When you’re ready to launch your new website, your domain name (such as www.yournewspaper.com) must be pointed to Surf New Media’s servers. The method you’ll use depends on whether you’re hosting both your website and email with Surf New Media, or just your website.
If you’re unsure which option applies to you, don’t worry—we’re happy to help.
Option 1: Website and Email Hosted by Surf New Media
If Surf New Media will be hosting both your website and your email, the simplest method is to update your domain’s nameservers.
This allows us to manage all of your DNS records, including:
- Website hosting
- SSL certificates
- Future DNS changes
- Additional services as needed
Once your nameservers are updated, we’ll handle the remaining DNS configuration for you.
We’ll provide the correct nameserver addresses before your website launches.
Option 2: Website Hosted by Surf New Media Only
If you are keeping your email with another provider (such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or another email host), you should not change your nameservers.
Instead, you’ll simply update your domain’s A Record (and any other DNS records we specify) to point your website to our server while leaving your existing email records unchanged.
This allows:
- Your new Surf CMS website to go live.
- Your existing email service to continue operating without interruption.
We’ll provide the IP address and any required DNS records before launch.
We Can Handle It for You
If you would rather not make DNS changes yourself, Surf New Media can perform the update on your behalf.
Simply provide us with temporary access to your domain registrar or DNS control panel (such as GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Namecheap, Cloudflare, Squarespace Domains, or another registrar).
Once the update has been completed and verified, we recommend changing your password or removing our temporary access for security.
DNS Propagation
After DNS changes are made, they must propagate across the internet.
Most changes begin taking effect within a few hours, although complete propagation may take up to 24–48 hours.
During this time, some visitors may see the old website while others see the new one. This is completely normal.
Before Launch
Before updating your DNS, we recommend confirming the following:
- Your new website has been reviewed and approved.
- Any final content changes have been completed.
- Email accounts have been configured (if Surf New Media is hosting your email).
- SSL certificates are ready for installation.
- A launch date and time have been scheduled.
Need Assistance?
Launching a new website is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
If you have any questions about updating your DNS records or would like Surf New Media to handle the changes for you, simply contact our support team. We’ll guide you through the process and help ensure your website launches successfully with little to no downtime.