The Basics of Setting Up Your Domain Name

While planning how to build your ecommerce site is exciting, it can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. With so much freedom, it can be hard to determine the basic elements needed to launch your online store.

To streamline the process of building your BigCommerce site, we’ve compiled the six essential components needed to successfully get your ecommerce store up and running.

In Part 6 of this blog series, we’ll cover registering a domain name for your online store.

Domain name

A domain name is a unique web address that directs users to your site — like bigcommerce.com. In addition to a domain name, there are DNS records, which convert domain names to IP addresses. Each online store has an IP address, and the domain name points to its associated IP address.

New domain name.

A common way to buy domain names is through a registrar — like GoDaddy or Namecheap. These sites will assign the domain name to your IP address. 

However, we recommend purchasing a domain name through BigCommerce since it will automatically renew annually and come with SSL security. 

Migrating an existing domain name.

Brands switching platforms may prefer to work with a third-party provider they’ve previously used, like GoDaddy. In this case, they will need to transfer their domain name from the old platform to the new one.

It’s important to note that there is a propagation period when migrating domain names. This can take up to 72 hours; however, it usually takes no more than five. We recommend propagating your domain name when your site typically has a low volume of customers.

MX records.

You’ll need to input an MX record if you have an email service for your domain and plan to use BigCommerce’s DNS records. This will let the domain know it can send emails through your provider. Brands in need of an MX record can contact their email provider to obtain this information.

SSL security.

A secure sockets layer (SSL) verifies that a site is safe to use and that all its data is protected and private.

Even though all BigCommerce domains come equipped with SSL security, some brands may prefer a more robust level of protection. Businesses in need of a premium SSL can purchase one through GeoTrust. 

Brands on a Pro or Enterprise plan also have the option to integrate their own SSL through services like Norton or McAfee.

The final word

A domain name is critical to bringing customers to your site. Without it, your online store will be inaccessible, and you’ll be unable to generate sales. While we recommend purchasing a domain name through BigCommerce, we offer customers the flexibility to register their domain name in the way that makes the most sense for their business.

View our Launch Foundations: Domain Name video for a more detailed look at how to register a domain name for your online store. To learn about the other essential components of an ecommerce site, watch our Launch Foundations webinar series.