strong passwords for your registrar account.
• Enable two-factor authentication if available.
• Keep contact information up to date.
• Enable domain lock to prevent unauthorised transfers.

Domain privacy

Consider privacy protection for your domain registration.

• Hides your personal contact information from public records.
• Reduces spam and unwanted contact.
• May cost extra but is often worth it.

Transferring domains

You can transfer domains between registrars if needed.

• Unlock the domain at the current registrar.
• Get an authorisation code.
• Initiate the transfer at the new registrar.
• Complete the transfer process.

Subdomains

Subdomains are parts of your main domain, such as blog.example.com.

• Can point to different services or locations.
• Managed through DNS CNAME or A records.
• Useful for separating different parts of your site or services.

When to get help

Consider getting help for complex DNS setups.

• If you are unsure about DNS changes.
• If you need to set up complex email records.
• If DNS changes are not working as expected.
• If you are moving hosting and need DNS updated.

Next step

If you are choosing a domain name, keep it simple and memorable. Register it with a reputable registrar in your own name. Understand where DNS is managed and how to make basic changes. Protect your domain with strong passwords and privacy protection. Keep registration details up to date and enable auto-renewal. Your domain name is a valuable asset, so treat it carefully. If you need help with domain setup or DNS configuration as part of a website project, website build services can help you get everything configured correctly. For help choosing hosting, see hosting choices and their hidden costs.