Registering your domain name securely is the first step to getting your website live. We highly recommend keeping the domain under your own name for 100% legal ownership. Follow these exact steps to buy your domain on GoDaddy and connect it to your web host without falling for unnecessary checkout upsells.
Step 1: Buy the Domain
- Head over to GoDaddy and search for your business name.
- Add the domain to your cart and hit continue.
Stop! Do Not Buy The Extras
GoDaddy will aggressively try to sell you "Full Domain Privacy", "Microsoft 365 Email", and a "Website Builder". Select NO to all of them. If you have an IT provider or web developer, they will manage your emails and hosting. Plus, Australian `.com.au` domain rules already hide your private details by default.
Step 2: Find Your DNS Settings
Once you have paid, you need to tell GoDaddy to send all your website traffic to your actual web server.
- Click your name in the top right corner of GoDaddy and select My Products.
- Scroll down to your new domain name.
- Click the DNS (or Manage DNS) button next to it.
Step 3: Update the Nameservers
GoDaddy defaults to using their own parked nameservers. You need to swap them out.
- On the DNS page, click the Nameservers tab.
- Click the Change Nameservers button.
- Click the small text link that says "I'll use my own nameservers (advanced)".
Check with your IT provider! Your web developer or IT team will provide you with two specific nameservers for your project (e.g., ns1.ventraip.net.au). Paste those exact names into the empty boxes on GoDaddy.
- Click Save. If GoDaddy shows a warning saying changing nameservers is risky, tick "Yes, I consent" and click continue.
Step 4: Wait for Propagation
DNS changes take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to update across the global internet. Email your web developer to let them know the nameservers are pointed, and they will take it from there!