Launching a new website is an exciting milestone, but before your site can go live, there are a few critical technical steps to take—namely, configuring your DNS settings. Whether you’re a current client of The Nine or just exploring how professional web launches work, this guide will walk you through what’s needed, why it matters, and how to make it painless.
What is DNS and Why Does It Matter?
DNS (Domain Name System) is what connects your domain name (like yourwebsite.com) to the server where your website lives. Before launch, we need access to your DNS settings to point your domain to the correct servers. Without this step, your shiny new site has nowhere to show up online.
Two Ways to Grant DNS Access
Depending on your preference, there are two easy ways you can give us the access we need:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Delegate Access | Hands-off setup, quicker implementation | Requires sharing account access | Clients preferring assistance |
| 2. Manual DNS Changes | Full control, no account sharing | More technical, potential for errors | Tech-savvy clients |
1. Delegate Access to Your Domain Provider Account
This is the most seamless option. You simply grant us access to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Squarespace), and we handle all the DNS changes for you.
Here’s what we’ll need:
Delegate or admin access to your domain account (GoDaddy is the most common)
If you’re using GoDaddy, share access with your website agency by using their email address.
Helpful Links:
This allows us to set everything up behind the scenes, so there’s no delay between final approval and launch day.
2. Make the DNS Changes Yourself
If you’re more hands-on, you can make the DNS changes directly. We’ll provide the exact records and instructions for your provider.
There are two types of setups:
Option A: Changing Nameservers
If you're working with The Nine and plan to update your DNS manually, we’ll provide you with the correct nameservers or DNS records during the launch process. These details are specific to your project and hosting configuration.
Be careful: if you have subdomains (e.g., shop.yourdomain.com) hosted elsewhere, changing nameservers could affect those too.
Need help pointing your domain? Contact our team and we’ll walk you through it.
Option B: Adding Specific DNS Records
If changing nameservers isn’t preferred, we may ask you to add 4 A Records and 1 CNAME Record, especially when using Fastly for hosting. This is a lighter touch and avoids any disruptions to other subdomains.
Helpful DNS Record Guides:
If you're not sure which path to take, just ask—we’re happy to advise.
Why It’s Important to Prepare Early
Setting up DNS is often the last hurdle before launch. By getting this out of the way early in the development or QA phase, you avoid unnecessary downtime and ensure a smooth, on-time launch.
Not a Client Yet? Here’s Why This Matters for You
Even if you’re not (yet!) a client of The Nine, understanding how DNS plays into a website launch is key. Whether you’re DIY-ing your site or working with another agency, DNS is where many delays and mistakes happen.
By organizing this info ahead of time, you’re positioning yourself for a seamless, stress-free launch.
Ready to Launch With Confidence?
At The Nine, we make the complex parts of launching a website feel effortless. If you’re planning a website refresh or starting a new project, we’d love to help.
👉 Schedule a free consultation and let’s talk about your goals.