Launching Your Website (DNS & Propagation)
When your website is ready to go live, the final step is connecting your domain to your hosting. This involves updating DNS records, waiting for propagation, and verifying everything loads correctly worldwide.
1) Pre-Launch Checklist
- SSL installed and HTTPS working.
- Site visible on staging or temporary URL.
- Permalinks set correctly (Settings → Permalinks).
- Tested on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
- No “Coming Soon” or maintenance mode active.
- Backup created before launch.
Tip: Keep your staging/test URL available until the domain is fully propagated.
2) DNS Basics (What They Are & Why They Matter)
- A Record: Points your domain to your hosting server’s IP address.
- CNAME: Points a subdomain to another domain (e.g.,
www→@).
- CNAME: Points a subdomain to another domain (e.g.,
- MX Records: Email routing (very important if using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.).
- TXT Records: Verification (Google Search Console), security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Your goal is to update the DNS so your domain loads your new website without breaking email or external services.
3) Pointing Your Domain (Most Common Method)
Option A — Update A Record (Recommended)
- Log into your domain registrar (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains replacement, etc.).
- Edit the A record for
@to your hosting IPv4 address.
- Edit the A record for
- Set TTL to 300 (5 minutes) or the lowest option for faster propagation.
- Ensure www CNAME points to
@(or directly to your root domain).
- Ensure www CNAME points to
Option B — Change Nameservers (If Using Cloudflare or Host’s DNS)
- Get nameservers from your host or CDN (e.g., Cloudflare).
- Paste them into your domain registrar under “Nameservers.”
- DNS is now managed externally; configure DNS records in the new panel.
- Propagation may take longer (4–48 hours typical).
Important: Do not change MX records unless you are intentionally moving email hosting.
4) DNS Propagation (What to Expect)
DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to update worldwide. During this period:
- Some visitors see the new site.
- Others still see the old host or staging site.
- Your local device may show cached or outdated results.
Typical propagation time: 30 minutes – 24 hours
Full global update: Up to 48 hours
Tools to Check Propagation
- dnschecker.org
- whatsmydns.net
- cloudflare-dns.com (for DNS-over-HTTPS checks)
5) After DNS Goes Live
- Force HTTPS in your host or via plugin (Really Simple SSL or hosting panel).
- Update WordPress Address & Site Address (Settings → General).
- Re-save permalinks (fixes 404 errors).
- Verify images, forms, and internal links work.
- Connect Google Analytics & Search Console (if not already).
- Submit your sitemap to Search Console.
- Check “mixed content” issues (HTTP assets loading on HTTPS pages).
Warning: If your WordPress URL does not match your live domain, you may get redirect loops or blank pages.
6) Common Launch Issues & Fixes
- Site loads old version → clear DNS cache, local cache, plugin cache, CDN cache.
- SSL not working → install certificate, force HTTPS, check Cloudflare SSL mode (Full/Strict).
- Mixed content warnings → replace old URLs or run a search-and-replace tool.
- Email stopped working → MX records changed or overwritten (restore old ones).
- Too many redirects → mismatched URL settings, HTTPS conflicts, or Cloudflare page rules.
- 404 on pages → re-save permalinks.
7) Final Launch Checklist
- DNS updated (A record or nameservers) and propagation checked.
- Site loads correctly on HTTPS worldwide.
- Email still working (MX untouched or updated properly).
- Forms tested (contact, quote, order forms).
- Google Analytics & Search Console connected.
- Sitemap submitted; SEO plugin configured.
- Page speed checked (PSI/GTmetrix) after going live.
- Backups set up and working.