Today, we’re tackling a topic that might seem a bit out of your comfort zone: web hosting and domain management. But don’t worry, we’re keeping it straightforward – just how it should be.

We know you’re all about getting things built right and efficiently. That’s why we’re here to break down these essential steps in a clear, no-nonsense manner. From connecting your website to its online ‘plot of land’ to understanding those behind-the-scenes settings like DNS records, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll also clarify how we support your website and where our expertise in email and hosting ends. Let’s get you up to speed with these basics so you can strengthen your online presence with the same skill and confidence you bring to your trade.

1. Choose a Hosting Provider:

• What It Is: This is like renting space on a computer (server) that’s always on and connected to the internet. Your client needs this space to store the website’s files and data.
• Client’s Role: They pick a company that rents out this space (like Bluehost, SiteGround, etc.).

2. Register a Domain Name:

• What It Is: The website’s address (like www.getsocialyeg.com ). It’s how people find the website on the internet.
• Client’s Role: They choose and register a unique name. Often done through the hosting provider.

3. Set Up the Hosting Account:

• What It Is: Creating an account with the hosting provider and choosing the right package for the website’s needs (like how much space, how fast it should be, etc.).
• Client’s Role: Complete the signup process and make payment arrangements.

[GET SOCIAL TAKES OVER]  

4. Install WordPress:

• What It Is: WordPress is the software that lets you create and manage the website. 
• Get Social YEG’s Role: We follow our provider’s instructions to install WordPress on our hosting space.

5. Build the Website:

• What It Is: This is where we, as the developer or designer, come in. We’ll create pages, add content, install themes and plugins, etc.
• Get Social YEG’s Role: Develop the website on a staging area (a private space provided by the host).

6. Testing:

• What It Is: Checking that everything on the website works as it should (like links, forms, the mobile version, etc.).
• Get Social YEG’s Role: Review the site thoroughly to catch and fix any issues.

7. Migrate the Website to the Client’s Host:

• What It Is: Moving the website from where you built it (our staging area) to the client’s hosting space.
• Your Role: Use a migration plugin or manually transfer the files and database. Adjust configurations if needed.

8. Point the Domain to the Hosting Server:

Not sure what a DNS record is? Click Here

• What It Is: Making sure that when people type the website’s domain name, they are taken to the website stored on the hosting server.
• Client’s Role: They may need to update DNS (Domain Name System) settings. The hosting provider usually offers guidance on this.

9. Final Testing:

• What It Is: Double-checking everything works well on the live site.
• Get Social YEG’s Role: Conduct a thorough review to ensure the site operates correctly after the move.

10. Launch:

• What It Is: The website goes live and is now accessible to the public.
• Client’s Role: They officially announce their website, and people can visit it.

11. Post-Launch Support:

• What It Is: Submit any 301 redirects for web URL changes
• Get Social YEG’s Role: create a list of changes and submit them to Google

• What It Is: Resubmit your website to Google for reindexing
• Get Social YEG’s Role: submit your website sitemap to Google

• What It Is: Monitoring the site for issues and making updates.
• Get Social YEG’s Role: Offer support during the initial period after launch, handle any unforeseen issues, and possibly provide ongoing maintenance.

• What It Is: Resubmit your website to Google for reindexing
• Get Social YEG’s Role: submit your website sitemap to Google.

Remember: Communication is Key!

We try our best to keep clients in the loop about what’s happening and what we need from them. 

What does it mean to point the Domain to the Hosting Server?

Think of your website as a house and the domain name (like www.yourwebsite.com) as the house’s street address. The hosting server is the actual land where the house sits. Pointing the domain to the hosting server is like telling the postal service (the internet) exactly where your house (website) is located on the land (hosting server). This way, when someone types your website’s address, the internet knows where to find your website.

How It’s Done:

This is usually done by updating something called DNS records.

What Are DNS Records?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s like the internet’s phonebook. DNS records are entries in this phonebook. They direct traffic on the internet to the right places, like connecting your domain name to your hosting server, where your website lives.

Types of DNS Records:

• A Record: This points your domain name to the IP address of your hosting server (where your site is stored).
• MX Record: These are for emails. They direct the email messages sent to your domain (like info@yourwebsite.com) to the right email servers.

Email Explanation:

• When someone sends an email to an address at your domain, the MX records ensure it reaches the right email server. It’s like setting up a separate mailbox for your mail (emails), telling the postman (the internet) where to deliver your letters (emails).

Our Role and Limitations

• Email: While we ensure your domain’s MX records are pointed correctly for email, we don’t manage your email services. Think of us as ensuring your mailbox is in the right place, but we don’t handle the mail that comes in or goes out.
• Hosting: Similarly, we set up your website on your chosen hosting platform, but we don’t manage the hosting service itself. It’s like we help build and place your house on the land, but we don’t manage the land.

In Summary

• Pointing Your Domain: Connecting your website’s address to the physical location of your website on the web.
• DNS Records: The internet’s way of knowing where to send traffic and emails for your domain.
• Our Services: We help set up and maintain your website, ensuring it’s connected correctly, but we don’t manage your email services or hosting server.

It’s important to understand these distinctions to know what services you are getting and what aspects of your online presence you or your hosting/email service provider will need to manage.