How to point your domain name to your web server?

TWhen you buy a domain name, it can be a headache to point it to your web server. Indeed, it sometimes happens that your domain name provider is not your host. So, if you want to use a single host, you must point all your domain names to it. For this, you must have minimum knowledge of DNS manipulation. In this article, we explain two methods to achieve this. However, if in the end you still find it difficult to do so, contact us. It will be a pleasure to assist you.

The two approaches to pointing your domain name

To connect your website to your web server, you have two methods available:

1. Add the IP address of your web server in the DNS configuration of your domain name.
2. Get the server name of your web server and add it to the domain name configuration.

Method 1: Add your web server’s IP address to your domain name’s DNS configuration

If you buy a domain name from GoDaddy, HostPapa, or any other company that sells domain names, you will usually have access to a configuration space (Cpanel). The latter actually allows you to perform many administrative tasks. In particular, the management of the email server, the creation of subdomains, the installation of content management systems, etc. In addition, this configuration space also offers you the possibility of pointing your domain name to your web server. This task is relatively easy in this context. Indeed, you complete it in just two steps.

Obtain the IP address in your web hosting space.

This information is frequently visible in the file management panel. For example, for a web server under a cPanel, you will immediately see the information as soon as you connect to the file management space. See the label “Shared IP Address” or any other similar title.

Connect to the DNS configuration space of your domain name

The method of connecting to the configuration space of a domain name may vary from one provider to another. However, the terminologies are usually similar. Taking the GoDaddy provider as an example, you will have to click on its domain name in the account. Next, locate the “Manage DNS” option. After clicking on this option, a list of data to be edited will appear. It will then be a question of changing the information (checked in green in the image) by your IP address. To achieve this, click on the pencil (on the right) to activate the edit option, and make the required changes in the form.

Once you edit the information and save your changes, you should wait a few minutes or even hours. Indeed, it takes time for your domain name provider and your server to actually take your changes into account. After this waiting time, you can use your domain name on your server without any worries.

Method 2: Add the server name in the domain name configuration.

You can also add your host’s server name to your domain name setup. The process will just consist of going to the configuration located in your account (domain name provider) and replacing the server name of your domain name provider with your own.

We don’t usually recommend this approach because it forces you to completely manage your domain name from your web server. A direct consequence is that if your web server has a problem, mail or other functionalities associated with the domain name will no longer work. Another issue with this is the security of other services associated with your domain name.

To add the name server to your domain name configuration, you need to locate the location of your domain name provider’s name server changes. Next, you must replace the information with that of your web server.

Of course, pointing your domain name to your web server is relatively easy. However, you must be careful and know what you are doing, or you may create serious problems. If in doubt, seek help. In addition, if you would like to work with web development professionals to easily accelerate your business activities, contact us.