Designing your perfect website in Showit is exciting, but the real magic happens when you launch it at your custom domain. Connecting your domain and configuring DNS settings might sound technical, but Showit has simplified the process significantly with automated tools and clear guidance.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of connecting your domain to Showit, understanding DNS settings and nameservers, and successfully launching your website. Whether your domain is registered with GoDaddy, Squarespace, Wix, or another provider, you’ll have your site live and secure.
Understanding Domains, DNS, and Nameservers
Before diving into the technical setup, understanding these concepts helps the process make sense and prevents confusion during configuration.
What Is a Domain Name?
Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet, like yourbusiness.com. It’s what visitors type into their browser to find you. Domain names are purchased through domain registrars, companies authorized to sell and manage domain registrations.
Popular domain registrars include GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hover, Google Domains, and Squarespace Domains. Showit is not a domain registrar and doesn’t sell domains, so you’ll need to purchase yours elsewhere before connecting it to Showit.
Domain names require annual renewal. Prices vary by registrar and domain extension, typically ranging from $10 to $20 per year for common extensions like .com, .net, or .org.
DNS Records Explained
DNS stands for Domain Name System. DNS records are like a phone book for the internet, translating your human-readable domain name into the numerical IP addresses computers use to locate websites.
When you connect your domain to Showit, you’re updating DNS records to point your domain to Showit’s servers. This tells the internet that when someone types your domain, they should see your Showit website.
The most important DNS record types for Showit are A Records and CNAME Records. A Records point your root domain to an IP address. CNAME Records create aliases, typically used for the “www” version of your domain.
Nameservers vs DNS Records
Nameservers are the higher-level servers that control where your DNS records are stored and managed. Think of nameservers as the authority that holds all your DNS information.
When connecting your domain to Showit, you’ll keep your nameservers pointing to your domain registrar and only update the DNS records themselves. Showit provides specific DNS values that you enter into your registrar’s DNS management panel.
This approach gives you flexibility. You maintain control over your domain at the registrar while pointing web traffic to Showit’s hosting servers through DNS records.
Preparing to Connect Your Domain
Before you start the connection process, gathering necessary information and completing prerequisite steps ensures a smooth launch without delays.
Purchase Your Domain
If you don’t own a domain yet, choose and purchase one through a domain registrar. Consider these factors when selecting your domain:
Choose a domain that reflects your business name or brand identity. Shorter domains are easier to remember and type. The .com extension remains the most recognizable and trusted, though other extensions work perfectly fine.
Avoid hyphens, numbers, or unusual spellings that could confuse visitors trying to find your site. Check that your desired domain is available across social media platforms for brand consistency.
Access Your Domain Registrar Account
Before connecting your domain to Showit, log into your domain registrar account and verify you have full access. You’ll need administrative privileges to modify DNS settings.
Locate the DNS management area in your registrar’s control panel. Different registrars use different terminology like DNS Settings, DNS Management, or Domain Settings, but the concept is the same.
If you can’t access your account or don’t remember your login credentials, use your registrar’s password recovery process before proceeding. Showit cannot reset registrar passwords or access your domain account.
Complete Your Showit Website Design
Your website should be fully designed and ready to launch before connecting your domain. Test all pages, links, and functionality in the Showit preview to ensure everything works correctly.
Publish your design in the Showit app to ensure all changes are saved and deployed. The publish button in the top right corner finalizes your design updates.
Determine Your Blog Needs
Decide whether you need a blog with your Showit website. If yes, you’ll need at least a Tier 2 subscription and must request blog setup before connecting your domain.
Blog setup affects which DNS records you need to configure. Showit’s blog team provides modified DNS values after setting up your WordPress installation on their servers.
Without blog setup complete, you’ll be unable to set certain DNS records correctly, potentially causing launch delays or functionality issues.
Connecting Your Domain to Showit
The domain connection process happens in two stages: connecting your domain within Showit’s platform, then configuring DNS records at your domain registrar.
Step 1: Connect Your Domain in Showit
Open the Showit Design App and click Connect Your Domain in the top left corner. This button appears whether or not you’ve started a design.
Enter your full domain name in the field provided, including the .com or other extension. For example, type yourbusiness.com, not just yourbusiness.
Check the boxes for settings that apply to your situation. Options include whether you currently have a website at this domain, whether you have a blog, and whether you’re migrating content.
If you have a blog included in your Showit subscription, you’ll be prompted to Proceed to Blog Setup after submitting your domain. Complete the blog setup request before configuring DNS.
For sites without blogs, you’ll receive a success message and can proceed directly to DNS configuration.
Step 2: Request Blog Setup (If Applicable)
Users with blog-inclusive subscriptions must request blog setup or migration before setting DNS records. Click Proceed to Blog Setup to begin this process.
Choose whether you’re setting up a new blog or migrating an existing one. New blog setups typically complete within 2 to 5 business days. Migrations take 2 to 10 business days depending on blog size.
Provide accurate hosting credentials if migrating a blog. The most common migration delay is incorrect login information. Test your credentials before submitting them to Showit’s blog team.
Showit’s blog team will email you when setup completes, providing your WordPress login credentials and updated DNS record values that include blog-specific configurations.
Step 3: Locate Your DNS Record Values in Showit
After connecting your domain, access your specific DNS record values in your Showit account. From the Design App, click your account icon in the top right corner and select Account Settings.
Navigate to the Domains tab to see all domains connected to your Showit account. Click on the domain you’re launching to view its DNS configuration page.
Under Your DNS Records, you’ll see the specific values Showit generated for your website. These include A Records pointing to Showit’s IP addresses and a CNAME Record for the www version of your domain.
Records display with color-coded status indicators. Green means the record is set correctly. Yellow indicates the record needs to be added or updated. Red means the record is incorrect and should be deleted.
Copy these DNS values exactly as shown. Even a single character mistake will prevent your domain from connecting properly.
Configuring DNS Settings Automatically with Entri
Showit partners with Entri, a service that automates DNS configuration for most major domain registrars. This is the easiest and fastest connection method.
How Entri Automatic Configuration Works
From your Domains page in Showit account settings, click the Configure DNS button next to your domain. This launches the Entri automated process.
Entri analyzes your domain and attempts to identify your domain registrar automatically. If successful, you’ll be prompted to sign in to your registrar account directly through Entri’s secure interface.
Log in using your domain registrar credentials, not your Showit account information. Some registrars require two-factor authentication, so have your phone or authentication app ready.
Once authenticated, Entri displays a list of DNS records that need updating. Review the changes, then authorize Entri to implement them automatically.
The entire process typically takes less than five minutes. Entri updates your DNS records instantly, though propagation throughout the internet takes additional time.
Supported Registrars for Automatic Configuration
Entri supports most major domain registrars including GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hover, Google Domains, Network Solutions, and many others.
If your registrar isn’t supported by Entri, you’ll see a message indicating manual DNS configuration is required. The Showit interface provides clear instructions for manual setup.
Less common or international domain registrars may not integrate with Entri. In these cases, manual DNS configuration is your only option.
Troubleshooting Automatic Configuration
If Entri fails to identify your registrar automatically, select your provider from the dropdown menu. This manual selection usually resolves identification issues.
Authentication failures typically result from incorrect credentials or expired passwords. Use your registrar’s password recovery process to regain access before trying again.
Two-factor authentication codes expire quickly. Generate a fresh code if authentication fails, rather than reusing an expired one.
Manually Configuring DNS Settings
When automatic configuration isn’t available or you prefer hands-on control, manual DNS setup gives you complete oversight of the connection process.
Accessing DNS Management at Your Registrar
The location of DNS settings varies by registrar. Most place DNS management under sections labeled Domain Settings, DNS Management, Advanced Settings, or Nameservers.
In GoDaddy, navigate to My Products, find your domain, click the three dots menu, and select Manage DNS. This opens your domain’s DNS record management interface.
Other registrars follow similar patterns. Look for options related to DNS, nameservers, or advanced domain settings in your registrar’s control panel.
Understanding Required DNS Records
Showit typically requires three DNS records for full functionality: two A Records and one CNAME Record.
The first A Record uses @ or sometimes an empty field as the host name. This points your root domain like yourbusiness.com to Showit’s servers. The value is an IP address Showit provides.
Some configurations require a second A Record with an asterisk as the host name. This creates a wildcard record handling all subdomains.
The CNAME Record uses www as the host name, pointing the www version of your domain to your root domain. The value typically shows your domain name.
Adding A Records Manually
In your registrar’s DNS management interface, look for an option to Add Record, Add New Record, or a plus icon to create new DNS entries.
Select A or A Record as the record type from the dropdown menu. Enter the host name exactly as specified by Showit, usually @ for the root domain record.
Paste the IP address value Showit provided in the Points To, Value, or Destination field. This must match exactly, with no extra spaces or characters.
Set the TTL to the default value or 600 seconds. TTL controls how long DNS servers cache the record before checking for updates.
Save the record and repeat the process for any additional A Records required by your Showit DNS configuration.
Adding the CNAME Record
Create a new DNS record and select CNAME or CNAME Record as the type.
Enter www as the host name. Some registrars automatically append your domain, so you might see www.yourbusiness.com rather than just www.
In the Points To or Value field, enter your domain name as specified by Showit. This creates an alias from www.yourbusiness.com to yourbusiness.com.
Save the CNAME record. Your DNS configuration is now complete, pending propagation.
Deleting Conflicting Records
Before adding new records, delete any existing A Records with @ or blank host names. Multiple A Records with the same host name create conflicts.
Also remove existing CNAME Records named www. Old records pointing to previous hosting providers will interfere with your Showit connection.
Parked domain records in GoDaddy sometimes appear as locked records you can’t delete directly. Navigate to DNS > Forwarding and delete domain forwarding first, then return to DNS Records to remove the now-unlocked parked record.
If you encounter records you cannot delete, contact your registrar’s support team. They can remove locked records for you.
Verifying Nameservers Remain Correct
After setting DNS records, verify your nameservers still point to your domain registrar’s nameservers, not third-party nameservers.
Showit is not a domain registrar and doesn’t provide nameservers. Your nameservers should remain set to your registrar’s default values.
In GoDaddy, this appears as Using Default Nameservers on the Nameserver page. Other registrars display similar confirmation messages.
If nameservers are set to custom values, your DNS records won’t apply correctly. Reset nameservers to default before proceeding.
Connecting Domains from Specific Registrars
While the general process is similar across registrars, each platform has unique interface elements worth noting.
GoDaddy Domain Connection
GoDaddy is one of the most popular registrars and works seamlessly with Showit. The DNS management interface is straightforward once you locate it.
From GoDaddy’s homepage after logging in, select your name in the upper right corner and click My Products. This displays all your GoDaddy purchases including domains.
Locate the domain you’re connecting to Showit. Click the three dots menu icon on the right side of that domain’s card and select Manage DNS.
The DNS Management page displays all current records. Add the A and CNAME records Showit provided, deleting any conflicting records first.
GoDaddy’s interface allows bulk actions. You can select multiple old records and delete them simultaneously, speeding up the cleanup process.
Squarespace Domain Connection
If your domain is registered through Squarespace, you’ll manage DNS records in their domain settings panel. Note that Squarespace offers both nameserver connect and DNS connect options.
For Showit websites, you must use DNS connect, not nameserver connect. Nameserver connect transfers all DNS control to Squarespace and removes the ability to point your domain elsewhere.
Log into Squarespace and navigate to Settings > Domains. Click on the domain you’re connecting to Showit, then select DNS Settings.
Add your Showit DNS records here. Squarespace sometimes requires entering and saving the CNAME record first before A Records will accept. If you encounter errors, try this sequence.
Verify your nameservers remain set to Squarespace nameservers under Advanced Settings. This ensures your manually configured DNS records actually apply.
Other Common Registrars
Namecheap users find DNS management under Domain List > Manage > Advanced DNS. The interface clearly separates A Records, CNAME Records, and other record types.
Hover users access DNS settings by clicking on a domain, then selecting DNS in the top right corner. Their clean interface makes adding records straightforward.
Google Domains places DNS configuration under DNS in the left sidebar after selecting your domain. Their interface provides helpful tooltips explaining each field.
Wix domain users navigate to Domains in their dashboard, click Manage next to the relevant domain, then select DNS Settings. Wix’s interface is similar to Squarespace’s approach.
DNS Propagation and Going Live
After configuring DNS records, your changes must propagate throughout the internet before your website becomes visible at your domain.
Understanding DNS Propagation
DNS propagation is the process of updated DNS information spreading to DNS servers worldwide. This doesn’t happen instantly because servers cache DNS information to improve internet performance.
Propagation typically completes within a few hours but can take up to 48 hours in rare cases. Different locations around the world may see your site go live at different times during this window.
You cannot speed up propagation. It’s a natural process controlled by DNS server refresh intervals set globally, not by Showit or your domain registrar.
Checking DNS Configuration Status
Showit provides a built-in DNS checker in your account settings. On your Domains page, click the Check Site button next to your domain.
This tool queries your DNS records and displays their current status with the same color coding: green for correct, yellow for pending, red for incorrect.
You can run this check once every five minutes. Use it to monitor propagation progress and verify records eventually turn green.
If records remain red or yellow after 48 hours despite correct configuration, contact Showit support with a screenshot of your DNS records at your registrar for assistance.
SSL Certificate Installation
Once DNS propagates and your domain points to Showit, an SSL certificate must be installed to secure your site with HTTPS.
For sites without blogs, SSL installs automatically once DNS is verified. This process typically completes within minutes to a few hours after propagation.
Sites with blogs receive SSL installation after Showit’s blog team completes your blog setup and verifies DNS configuration. They handle this process and will email you when it’s complete.
SSL is essential for security and SEO. Search engines penalize sites without SSL, and modern browsers warn visitors when accessing non-secure sites.
Testing Your Live Site
Once propagation completes and SSL is installed, test your website thoroughly in multiple browsers. Visit both yourdomain.com and www.yourdomain.com to ensure both versions work.
Check that all pages load correctly, navigation works as expected, and any integrations like contact forms or embedded media function properly.
Test on mobile devices as well as desktop computers. Verify your mobile design displays correctly and all touch interactions work smoothly.
If anything doesn’t work as expected, check your Showit design settings first. Most issues stem from design configuration rather than DNS problems.
Troubleshooting Common Domain Connection Issues
Even following all steps correctly, occasional issues arise. Understanding common problems and solutions helps you resolve them quickly.
DNS Records Won’t Save or Keep Resetting
Some registrars have security features that prevent immediate DNS changes or require email confirmation. Check your registrar’s account email for verification messages.
Ensure you have full administrative access to the domain. Some accounts have multiple users with different permission levels. Only administrators can modify DNS.
Third-party DNS management services like Cloudflare can intercept DNS changes. If you use Cloudflare or similar services, disable them temporarily or update records through their interface instead.
Site Shows Different Content or Error Messages
If your domain shows your old website or a registrar parking page, DNS hasn’t fully propagated yet. Wait a few more hours and try again.
Some internet service providers cache DNS information longer than others. Try accessing your site using mobile data instead of WiFi, or use a VPN to test from different network locations.
If you see an SSL error or warning, wait for Showit to complete SSL installation. This happens automatically but requires fully propagated DNS records first.
Can’t Find DNS Management at Registrar
Some registrars hide advanced DNS settings by default. Look for options labeled Advanced, Expert Mode, or Show Advanced Settings to reveal DNS management.
If truly unable to locate DNS settings, contact your registrar’s support team. They can either guide you to the correct location or set the records for you if you provide them.
Extremely budget registrars sometimes don’t offer DNS management interfaces, requiring you to contact support for all changes. Consider transferring to a more user-friendly registrar if this becomes burdensome.
Multiple Domain Versions Not Working
If www.yourdomain.com works but yourdomain.com doesn’t, or vice versa, check that both A Records and the CNAME Record are set correctly.
Some registrars require explicit settings for domain forwarding separate from DNS records. Ensure forwarding is disabled or set to forward to your Showit site.
Occasionally, browsers cache the old version of a domain. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try accessing your site in an incognito or private browsing window.
After Launch: Domain Management Best Practices
Successfully launching your site is just the beginning. Ongoing domain management keeps your site accessible and secure.
Keep Domain Registration Current
Set calendar reminders for domain renewal dates at least one month before expiration. Late renewals can result in costly recovery fees or losing your domain entirely.
Enable auto-renewal at your registrar if available. This prevents accidental expiration due to forgotten renewals or outdated payment information.
Keep your registrar account contact information current. Registrars send renewal reminders and important security notifications to your email address on file.
Monitor DNS Changes
Avoid changing DNS records unless necessary. Unnecessary modifications can cause temporary downtime as changes propagate.
If you need to add email-related DNS records like MX Records for custom email addresses, add them without deleting existing Showit records. Most registrars allow multiple record types to coexist.
Document any custom DNS records you add for features like email verification, third-party services, or subdomains. This documentation helps troubleshoot future issues.
Maintain Domain Security
Use strong, unique passwords for your domain registrar account. Domain theft is a serious issue, and stolen domains can be difficult to recover.
Enable two-factor authentication at your registrar if offered. This extra security layer significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Lock your domain to prevent unauthorized transfers. Most registrars offer domain lock features that require manual unlocking before someone can transfer your domain away.
Plan for Domain Transfers
If you decide to transfer your domain to a different registrar, unlock it first and obtain an authorization code from your current registrar.
Initiate transfers at least 60 days before renewal dates to avoid timing conflicts. Transfers typically add one year to your existing registration.
Ensure DNS records are documented before transferring. While records usually migrate, having a backup prevents scrambling to recreate configurations if something fails.
Successfully connecting your domain and launching your Showit website marks a significant milestone in your business journey. While the technical details might seem overwhelming initially, Showit’s automated tools and clear guidance make the process manageable for users at any technical skill level.
Remember that DNS propagation requires patience. If your site doesn’t appear immediately, don’t panic. Give it a few hours, check your configuration using Showit’s built-in tools, and trust that the process will complete.
