Demystifying Domain Names + DNS

11.01.24 #Best Practices
Graphic saying, "Domain Names + DNS."

By Tim Merath,Chief Operations Officer

When you launch or manage a website, you’ll encounter terms like domain names and DNS. Let’s break these down into simple concepts:

  • A domain name is like your website’s address on the internet. It’s the friendly, readable name (like www.epiccreative.com) that people use to find your site. Think of it as your digital real estate – valuable and worth protecting.
  • DNS (Domain Name System) is the behind-the-scenes technology that translates your domain name into the actual location of your website on the internet. It uses IP addresses (like 123.456.78.90) to pinpoint where your website’s content is stored.

Protecting Your Domain:

  1. Treat your domain name like valuable property
  2. Limit who can make changes to your DNS information
  3. Maintain ownership of your domain or secure it through a trusted partner

When You Need to Update DNS:

You might need to update your DNS if you’re moving your website or changing email providers. Here’s how:

  1. Record your current DNS settings before making changes
  2. Set the TTL (Time To Live) to its lowest setting
  3. Enter new IP addresses exactly as provided
  4. Be patient; changes can take time to spread across the internet

That’s as much as most people will ever have to do with a domain name. Keep it safe and be diligent with the DNS information and you’re set. Or get a hold of us and we’ll walk through it with you so you don’t have to stress about it at all!

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