While registering a domain gives you control of a web address, it doesn’t automatically create a website or give you access to a professional email service. For most businesses, getting these in place means choosing a web host, connecting your domain to the right services using DNS and setting up your email accounts. In this post, we explain what to do after buying a domain to get your website and email up and running.
Contents
- Step 1: Decide what the domain will be used for
- Step 2: Choose where the website will be hosted
- Step 3: Connect the domain using DNS
- Step 4: Set up professional email
- Step 5: Check SSL, backups and basic security
- Common mistakes after buying a domain
- What to do after buying a domain: simple checklist
- Conclusion
Step 1: Decide what the domain will be used for
After purchasing a domain, the first step is to decide what you want to use it for. Most businesses register a domain for a professional website and email address. However, you can also use it to redirect visitors to another website, protect your brand or keep it for a future project.
What you intend to do matters because different uses require different services. If you only want business email, you can choose a standalone email hosting service. If you are launching a business website, your web hosting plan may include email hosting as well, letting you set up both from the same account. You will also need the correct DNS settings to ensure visitors can reach your site and emails are delivered properly
If you’re saving the domain for a later project, simply keep the registration active and your account details current.
Step 2: Choose where the website will be hosted
Your domain is simply the address (e.g. mybusiness.com) that people will use to find your website. Web hosting is the service that stores your website files and content and makes its pages available online. While the domain and hosting work together, they are separate services and can be bought from different providers.
Choosing the right hosting depends on the kind of website you want to create. For instance, a small business site may only need general web hosting, while a WordPress website can benefit from hosting designed for the WordPress platform. If you plan to use a website builder, you should check whether the builder comes with hosting included in the plan
When comparing hosting plans, it’s important to consider the resources you will need, such as storage, CPU, RAM and bandwidth, together with the support and features included.
Step 3: Connect the domain using DNS
Once you have chosen your hosting, the next step is to set up the DNS (Domain Name System). The DNS tells users’ browsers which server hosts your website and which email server to send your incoming emails to. It does this by linking your domain name to the IP address of the relevant servers.
The DNS settings include a range of records, each of which handles a different task. For instance, an A record directs visitors to the server hosting your website, while an MX record tells email systems which mail server should receive messages sent to your domain. It is crucial, therefore, that these settings are correct.
Another important part of your DNS setup is your nameservers. These tell the internet where your domain’s DNS settings are managed. If your domain and hosting are with different companies, you may need to update the nameservers through your domain provider. Your web host will usually provide the correct details.
If you need help with this, read: How to change nameservers of a domain.
Step 4: Set up professional email
Owning a domain gives your business the opportunity to use professional email addresses, such as [email protected]. These offer significant benefits over free email, but simply having a domain does not mean your email is automatically configured
To set it up, you will need mailbox hosting, either as part of your web hosting package or through a separate email hosting plan. You can easily set up email accounts and create addresses via your control panel.
After setting up the email, check that your domain’s DNS settings direct incoming email to the right mail server. Once done, you can then use webmail and connect your account to Outlook, Apple Mail or other email clients.
Step 5: Check SSL, backups and basic security
Protecting your website from cyberattacks and data loss is vital. So, before it goes live, you should understand what protection is in place and how your site will be recovered should something go wrong.
An essential security measure for all websites is an SSL certificate. This encrypts information sent between a visitor’s browser and your site, helping prevent interception during transit. It also enables the site to use HTTPS and stops it from being labelled as not secure by browsers
As SSL certificates don’t protect websites from every type of threat, you should also check what other security measures are included in your hosting package, such as firewalls and intrusion and malware prevention. As hosting packages vary, do not assume that these features are automatically included.
Backups are another essential element of security, as they enable your site to be restored should the worst happen. If your hosting plan comes with backups, you should also check how frequently these are taken, how long they are kept and how restoration works.
Common mistakes after buying a domain
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that buying a domain also means buying a website. It doesn’t. Buying a domain only means you have purchased the right to use a web address. To get a site online, you will also need to choose a hosting plan, build the website and configure the DNS.
While DNS changes are sometimes necessary, not keeping a record of existing settings can cause disruption. If a change stops the website or email from working properly, you may need the previous settings to restore the configuration that worked. It is important not to overlook email records either, as changing or removing these can prevent you from receiving incoming mail.
Another frequent error is not checking what is included in your hosting plan. This can lead to businesses paying for services, like SSL or backups, that they already have.
A final mistake is not checking your hosting plan’s renewal terms. Sometimes these can differ significantly from the provider’s initial offer. Checking the terms in advance helps prevent unexpected costs or finding that the terms have changed in an unfavourable way.
What to do after buying a domain: simple checklist
After buying a domain, getting everything ready means putting the right services in place and checking that everything works as expected. Make sure:
- Your domain is registered and that the account details are correct
- You have selected the right hosting for your website
- The DNS is correctly configured for your website and email
- Your email is configured if required
- An SSL is active, and the website loads over HTTPS
- Backup arrangements and basic security have been checked
Once these are complete, test both the website and email before launch.
Conclusion
Buying a domain is just the first step in getting your business online. Before you can launch a website or use professional email, you will also need to choose a hosting plan, configure the DNS, set up your email and check that security and backups are in place.
Webhosting UK offers a straightforward route from registering your domain to having a working website and professional email up and running. Our cPanel Hosting and WordPress Hosting options include professional email, SSL, daily off-site backups and 24/7 technical support.
