Domain names can be a great way to further personalise your website with Moonfruit. We thought you might have some questions about how they work, so we've answered some of the most commonly asked below. Good luck!
- What is a domain name?
- What is an IP Address?
- What is a TLD?
- What is a name server?
- Why do I need a domain name?
- What domains can I buy?
- How much is a domain name?
- How do I buy/register a domain name?
- How long before I can use my domain name?
- What can I do if my preferred domain name is taken?
- Can I buy more than one domain name?
- How do I use my SiteMaker domain voucher?
- Do I get a free domain with my SiteMaker pack?
- Can I transfer my domain name from another provider to SiteMaker?
- Does my domain name come with email?
- How do I use my domain name with my SiteMaker site?
- How long is my domain name valid for?
- How do I renew my domain name?
- Will my domain name be automatically renewed?
- Do I own my domain name?
- Can I point multiple domain names to my site?
- Can I change the spelling of my domain name?
- I have a SiteMaker Free account can I still buy a domain?
- Will I lose my domain name if I cancel my SiteMaker subscription?
- If I buy a domain name, what will appear on my card statements?
- Can I get an invoice for my domain name?
- When do I get my SiteMaker domain name voucher?
- My domain name is now 'pointed', but why the delay?
- Can I transfer my SiteMaker domain name to another provider?
- Who is Gandi?
- If I have technical problems with my domain name who do I contact?
What is a domain name?
A domain name is an alpha-numeric Internet address, formed by the name that you have chosen and a TLD (Top Level Domain). A domain name is most often used to name a website (such as www.sitemakerlive.com) or an email address (example@sitemakerlive.com). In these examples, 'sitemakerlive.com' is the domain name; 'sitemakerlive' the chosen name and 'com' the TLD.
A domain name (like sitemakerlive.com) is easier to remember than an IP address (such as 146.101.249.107). Moreover, the domain name does not change according to the place where your web or e-mail data is actually hosted: you can change your hosting company or your Internet access provider without having to change the name of your website or your e-mail address.
In terms of syntax, a domain name must contain less than 63 alphanumeric characters (no spaces); domain names are not case-sensitive.
What is an IP Address?
Internet Protocol (IP) is a system of communication that allows machines that are networked together to exchange information between them. In order for a computer to know where to find another computer on the network, it must know what its number (IP address) is.
A domain name allows one to associate words (easier to remember) to an IP address. The worldwide system of domain names is really like a giant telephone book.
What is a TLD?
A TLD is the final part of the domain name i.e. what comes after a dot. TLD (Top Level Domain) refers to the Internet zone in which your domain name is located. It is also known as the 'extension'.
There are several TLDs:
- generic, called gTLDs, such as .com .net .org .biz .info .name etc.
- national (one per country), called ccTLDs for 'country code TLD', such as .uk for United Kingdom, .fr for France, .be for Belgium etc.
For each TLD, a worldwide database guarantees that each domain name is the only one in the world. The organization that manages this database is called a registry. Each TLD is created and regulated by a trustee authority.
Changes in the database (creation, deletion, and/or modification of domain names) are made through registrars (such as Gandi), who are accredited by the trustee authorities and registries of the TLD.
What is a name server?
A name server is the address book that holds the details of your domain name and the specific IP address it maps to. Name servers are held all over the internet and set to update each other whenever the 'master' record changes, e.g. the record on the name server that hosts your domain. When you make a change to your record, it can take 24 hours (or more) to update (or propagate) across all the name servers on the internet, which means some visitors may see an out of date address during this period.
Why do I need a domain name?
A domain name allows you to personalise your address on the web. A domain name can be used both for a website address, e.g. HYPERLINK 'http://www.yourdomain.com' www.yourdomain.com, and as a domain for your email, e.g. you@yourdomain.com. You can keep your domain name no matter where you host your website or your email, so it can be a great way of creating a consistent long term address for yourself or your business on the internet.
What domains can I buy?
We offer a number of different domain extensions (TDLs), please see our full list at:
www.moonfruit.com/domains-pricing.html
How much is a domain name?
Our current prices for domain names are available at;
www.moonfruit.com/domains-pricing.html
How do I buy/register a domain name?
Simply go to our purchase page and use our search tool to find a domain name that you want to buy. Start by typing your ideal name into the search box and we'll tell you what extensions (TLDs) it's available with. You can then choose to buy any number of the domains from the available list. Most popular names or words are already taken in the most popular extensions (e.g. .com or .co.uk), so you may need to try a few times to get a domain name you are happy with.
How long before I can use my domain name?
After you have requested and paid for a domain name, your domain is registered by us as quickly as possible (normally this occurs in a few minutes). As soon as you receive our order confirmation by e-mail, the domain name belongs to you, and is no longer available for anyone else. Then you can manage the domain via your 'Domains' page.
Our database is updated immediately and the registry record is normally updated within a few minutes. That's why sometimes you may not immediately see your domain name in the Whois database.
Technically, your domain may take about half a day to become available worldwide. This is the delay required for the technical information to be distributed throughout the internet. During this time, your website will not be accessible from this domain name.
This delay pertains to DNS propagation and does not depend on us, but rather, on the entire network of servers that make up the internet.
What can I do if my preferred domain name is taken?
The domain name system has been around for many years, so many of the popular words or phrases have already been taken in the most popular extensions (e.g. .com or.co.uk). When you do a search we will show you which extensions your domain name is available in, e.g. it might not be available as a .com, though you could buy it as a .eu. If you are still unhappy with the selection, you will have to try something else. It can sometimes take a while to get something you like, but everyone gets there in the end, good luck ;-)
Can I buy more than one domain name?
Yes, you can buy as many domain names as you like. Through the Domain module you can also assign some or all of your domain names to point to the same SiteMaker site. If you have many sites, you may want domain names for each site. There is no limit to how many you can buy and manage though us.
How do I use my SiteMaker domain voucher?
When you complete a search for a domain name with an extension you want, e.g. yourdomain.net, you will then proceed to the domain payment page. At this point you will be able to use a SiteMaker domain voucher as payment for a specific domain, or if you are buying lots of domains at once, as a discount on the total price to pay.
Our full SiteMaker domain voucher terms and conditions are available to read in detail.
Do I get a free domain with my SiteMaker pack?
We offer one or more SiteMaker domain vouchers on specific SiteMaker packs. For our current offers please see our pricing page.
Can I transfer my domain name from another provider to SiteMaker?
Not yet, but we will be adding this functionality shortly. Transfers between domain name providers does cost money, though sometimes it can be less than a new registration. The benefit, however, is that you can manage all of your domain names in one place.
Does my domain name come with email?
Yes, but not yet. We will be adding the email functionality shortly. Once added, we will allow you to set up to 5 mailboxes with each of your domain names, which you will be able to access by webmail, or through POP or IMAP interfaces.
How do I use my domain name with my SiteMaker site?
If you have bought your domain name through Moonfruit then setting it up to use with your site is very easy. Simply go to our Domain module and click on the 'Manage' tab. You will then see a list of your domains. Click the 'Manage' link on the domain you want to edit and you will then see an option to 'point' this domain to one of your SiteMaker sites. Select the site you want from the drop down list and that's it! It should be up and running on this address very quickly.
If you haven't bought your domain name through Moonfruit, then you will need to contact your current domain name provider and ask them to 'point your DNS A record' to our web servers IP address which is 146.101.249.107. This can also be described as 'managing your zone file'. You will then need to go to the 'Admin' section of your site, then go to the 'site addresses' tab and add your domain name to the list of addresses associated with yours site.
Your domain provider may asks you for name server details, but you do not need these. A name server is like an address book, and the A-record is your address. You don't need to change your address book to change your address! If your domain provider can't update your A-record, then you will need to transfer your domain to a provider that does offer this, or use a free (3rd party) service like Zone Edit that allows you to manage you DNS zone file yourself.
How long is my domain name valid for?
When you buy a domain name you can choose how many years you register it for, but usually up to 10 years is allowed. If you buy a .co.uk domain name, there is a minimum registration period of 2 years set by the registry. Your domain name will be valid for as long as you register it for, and continue to renew it. You will always have the right to renew your domain name first before it is released back to the general public.
If you've used a SiteMaker domain voucher to buy your domain name, then it will be valid for 1 year. You will be issued a new voucher each year allowing you to renew your domain name.
How do I renew my domain name?
You will not need to renew your domain name until the end of its current registration period. If you bought your domain name though Moonfruit, then to renew it you can go to the Domains module click the 'Manage' tab where you will see a list of your domain names. Click the domain name you wish to edit and you will see the details of that domain. Then click 'Renew' and follow the process through to the end.
Will my domain name be automatically renewed?
We do not currently set up automatic renewal plans for your domain. This means that you will need to renew your domain name before the expiry period. You can do this through the 'Manage' tab of the Domains module on Moonfruit.com. If you fail to renew your domain before the expiry period, some registries will allow a later renewal, some up to 60 days but please check the specific domain registry terms for details. If you have any issues about renewing your domain, please contact customer support.
Do I own my domain name?
Yes. Unlike many bundled domain offers, we register the domain name in your name, not ours. This means that if you choose to leave us in the future, you can take your domain name with you, and we won't charge you more for the privilege.
Can I point multiple domain names to my site?
Yes, you can. Through the Domain module on Moonfruit.com you can assign any (or all) of the domains that you own to point to one (or more) of your SiteMaker sites.
Can I change the spelling of my domain name?
No. Once the registration is made it is no longer possible to modify the name of the domain. If you made a spelling mistake in the name of the domain, you will have to process a new registration for the correct domain name. Also, contractually, this does not give right to any refund. This is the policy of the domain registry not ours.
I have a SiteMaker Free account can I still buy a domain?
Yes of course. While we do not offer a SiteMaker domain voucher with a SiteMakerFree site, you can still buy a domain name and use it with your site. The process is the same as for everyone else.
Will I lose my domain name if I cancel my SiteMaker subscription?
If your domain name has been bought with a SiteMaker domain voucher then it will be valid for 1 year (or 2 years for a .co.uk). Even if you cancel your SiteMaker subscription during this period, you will still own the domain name. However, when it is due for renewal you will not be issued a new voucher to pay for it, and must pay for the domain name yourself.
If you have paid for your domains directly, they are yours regardless of your SiteMaker subscription for as long as you continue to pay for them.
If I buy a domain name, what will appear on my card statements?
All payments will be processed by SiteMaker Software Ltd, so your credit or debit card statement will show www.sitemakerlive.com.
Can I get an invoice for my domain name?
Yes, please contact customer support to request a tax invoice.
When do I get my SiteMaker domain name voucher?
SiteMaker domain vouchers are issued on your first payment (for new customers), and on the anniversary of this first payment for renewing customers in subsequent years.
NB. If you are an existing customers at the date of the launch of the domain offer (May 2008) then you will also receive a domain voucher as part of your subscription, though the timing may vary. Customers who pay their subscription monthly will be credited with their domain voucher when their next payment is received (i.e. within 1 month). Customers who pay their subscription annually will be credited their domain voucher in June 2008, unless your renewal date is before this period, in which case you will receive your voucher at your renewal.
My domain name is now 'pointed', but why the delay?
If you have updated your DNS settings by 'pointing' your domain name to your web site, then this can sometimes take up to 48 hours to propagate across the internet, as all name servers must be updated with the correct new address for your domain name. During this time some visitors to your site may see old or incorrect address details.
This delay pertains to DNS propagation and does not depend on us but rather on the entire network of servers that make up the internet.
Can I transfer my SiteMaker domain name to another provider?
Yes you can. If you no longer wish to use your domain name with SiteMaker, you can contact customer support who will assist you in transferring your domain name to another provider.
Who is Gandi?
Gandi is the domain name registrar that Moonfruit uses to buy domain names with on your behalf. In order to sell domains a registrar must have a direct relationship with each of the registries that manage the domain extensions (e.g. .com, co.uk, etc.). Gandi is a large international registrar with 700,000 domains under management and well established relationships with all the major registries. For this reason Moonfruit resells Gandi's services (to register domains for you at the best possible prices). For more information visit the Gandi homepage.
If I have technical problems with my domain name who do I contact?
If you have bought your domain name though Moonfruit and have any technical issues regarding your domain name please contact customer support and we will help resolve this issue with you as quickly as possible.
If you have purchased your domain name through a different domain registrar, then you will need to contact their customer support to help you resolve any issues you may have.
