DNS is the address book that directs visitors and email
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It tells the internet where to send someone who types your domain, and where to deliver email. DNS records are the instructions in that address book. An A record points a name to a numbered internet address; a CNAME record points it to another name. MX records direct email, and TXT records can help prove you control the domain or help verify email senders. Nameservers are the service managing this address book. You do not need to memorize these terms: use your website or email provider's exact instructions. Save a copy of existing records before changes. Replacing nameservers or deleting records carelessly can interrupt a working website or email.
Connect the address to your website
Choose and test your website before connecting its address. In Shopify, look for Domains in the store settings and follow the current connect-existing-domain instructions; buying through the platform may simplify setup. In Lovable, open Project Settings → Domains, or Add custom domain in the Publish dialog, and follow its connection steps. Check current plan requirements first. Other builders usually have a similar domain settings area. Enter the exact DNS values the builder supplies at the service managing your DNS, or use its automatic setup if offered. Do not copy another site's values. In Lovable, add the root address and www separately if you want both to work, then choose the main address. DNS changes and secure-connection setup can take time; follow the provider's status and troubleshooting guidance.
Draw the connections before changing settings
Write your domain registrar, DNS manager, website platform or host, email provider and any store or payment provider on one page. They may be different companies. Domain DNS points visitors to the host and mail to the email service. Store settings connect supported checkout and payment tools. A repository may send code to a deployment service, but does not automatically connect your email or transfer your database. Use current instructions for each exact connection, not a generic set of values from AI.
Connect email without breaking the website
Verify the domain with the email provider and add its exact MX records for mail delivery. SPF, DKIM and DMARC are sender-checking records: follow the provider’s instructions for those too. Save the current DNS settings before edits. Avoid deleting unrelated records or creating conflicting sender records. A website connection and an email connection can coexist when configured correctly. Test a message in both directions and check replies. Ask the providers or a qualified helper if you cannot tell which record to change.
Connect the store and payments inside supported tools
Use the store’s official payment settings and supported apps or integrations. Check business and country eligibility before promising customers a method. A domain connection does not activate payment processing, and a connected payment account does not configure shipping, stock or order notifications. For a Lovable app with payments or stored requests, verify the supported service setup and have access rules and security reviewed before real use. Keep private credentials in protected service settings, never browser-visible files or AI prompts.
Allow time for checks, then test the public address
DNS changes can take time to become visible; follow the provider’s verification status rather than repeatedly changing records. Check the main address and any www version the provider supports, correct-page loading, and HTTPS without warnings. Then test email, contact requests and supported test orders separately. A preview link may work while the custom address is still wrong. If something fails, note the exact symptom, check the provider’s instructions and saved records, and avoid random edits that could break another service.
A real-world example
A cleaner publishes her Squarespace services page, adds her chosen domain using its exact instructions, and leaves her email records intact. She verifies HTTPS, opens the public address on her phone, and sends a sample appointment request. She also tests receiving and replying from her business inbox. Connecting the address did not create that inbox or prove the request arrived.
Steps to take
- List which provider handles each job and securely save the current DNS records.
- Build and test the site before following its domain connection instructions.
- Add only the exact required records and wait for the provider’s verification.
- If using business email, follow its domain verification, mailbox and sender setup.
- Configure supported payments and store settings separately if needed.
- Test public website, email, requests and orders individually; record who can help undo a problem.
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Official provider guides
Independent resources, not P.E.A.C.E. partners or recommendations. Check current terms before buying.
- Shopify: connecting a third-party domain (opens in a new tab)
Use the current instructions for your registrar and store.
- Lovable: custom domains (opens in a new tab)
Current connection steps, plan requirements, and troubleshooting.
- Google Workspace business email (opens in a new tab)
Check current email features, setup guidance, and costs.
- Microsoft 365 business email (opens in a new tab)
Check which current plan includes the email features you need.