Connect domain to hosting: step-by-step guide

You've registered a domain and bought a hosting package - but how do you connect them? In this guide, we explain step by step how to link your domain to your hosting so your website goes live.

Domain vs hosting: what's the difference?

Before we start, the basics:

• Domain: Your website address (example.nl) - registered at a registrar
• Hosting: The server where your website files are - rented from a hosting provider
• DNS: The system that connects domain and hosting

Your domain tells browsers where to look, your hosting delivers the actual website.

Option 1: Change nameservers (recommended)

The most common method. You set your hosting provider's nameservers at your domain registrar.

Step 1: Find your hosting nameservers

Log in to your hosting provider and find the nameservers. Usually found in:

• Welcome email
• Control panel under "DNS" or "Domain"
• Helpdesk/documentation

Examples of nameservers:

ns1.hostingprovider.nl
ns2.hostingprovider.nl

Step 2: Change nameservers at your registrar

1. Log in to your domain registrar
2. Go to domain settings or DNS management
3. Look for "Nameservers" or "DNS servers"
4. Replace current nameservers with those from your hosting
5. Save

Step 3: Wait for propagation

DNS changes need time to propagate worldwide:

• Usually 1-4 hours
• Maximum 24-48 hours
• During this period your site may be unreachable

Tip: Check propagation via whatsmydns.net

Option 2: Set A-record

If you want to keep nameservers at your registrar, you can set an A-record.

Step 1: Find your hosting IP address

Your hosting provider gives you your server's IP address. It looks like:

123.45.67.89

Step 2: Set the A-record

1. Log in to your registrar
2. Go to DNS management
3. Find or create an A-record for "@" (root domain)
4. Enter the IP address
5. Also create an A-record for "www"

When to use A-record?

• If you use extra DNS services from your registrar
• If you want multiple subdomains pointing to different servers
• If you use a CDN or firewall service

Option 3: CNAME-record (for subdomains)

CNAME records are used to connect subdomains.

blog.example.nl → example.nl
shop.example.nl → shops.hostingplatform.com

Useful for:

• Subdomains pointing to external services
• When the IP address may change

Common problems

"Website not reachable"

Possible causes:

• DNS propagation still in progress (wait 24-48 hours)
• Wrong nameservers or IP address entered
• Hosting not yet configured

Solution: Check your settings and wait for propagation. Test with a different internet connection.

"Domain works, www doesn't (or vice versa)"

Cause: Missing DNS record for www or root.

Solution: Ensure you have both the "@" record and the "www" record set.

"SSL certificate doesn't work"

Cause: SSL often needs to be requested again after DNS change.

Solution: Request a new SSL certificate via your hosting provider.

After connecting

Once your domain is connected:

1. Test the website - Does everything work correctly?
2. Test email - If email runs through the domain, check MX records
3. Set up SSL - Request an SSL certificate
4. 301 redirect - Redirect www to non-www (or vice versa) for SEO

Frequently asked questions

How long until my domain works? After DNS change 1-48 hours. Usually visible within a few hours.

Can I have domain and hosting at different parties? Yes, that's fine. You connect them via nameservers or DNS records.

What are MX records? MX records are for email. They determine which server receives email for your domain.

Will I lose my website when changing DNS? Temporarily the site may be unreachable during propagation. Ensure your hosting is already configured before changing DNS.

Also read about setting up subdomains if you want to run multiple sites under one domain.