Domains
Preparing for Website Launch: What You Need to Know About Domains and DNS
Launching a new website is an exciting milestone! But before we go live, there are a few technical pieces we’ll need your help with — particularly around your domain name and DNS settings. If this sounds unfamiliar, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through what you need to know, why it matters, and how to come prepared.
What Is a Domain and DNS?
Domain Name
This is your website’s address — like www.yourcompany.com . It’s what people type into their browser to reach your site.
Domain Registrar
This is the company where you purchased your domain name. Common examples include:
DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS is like the Internet’s address book. It tells web browsers and services where to find your website, email, and other tools tied to your domain.
Why We Need Access During Launch
To point your domain to your new website, we’ll need to make DNS changes. These include:
- Adding or updating A Records (to point to a new IP address)
- Modifying CNAME Records (to redirect subdomains like
www) - Ensuring email services remain unaffected (MX records, SPF, DKIM settings, etc.)
If we don’t have access to make these changes during our launch meeting, it can delay the site going live or even disrupt services like email if DNS isn’t handled carefully.
What You Can Do to Prepare
1. Know Where Your Domain Is Registered
Find out where your domain was purchased. If you’re unsure, you can look it up using a service like Whois Lookup.
2. Gather Login Credentials
Log in to your registrar account and ensure:
- You can access the domain’s DNS settings.
- You have the authority to make changes (admin-level access).
- You know how to reset the password if needed.
3. Bring Credentials to the Launch Meeting
This allows us to update DNS on the spot and ensure a smooth transition.
🔐 Tip: If you're uncomfortable sharing credentials, you can log in yourself and share your screen — we’ll walk you through the process.
4. Let Us Know if You Use the Domain for Email
If you use email addresses like name@yourdomain.com , let us know ahead of time. We’ll make sure no email services are disrupted by the DNS changes.
Who Typically Has Access?
If you’re not sure where to start, check with:
- Your IT provider or department
- The person who originally built your website
- Your marketing or operations manager
Optional: Granting Temporary Access
Some registrars allow you to add collaborators or grant limited access to make DNS changes. This can be a secure way to let us handle it directly without sharing full credentials.
Here are help links for common registrars:
Checklist: Before the Launch Meeting
- I know who my domain registrar is
- I can log in to my registrar account
- I’ve confirmed DNS access or added a collaborator
- I’ve informed the design team if I use email with my domain
- I’ll have credentials or access ready for the launch meeting
Final Thoughts
Understanding domain and DNS basics makes the launch process faster, smoother, and stress-free. If you're ever unsure, reach out ahead of time to websites@levitateapp.com— we're here to guide you every step of the way.