This article applies to .cv domains bought anywhere as well as other domains. Happy learning!
Welcome to Domains and Hosting 101
If you’ve just bought your first .cv domain and are wondering, “Now what?”, you’re in the right place! This guide is designed to help you understand what domains are, how name servers work, and how to connect them to a hosting service so your website can go live. Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible, with examples to guide you through the process.
1. Understanding Domains and How They Work
A domain name is like the address for your website. It’s what users type into their browser’s address bar to reach your site. Think of it as the front door to your online presence—without it, people won’t know where to find you on the internet. Example: Let’s say you’ve just purchased or firstnamelastname.cv That’s your unique address on the web.
Domains are managed by the Domain Name System (DNS), a global network that translates domain names (firstname.cv) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1). This translation is necessary because computers communicate using IP addresses, but humans find domain names easier to remember.
2. What are Name Servers?
Name servers are a part of the DNS system. They act like a directory, guiding browsers on where to find your website. Think of name servers as a bridge that connects your domain to your website’s content stored on a server (a computer where your site’s files are hosted).
When you set up a domain, you’ll need to add name servers provided by your hosting company. Once set up, these name servers will direct traffic from your domain to your hosting service, allowing users to see your website content.
Nameservers typically look like this : ns1.something.something e.g. ns1.comprar.cv or ns2.google.com. Your hosting service will provide you with this. If you do not provide the right nameservers from your hosting company, your domain will not show up correctly.
If you want to add records like A records, CNAME records, TXT records, you cannot enter those on comprar.cv, you still need nameservers.
P.S. In case you don't want to spend money on hosting and need a free DNS manager, we recommend a couple of options.
- register your .cv domain with hello.cv instead
or
- use Cloudflare. https://developers.cloudflare.com/fundamentals/setup/manage-domains/connect-your-domain/
3. Linking Name Servers to a Hosting Service
Once you have your domain, the next step is to link it to your hosting provider. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose a Hosting Provider:
This is where your website files will live. The .cv domain registry (ola.cv) and comprar.cv don’t offer hosting directly but will help you link your domain to any hosting provider. hello.cv does not offer hosting but offers a simple to use redirect service and DNS manager. Some popular hosting providers include:
- Bluehost: Ideal for beginners, with easy setup and good customer support.
- SiteGround: Known for speed and reliability.
- DigitalOcean: Good for developers, offering more control.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Scalable, suitable for larger sites and apps.
- Go54: Leading web hosting company in Africa
2. Get the Name Servers from Your Hosting Provider:
Once you sign up for a hosting plan, your hosting provider will give you two or more name servers. These often look like:
• ns1.examplehost.com
• ns2.examplehost.com
3. Log into Your Domain Management Panel:
Since you’ve registered your domain with comprar.cv or hello.cv, log into your account on these platforms.
4. Find the DNS or Name Server Settings:
Look for an option labeled “DNS Settings” or “Name Server Settings.” It might be under “Manage Domain” or “Advanced DNS Settings.”
5. Enter the Name Servers:
Enter the name servers provided by your hosting provider. Usually, there’s a space to add two name servers, but some hosts may give you more.
6. Save Your Settings:
Once entered, save the settings. It may take some time (up to 24-48 hours) for these changes to fully propagate across the internet, although often, it’s quicker.
4. Testing Your Domain Connection
After your DNS settings have been updated, you can test if your domain is correctly linked to your hosting provider.
• Visit your domain in a browser: After the name servers update, typing your domain (like myfirstsite.ola.tv) should bring you to your hosting provider’s default page or your site if you’ve uploaded content.
• Use a DNS checker tool: Sites like DNS Checker allow you to see if the DNS changes are live across different locations worldwide.
5. Uploading Your Website Files
Now that your domain is linked to your hosting, you’re ready to upload your website files!
Common Methods to Upload Files
• File Manager: Most hosts provide a File Manager in their control panel, where you can upload files directly.
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Tools like FileZilla or Cyberduck allow you to connect to your hosting server and upload files from your computer.
• One-Click Installers: Many hosts offer one-click installers for platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. With these, you can quickly set up a site without uploading files manually.
6. Examples of What You Can Do Once Your Site is Live
After your domain and hosting are connected, your site is live! Here are some examples of what you might want to do next:
• Create a Personal or Business Website: Use platforms like WordPress (available on most hosting providers) to build and manage a site easily.
• Build an Online Store: Tools like Shopify or WooCommerce for WordPress let you sell products directly from your site.
• Add Email Accounts: Many hosting providers offer custom email addresses with your domain, like hello@firstname.cv, giving your business a professional touch.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
- Domain Not Linking: If your site isn’t showing, double-check that the name servers are correct and that the changes have had enough time to propagate.
- Slow Propagation: If DNS changes are taking longer than expected, try clearing your browser’s cache or using a different device to check your site.
- Hosting Errors: If you see error messages, your hosting provider’s support team can help. Be ready to provide details, like the error code, for faster assistance.
8. Recap and Next Steps
- Purchase your domain through platforms like Ola.tv or Elo.tv.
- Choose a hosting provider and get the name server information.
- Update your name servers in the domain management panel.
- Upload your website content through your hosting provider.
Once your site is live, it’s time to share your new domain with the world! Whether you’re creating a personal blog, a professional portfolio, or a full-fledged business site, connecting a domain to a hosting provider is the first step in building your online presence.
Enjoy your experience with comprar.cv and hello.cv, and welcome to the digital world!