HOW TO CONNECT DOMAIN TO HOSTING

How to Connect a Domain to Hosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting your domain to your web hosting is a crucial step in getting your website live on the internet. This process involves linking your domain name (the web address people use to find you) with the hosting server (where your website’s files are stored). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you connect your domain to your hosting account.

Step 1: Register a Domain Name

If you haven’t already registered a domain name, you need to do so before you can connect it to your hosting. You can register a domain through a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and relevant to your brand or website.

Step 2: Purchase a Web Hosting Plan

Next, you’ll need to sign up for a web hosting service. Hosting providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator offer various plans depending on your website’s needs. Once you’ve selected and purchased a hosting plan, you’ll receive an email with details about your hosting account, including the nameservers, which are critical for connecting your domain.

Step 3: Update Domain Nameservers

Nameservers are part of the Domain Name System (DNS), and they point your domain name to the IP address of your hosting server. To connect your domain to your hosting, you’ll need to update the nameservers in your domain registrar’s control panel.

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s account.
2. Navigate to the DNS settings or domain management area.
3. Locate the section where you can change nameservers.
4. Replace the existing nameservers with the nameservers provided by your hosting provider. For example, they might look like ns1.examplehost.com and ns2.examplehost.com.
5. Save your changes.

The nameserver update can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate across the internet.

Step 4: Add Your Domain to Your Hosting Account

After updating the nameservers, you need to ensure your hosting account recognizes your domain. This step may vary slightly depending on your hosting provider.

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to the domain management or cPanel section.
3. Find the option to add a new domain or manage domains.
4. Enter your domain name and follow any additional instructions.

If your domain was registered with the same company where you purchased your hosting, this step might be automated, and the domain could be automatically linked to your hosting account.

Step 5: Upload Website Files

With your domain now pointing to your hosting server, it’s time to upload your website files. Most hosting providers offer a file manager in the control panel, or you can use an FTP client like FileZilla.

1. Access the file manager or set up your FTP client using the details provided by your host.
2. Upload your website files to the public_html directory or the main directory specified by your host.

Once uploaded, your website should be live and accessible via your domain name.

Step 6: Test Your Website

After completing these steps, test your website by entering your domain name in a web browser. If everything is set up correctly, your website should load. If not, double-check the nameserver settings and ensure the files are correctly uploaded.

Conclusion

Connecting your domain to your hosting is a straightforward process that involves updating nameservers and configuring your hosting account. By following these steps, you’ll have your website live and accessible to visitors in no time. Remember that DNS changes may take some time to propagate, so be patient and check back periodically until your website is live.