Domain pointing: A step-by-step guide for beginners 

Have you ever typed in a website address and received an error message or a blank page? This frustrating experience often occurs when a domain name isn’t correctly pointed to its corresponding website. But what is domain pointing, and how do you proceed to ensure your website remains accessible to visitors? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about domain pointing and the steps to successfully do it, making sure your online presence is seamless and reliable.  

What is domain pointing? 

Domain pointing is the process of connecting a domain name (e.g., www.example.com) to a specific IP address where the website’s files are hosted. This connection enables the domain to direct visitors to the correct server to ensure that anyone who types the domain name into their browser is brought to the intended website.  

Think of your domain name as the address to your online home. Domain pointing is the process of directing that address to the specific server where your website resides, ensuring visitors reach your site without any hiccups. 

When is domain pointing relevant? 

Domain pointing is relevant in several scenarios, such as the following. 

• Launching a new website. When you create a new website, you need to point your domain name to the web host server to ensure that your new website is accessible online. The web host server is where your website files are hosted. 
• Switching hosting providers. If you move your website to a different hosting provider, you must update your domain pointing settings to reflect the new server location. By correctly updating your domain name’s settings, you can easily and smoothly migrate your website to a new host without any disruptions to your visitors.   
• Using multiple domains for the same website. You might want to use different domain names (e.g., .com, .net) for the same website. Domain pointing allows you to direct all those domains to your website. It allows you to direct all these domains to your primary website, enhancing accessibility and brand presence. 
• Maintaining different websites on one hosting account. If multiple websites are hosted on a single hosting account, domain pointing helps direct each domain name to the correct website. 

Who is domain pointing for? 

Domain pointing is for anyone who has a domain name and wants to connect it to a specific web hosting service where their website’s files will be stored. This includes the following. 

• Website owners. Ensures your site remains accessible, especially when changing hosting providers. 
• Bloggers. Maintains consistent branding and accessibility as your blog grows. 
• eCommerce businesses. Keeps your online store operational and accessible during website migrations or updates. 
• Freelancers and professionals. It helps maintain a professional online presence by seamlessly directing your domain to your portfolio or service site. 
• Multiple brand owners. Allows businesses managing multiple brands or websites to efficiently direct each domain to its respective site. 

Essentially, anyone who needs their website to be accessible by using a personal or business domain name will need to understand domain pointing so their site is reachable online. 

What you’ll need to point your domain 

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to point your domain successfully. 

• Domain name. This is the address people type into their browser to find your website (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com). 
• Name servers or IP address.  Your hosting provider usually provides these details, which are necessary for directing your domain to the correct server.   
• Domain registrar settings. You’ll need access to your domain registrar’s settings (often called a control panel or domain management interface) to update your DNS records. 

Things to consider before proceeding 

• Picking the right provider.  Go for a reliable hosting provider with excellent uptime, customer support, and scalability options to ensure your website remains accessible and performs well.   
• Distinguishing domain pointing from domain transferring. It’s important to understand the difference between these two processes. Domain pointing directs your domain to a new server without changing its registrar, while domain transferring moves your domain registration to a new registrar entirely. It’s only important you pick the method that fits your needs.   
• Back up your files. If you’re switching hosting providers, it’s always a good idea to back up your website files and databases first. This way, you’ve saved a copy of your website’s data in case the pointing process goes wrong.   

How to point a domain: A step-by-step guide 

1. Access your DNS settings. Start by logging into your domain registrar’s website. Navigate to the section often labeled as “DNS settings,” “Domain Management,” “Domains,” or something similar.
2. Identify the right DNS records. Determine whether you need to update your nameservers or A records based on your hosting provider’s instructions. 
   • Nameservers. Direct your domain to the hosting provider’s DNS servers. 
   • A records. Point your domain to a specific IP address provided by your hosting provider. 
3. Update your DNS records. Now, replace the existing nameservers or A records with your hosting provider’s new ones. Double-check to make sure you’ve entered them correctly! 
4. Save changes. After updating, ensure you save or apply the new DNS settings. 
5. Verify the changes. Some registrars have an extra layer of security. They might ask you to confirm the changes via email or two-factor authentication. 

Things to look out for in the process 

• DNS propagation time.  It may take up to 48 hours for changes to fully propagate after updating your DNS settings. During this period, your website may be intermittently accessible. 
  • Tip: Plan domain pointing during low-traffic periods to minimize disruptions. Inform your audience about potential downtime if necessary. 
• Potential email routing disruptions.  DNS settings can temporarily affect email services linked to your domain. 
  • Tip: Before proceeding, ensure you have the correct email settings configured with your hosting provider. Consider setting up email forwarding or temporary email accounts to maintain communication during the transition.  

Alternatives to domain pointing 

If domain pointing doesn’t suit your needs, consider these alternatives. 

• Domain transfer
  • What it is: Moving your domain registration from one registrar to another. 
  • When to use: Ideal if you want to consolidate your domain management with your hosting provider or access new registrar features. 
  • Pros: Simplifies management by having both domain and hosting with one provider. 
  • Cons: May involve transfer fees and require downtime during the transfer process. 
• Domain forwarding
  • What it is: Redirecting your domain name to a different URL. 
  • When to use: Useful if you want to guide visitors from multiple domains to a single website. 
  • Pros: Easy to set up and manage; no need to change DNS settings. 
  • Cons: Less control over DNS settings and potential SEO implications. 
• Using a domain management service
  • What it is: Employing a third-party service to manage multiple domains efficiently. 
  • When to use: Beneficial for businesses with numerous domains needing streamlined management. 
  • Pros: Enhanced organization and management capabilities. 
  • Cons: Additional costs and reliance on a third-party provider. 

Provide easy website access with Domain.com 

Domain pointing is a crucial step in setting up any website. By following this guide, you can ensure your domain name is correctly linked to your website, and visitors can easily access your content. But if you’re looking for a more permanent solution for website and domain management, consider transferring your domain to another hosting provider, such as Domain.com.  

Domain.com offers a smooth domain transfer process, making it easy to consolidate your website management. The transfer process is designed to be user-friendly, and Domain.com provides 24/7 customer chat support to assist you throughout the process. 

FAQs about domain pointing