You've registered your domain name and purchased web hosting.

So, why isn't your website showing when you type your domain into a browser?

The answer is usually simple: your domain needs to be connected to your hosting server.

This process is commonly referred to as pointing your domain.

In this guide, HostFaddy explains what pointing a domain means, the different ways it can be done and what you need to know before changing your DNS settings.

What Does "Pointing a Domain" Mean?

When you point a domain, you're configuring its DNS so that visitors are directed to the correct server or online service.

For example, you may have registered:

mybusiness.co.za

with one provider while your website is hosted with another provider.

Your domain needs to know where the website is located.

DNS provides that connection.

In simple terms:

Domain → DNS → Web Server → Website

Once the correct DNS configuration is in place, someone visiting your domain can be directed to your website.

Domain Registration and Web Hosting Are Different

One of the most important concepts to understand is that your domain and your hosting account are separate services.

Your domain is your online address.

Your hosting is the server space where your website files are stored.

For example:

Domain: mybusiness.co.za

Hosting: The server where your website is installed.

You can purchase both from the same company, or you can register your domain with one provider and host your website with another.

Either way, they need to be correctly connected.

How Can You Point a Domain?

There are two common approaches:

Option 1: Change Your Nameservers

Your hosting provider may give you nameservers such as:

ns1.example.com

ns2.example.com

You can update your domain's nameserver settings to use the nameservers supplied by your hosting provider.

This means the hosting provider's DNS system becomes responsible for managing the DNS records for your domain.

This is often the simplest option when your website, email and other DNS services are intended to be managed through the same hosting provider.

Option 2: Update DNS Records

Instead of changing the nameservers, you can keep your existing DNS provider and update individual DNS records.

For example, your hosting provider may give you an IP address that needs to be added as an A record.

Your configuration might look something like:

yourbusiness.co.za → A record → Web server IP address

You may also need to configure a CNAME record for:

www.yourbusiness.co.za

The exact records required depend on your hosting provider and website setup.

Which Method Should You Use?

There isn't one method that is best for every situation.

Changing nameservers can be convenient when you want your hosting provider to manage your DNS.

Updating individual DNS records can be useful when you already have DNS managed elsewhere or need different services to remain connected to different providers.

For example, your website could be hosted with one company while your email is managed through another service.

In that situation, careful DNS management is particularly important.

Step-by-Step: Pointing Your Domain Using Nameservers

If your hosting provider has supplied nameservers, the general process is:

Step 1: Get Your Nameservers

Your hosting provider should provide the correct nameservers.

Do not guess these.

They may look similar to:

ns1.example.com

ns2.example.com

Your provider may supply two or more nameservers depending on the service.

Step 2: Log Into Your Domain Account

Sign in to the account where your domain is registered.

Look for an option such as:

Domains

Domain Management

Nameservers

or:

DNS Management

The exact wording will depend on your domain provider.

Step 3: Find the Nameserver Settings

Locate the nameserver configuration for the domain you want to connect.

Replace the existing nameservers with the ones supplied by your hosting provider, if that is the approach you have chosen.

Step 4: Save the Changes

Save the new nameserver configuration.

The change may not take effect everywhere immediately.

Step 5: Wait for DNS Updates

DNS changes can take time to be recognised across different networks and DNS systems.

This is commonly referred to as DNS propagation.

During this period, some users may see the new website while others may temporarily see the previous destination.

Pointing Your Domain Using an A Record

If you're keeping your current nameservers and only changing where the website points, your hosting provider may give you an IP address.

For example:

203.0.113.10

You may then be instructed to create or update an A record for your domain.

A simplified example could look like:

Host: @

Type: A

Value: 203.0.113.10

The exact format depends on your DNS provider.

You may also need to configure the www version of your domain using a CNAME or another appropriate record.

Always follow the exact DNS instructions provided by your hosting provider.

What About Email?

This is extremely important.

If you already use professional email, you should be careful when changing your domain's nameservers.

Your email may rely on existing MX records and other DNS records.

For example:

info@yourbusiness.co.za

could stop receiving email if the necessary mail records are removed or replaced incorrectly.

Before changing nameservers, check whether your email service needs specific DNS records to remain in place.

If you're unsure, speak to your hosting or email provider before making the change.

What About SSL?

Once your domain is correctly connected to your website, you should also ensure that your website is protected with an SSL certificate.

SSL allows visitors to access your website securely using:

https://

rather than:

http://

Modern websites should use HTTPS, particularly if they collect customer information, process forms or handle online transactions.

What Is DNS Propagation?

You may change your DNS settings and immediately expect your website to work.

Sometimes it does.

Sometimes it takes longer.

DNS information can be cached across different systems, which means updates don't necessarily appear everywhere at exactly the same time.

This process is commonly known as DNS propagation.

If your website isn't immediately visible after a DNS change, don't automatically assume something is broken.

Give the DNS changes time to update and verify that the records are configured correctly.

Common Problems When Pointing a Domain

The Website Still Shows the Old Hosting Account

This may happen because DNS information has not updated everywhere yet or because the domain is still pointing to the previous server.

The Website Doesn't Load

Check that the correct DNS records or nameservers have been entered.

Also confirm that your hosting account is active and that the website has been configured correctly.

Email Stops Working

This can happen when DNS changes remove or alter the MX records required by your email provider.

Always check your email DNS configuration before changing nameservers.

The WWW Version Doesn't Work

You may have configured the main domain but not the www hostname.

Check whether your hosting provider requires an A record, CNAME or another configuration for the www version.

An SSL Certificate Isn't Working

If your domain has only recently been pointed to a new server, the SSL certificate may need to be installed or configured for the new website.

Domain Pointing Checklist

Before making DNS changes, check:

• Do I know where my website is hosted?
• Do I have the correct nameservers or IP address?
• Do I know whether my email depends on existing DNS records?
• Have I backed up or recorded the current DNS settings?
• Have I entered the records correctly?
• Have I configured both the main domain and www if required?
• Is SSL configured?
• Have I allowed enough time for DNS changes to propagate?

Can I Point My Domain Myself?

Yes, if you're comfortable managing DNS settings and have clear instructions from your hosting provider.

However, DNS changes should not be made randomly.

A single incorrect record can affect your website, email or other services.

If your business relies on your website and email every day, getting professional assistance can save you time and prevent unnecessary downtime.

Let HostFaddy Help

At HostFaddy, we understand that domains, DNS and hosting can sometimes feel unnecessarily technical.

We can help you get your online services connected correctly.

Our services include:

• Domain registration
• Domain management
• DNS management
• Web hosting
• Website development
• WordPress websites
• Business email
• SSL certificates
• Website migrations

Whether you're launching a new website or moving an existing website to HostFaddy, we'll help you get your domain pointing in the right direction.

Ready to Connect Your Domain?

Already have a domain but don't know where it should point?

Or perhaps you've purchased hosting and need help connecting everything?

HostFaddy can help you get your domain, hosting, website and email working together.

https://www.hostfaddy.com/

Final Thoughts

Pointing a domain is simply the process of connecting your domain to the correct online service using DNS.

For many websites, this involves either changing nameservers or updating DNS records such as A and CNAME records.

The important thing is to understand what you're changing before you make the change , particularly if your domain is already being used for email.

If you're unsure, don't risk breaking your website or email. Contact HostFaddy for assistance with your domain, DNS and hosting setup.