How to buy connect domains siteswan

How to Buy, Connect, and Manage Domains for Your Web Design Clients with SiteSwan

Published on July 25, 2025

 


If you're new to web design, domain names can seem confusing — maybe even a little intimidating at first. But once you understand the basics and go through the process of connecting one yourself, you'll quickly realize that it's actually pretty simple. As a SiteSwan Reseller, understanding how domains work is an important part of helping your clients get their websites online. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about domains — from what they are and why they matter, to how to buy, manage, and connect them — so you can feel confident helping your clients every step of the way.
Part 1: Domain Name Basics

Before you can launch a website for your client, it’s important to understand what a domain name is and how it works. In this section, we’ll break down the fundamentals — including why domains matter, how they compare to demo URLs, and how they play a crucial role in getting a site live. Whether you’re brand new to web design or just need a refresher, this is the perfect place to start.
 


1. What is a Domain Name?

 
A domain name is the web address (or URL) people type into their browser to visit a specific website — like joesplumbing.com or siteswan.com. Think of it like a business’s street address, but online. It helps users find and access a website quickly and easily.
 



2. Why is a Domain Name Important?

 
A custom domain name is more than just an address — it’s a branding asset. Here's why it's important:
 
  • Builds credibility and trust
     
  • Easier to remember and share
     
  • Improves branding and SEO
     



3. How Does a Domain Differ From a Demo URL?

 
When you build a website using SiteSwan, the platform generates a temporary, white-labeled demo URL (e.g., joesplumbing.youragencyname.multisiteadmin.com). This can be used to present the site to the client before it's launched.

Once the client is ready to go live, you'll connect a custom domain (e.g., www.joesplumbing.com). This becomes the public-facing, branded URL the world will see.


Part 2: Purchasing and Managing Domains

Once you understand what a domain name is, the next step is learning how to purchase and manage one. In this section, we’ll cover where to buy domains, how much they typically cost, whether you should register them on behalf of your client, and what to avoid during the checkout process. This part is all about making smart, efficient decisions when securing a domain name.

 


4. Where Can You Purchase a Domain Name?

 
Domains can be purchased from any reputable domain registrar such as:
 



5. How Much Does a Domain Name Cost?

 
  • Most domains cost $10–$25 per year
     
  • Premium domains with high demand keywords may cost significantly more
     



6. Should I Pay for My Client’s Domain or Charge Them?

 
We recommend that you purchase the domain on your client’s behalf to simplify the setup and avoid confusion. You can either:
 
  • Absorb the cost into your monthly service fee
     
  • Charge the client as an annual add-on
     
  • Owning the domain gives you more control and streamlines the launch process.

 


7. Do I Need to Purchase Hosting?

 
No! Hosting is fully included with every SiteSwan website. This includes:
  • Secure cloud hosting
     
  • SSL certificates for HTTPS security
     
All you need to do is buy the domain. Skip any upsells for hosting or email services from the domain registrar. The only add-on we recommend considering is privacy protection, which keeps your client’s contact info off public WHOIS records and helps avoid spam from marketing companies.




8. Can I Use a Client’s Existing Domain?


Yes. If your client already owns a domain name, you can connect it to their new SiteSwan website — regardless of where it was purchased. Just follow the same DNS setup instructions.




9. How to Pick a Good Domain Name


A good domain name is:
 
  • Short, memorable, and brandable (ideally including the business name)
     
  • Free of hyphens and numbers
     
  • Keyword-rich (if appropriate — e.g., “SmithPlumbingNY.com”)
     
  • Preferably ends in .com for familiarity and trust


Part 3: Domain Setup & Demonstration

With a domain in hand, it's time to connect it to your client’s website. In this section, we’ll walk you through how to connect a domain to a SiteSwan site, what to expect during propagation, and how to troubleshoot common issues. You’ll also find helpful support resources to make the process seamless.


 

10. How to Connect a Domain to a SiteSwan Website


Once you’ve purchased the domain, you’ll connect it by updating the domain’s DNS settings. SiteSwan provides a full walkthrough and support documentation to help you through this process.

🔗 View Domain Connection Instructions 
 



Troubleshooting

 
  • Domain propagation (the time it takes for DNS changes to go live) can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 48 hours
     
  • Double-check that the domain name is spelled correctly
     
  • If issues arise, contact the registrar or reach out to SiteSwan Support for assistance


Part 4: Advanced Topics

Ready to go beyond the basics? This section covers more advanced domain topics that may come up as you grow your web design business — including subdomains, forwarding vs. masking, domain transfers, handling expired domains, and setting up email addresses. Even if you don’t encounter these right away, having this knowledge in your back pocket will set you up for success.


 

11. What is a Subdomain?


A subdomain is a secondary part of your main domain. Example:
blog.joesplumbing.com

Subdomains are commonly used for:
 
  • Blogs
     
  • Landing pages
     
  • Client portals or internal tools
     




12. Can I Use Multiple Domains for One Website?


Yes! You can purchase multiple domains and forward them to your primary one. This is useful for:
 
  • Brand protection
     
  • Common misspellings
     
  • Alternate extensions (e.g., .net, .biz)
     

Just follow your registrar’s instructions to forward the domains.


 


13. What is a Domain Transfer & When Is It Needed?


A domain transfer is the process of moving a domain from one registrar to another. Reasons you might do this include:
 
  • Consolidating domain management
     
  • Simplifying billing
     
  • Accommodating a client’s preference
     
  • Transferring ownership to a client if they cancel service and want control of their domain
     

Transfers typically take 5–7 days and may require a domain unlock code (EPP code).


 


14. What Happens if a Domain Expires?


If a domain isn’t renewed:
 
  • The live site will go offline (though the demo URL still works)
     
  • There’s usually a grace period where the domain can still be recovered (sometimes with added fees)
     
  • If ignored too long, the domain can be lost permanently
     

Tip: Always enable auto-renew to avoid expiration issues.


 


15. Can I Set Up Email with My Domain?


SiteSwan does not include built-in email services. To set up a custom email address (e.g., info@yourdomain.com), we recommend:
 
  • Using the domain registrar’s email service
     
  • Or connecting to a provider like Google Workspace

Final Thoughts

Understanding domains is a key part of delivering a professional, seamless web design experience to your clients. By following the steps outlined above, you can confidently guide your clients through the domain setup process — from purchase to launch and beyond.

Need help? The SiteSwan team is always available to assist you with domain-related questions.

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