Domains & DNS, explained simply
Everything you need to know about domain names and DNS — from the basics to email records, transfers, and troubleshooting.
Your domain name is your address on the internet — and DNS is the system that makes sure people who type that address actually reach your website. This section covers everything from registering a domain to fixing propagation delays, in plain English.
Quick summary
Your domain name (like yourbusiness.com) is registered at a domain registrar. DNS records tell the internet where to send visitors, email, and more. This section explains all of it — start with the basics, then jump to the topic you need.
If you only read three things
- What is a domain name? — the foundation.
- Domain vs hosting vs email — the single most common point of confusion.
- Renewing your domain (don't let it expire!) — the most expensive mistake you can quietly make.
Basics
What is a domain name?
The simplest explanation of what a domain name is and how it works.
What is DNS?
How the Domain Name System translates names into websites.
DNS records explained (A, CNAME, MX, TXT)
A plain-English guide to the four record types you'll encounter most.
Domain vs hosting vs email
Three different things that beginners often confuse — clarified.
How to find where your domain is registered
Not sure who manages your domain? Here's how to find out.
Nameservers vs DNS records
Two ways to control where your domain points — and when to use each.
Subdomains explained
What subdomains are, how they work, and common uses.
www vs non-www
Does it matter whether your URL starts with www? Find out.
Registering & renewing
How to register a domain name
Step-by-step guide to buying a new domain name.
How to choose a good domain name
Tips for picking a domain that's memorable, professional, and available.
Renewing your domain (don't let it expire!)
How and when to renew your domain — and why timing matters.
Turning on auto-renew
The simplest way to make sure your domain never expires by accident.
What happens when a domain expires
The timeline of events after a domain expires — and how to recover.
Domain privacy protection explained
What WHOIS privacy is and why you should turn it on.
Who owns your domain (and why it matters)
Make sure your domain is registered in your name — not your developer's.
Transferring & pointing
How to transfer a domain
Moving a domain from one registrar to another, step by step.
Domain transfer checklist
Everything to do before, during, and after a domain transfer.
Unlocking a domain & getting the auth code
How to prepare your domain so it can be transferred.
Pointing your domain to a new site
How to update your DNS so your domain loads your new website.
Parked & redirected domains
What it means to park a domain or set up a redirect.
Verifying domain ownership
How to prove you own a domain to Google, email providers, and others.
Cloudflare basics for clients
What Cloudflare is, what we use it for, and what you need to know.
Email DNS
Email DNS records (MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
The four DNS records that make your business email work correctly.
SPF records, explained
What an SPF record does and why it stops your email landing in spam.
DKIM records, explained
How DKIM signs your email and proves it's really from you.
DMARC records, explained
How DMARC protects your domain from being used for spoofing.
Troubleshooting
DNS propagation: why changes take time
Why DNS updates don't happen instantly — and what to do while you wait.
Common DNS problems & fixes
The most frequent DNS issues and how to solve them.
Domain & DNS terms, explained simply
A plain-English A–Z glossary of every domain and DNS term.
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