Congratulations, you own a new domain. Now it's time to protect it and put it to work. This checklist covers everything to do in your first week, in the right order.
Day 1: Secure the domain
- Turn on two-factor authentication on your registrar account. This is the most effective way to prevent domain theft.
- Enable auto-renew and add a backup payment method so the domain never expires by accident.
- Check registrar lock is on. It prevents unauthorized transfers.
- Update contact details with an email address you check regularly, ideally not one that uses the same domain.
- Turn on WHOIS privacy if your registrar offers it.
Day 2: Set up DNS
DNS tells the internet where your website and email live. You'll usually need to:
- Point your domain to your website host with an A record or by changing nameservers
- Set up the "www" version with a CNAME record
- Add MX records for email
Your hosting or website platform will give you the exact records to add. Changes can take up to a day to spread worldwide, though most are much faster.
Day 3: Set up professional email
Create addresses like hello@yourdomain.com or your name at your domain. Professional email builds trust with customers and partners. Our guide on custom domain email explains how. Don't forget to add SPF, DKIM and DMARC records so your emails land in inboxes, not spam.
Day 4: Launch a website
Even a simple one-page site is better than nothing. Include:
- What you do and who you serve
- How to contact you
- Your location or service area, if relevant
- A clear call to action
Make sure your site loads over HTTPS. Most hosts provide free SSL certificates.
Day 5: Connect Google Search Console
Verify your domain in Google Search Console and submit your sitemap. This helps Google discover your pages and shows you how people find you in search. If you're also using a Google Business Profile, add your website there.
Day 6: Update your profiles
Add your new domain to your social media profiles, email signature, business cards and any directories where your business is listed. Consistency helps customers and search engines trust you.
Day 7: Protect your brand
Consider registering common misspellings or other extensions of your name and redirecting them to your main site. Our article on buying multiple domains explains when that's worth it.
Quick checklist
- Two-factor authentication on
- Auto-renew on
- DNS pointing to your website
- Professional email working
- Website live with HTTPS
- Search Console verified and sitemap submitted
- Profiles updated
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