Step-by-Step Guide on How to Connect a Domain to Hosting
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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Connect a Domain to Hosting

Connecting a domain to hosting is an essential process for making your website accessible on the internet. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to connect a domain to hosting:

Step 1: Choose and Purchase a Domain

Connect a Domain to Hosting
  1. Register a Domain Name:
    • Go to a domain registrar and register a domain
    • Search for your preferred domain name and ensure it’s available.
    • Complete the registration and purchase the domain.

Step 2: Purchase Hosting

Connect a Domain to Hosting
  1. Select a Hosting Provider:
    • Choose a hosting provider
    • Purchase a hosting plan that suits your website’s needs.

Step 3: Access Domain Name Settings

  1. Log In to Your Domain Registrar:
    • Sign in to the account where you purchased your domain.
    • Locate the domain settings or DNS management panel.

Step 4: Get Nameserver Information from Hosting Provider

  1. Log In to Hosting Account:
    • Sign in to your hosting provider account.
    • Find the nameservers (NS) provided by your hosting provider, which typically look like:
      • ns1.hostprovider.com
      • ns2.hostprovider.com
    • This information may be located in your hosting dashboard or in the welcome email from your hosting provider.

Step 5: Update Domain Nameservers

  1. Modify DNS Settings at Domain Registrar:
    • Go back to your domain registrar’s control panel.
    • Find the section to edit nameservers (sometimes called DNS settings).
    • Replace the existing nameservers with the ones provided by your hosting provider.
    • Save the changes.

Step 6: Wait for DNS Propagation

  1. DNS Propagation Time:
    • After changing the nameservers, it takes some time for the changes to propagate globally (usually between 24 to 48 hours, but sometimes sooner).
    • During this time, your domain may not be accessible.

Step 7: Add the Domain to Hosting Account

  1. Log In to Your Hosting Provider:
    • Go to the hosting provider’s dashboard (usually cPanel or a custom dashboard).
    • Find the option to add a new domain, which might be under “Domains” or “Addon Domains.”
  2. Add the Domain:
    • Enter the domain name you want to connect.
    • Complete any additional settings, such as setting up a directory where your website files will be stored.
    • Confirm the domain is added to your hosting account.

Step 8: Upload Website Files

  1. Access File Manager or Use FTP:
    • Access your hosting account’s file manager (such as cPanel File Manager).
    • Alternatively, use an FTP client (such as FileZilla) to upload your website files to the server.
    • Place the files in the correct directory (usually the public_html or a designated folder for your domain).

Step 9: Verify Domain Connection

  1. Check the Website:
    • After the DNS propagation is complete, visit your domain to ensure it loads the website properly.
    • If it doesn’t load, check the nameservers again, ensure the domain is correctly added to your hosting account, and verify that the files are uploaded correctly.

Optional Step: Set Up SSL Certificate

  1. Install SSL Certificate:
    • Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates (e.g., via Let’s Encrypt) to secure your website.
    • Log in to your hosting control panel and install the SSL certificate for your domain.
    • Verify that the site loads securely with “https://”.

This process will successfully connect your domain to your hosting and make your website live on the internet.