DNS Configuration Guide: How to Fix Domain Pointing Issues for Small Businesses
Managing a domain comes with technical challenges that can frustrate even experienced business owners. When your website address leads to the wrong destination, potential customers see error pages or outdated content instead of your live business site.
DNS configuration controls where your domain points online. A single misconfigured record can send traffic to an old hosting account, display security warnings, or prevent visitors from reaching your site entirely.
Below is a practical, step-by-step breakdown of DNS troubleshooting for small businesses in Menifee and across Riverside County, California, based on a real-world case study.
Table of Contents
- Understanding DNS Records and How They Work
- Common DNS Problems Small Businesses Face
- How to Access DNS Settings in Hostinger
- Configuring A Records for Root Domain Traffic
Quick Summary
| Priority | DNS Record Type | What It Controls |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Records | Points root domain to server IP addresses |
| 2 | CNAME Records | Directs subdomains like www to another host |
| 3 | AAAA Records | IPv6 version of A records for modern networks |
| 4 | DNS Propagation | Time required for changes to take effect globally |
1. Understanding DNS Records and How They Work
DNS (Domain Name System) records function as the internet's address book. When someone types your domain into a browser, DNS records tell that browser which server to contact.
For small businesses in Riverside County, understanding DNS records prevents downtime and ensures customers reach your site reliably.
Key DNS record types:
- A Record: Maps your root domain (example.com) to an IP address
- AAAA Record: Same as A Record but uses IPv6 addresses
- CNAME Record: Points a subdomain (www.example.com) to another domain
- TTL (Time to Live): Determines how long DNS information is cached
Pro tip: Always document your DNS changes. A simple spreadsheet tracking record types, values, and dates prevents confusion later.
2. Common DNS Problems Small Businesses Face
DNS issues often occur during platform migrations or hosting changes. One common scenario involves a domain split between multiple destinations.
Typical DNS problems include:
- WWW subdomain works but root domain shows an error
- Domain points to an old WordPress or hosting account
- Visitors see security certificate warnings
- Email stops working after DNS changes
The case study: A Menifee business had a Blogger site working at www.suncitymarketing.blog, but typing the domain without www displayed a defunct WordPress installation. The root cause was outdated A records still pointing to the old WordPress host.
Pro tip: Test both www and non-www versions of your domain after any hosting change. Many businesses forget the root domain configuration.
3. How to Access DNS Settings in Hostinger
Hostinger provides straightforward DNS management through its control panel. Locating and editing these records requires only a few clicks.
Steps to access DNS settings:
- Log into your Hostinger account at hostinger.com
- Click 'Domains' in the top navigation menu
- Find your domain and click 'Manage'
- Select 'DNS / Name Servers' or 'DNS Zone' from the sidebar
- Click 'DNS Records' or 'Manage DNS Records'
Important: If your nameservers point to Cloudflare or another DNS provider, you must make changes there instead of Hostinger.
Pro tip: Screenshot your existing DNS records before making any changes. This provides a recovery point if something goes wrong.
4. Configuring A Records for Root Domain Traffic
A Records control where your root domain (without www) points. Most platforms require specific IP addresses in A Record format.
Blogger, for example, requires four separate A Records for redundancy and load balancing. This ensures your site remains accessible even if one server experiences issues.
Required A Records for Blogger:
| Type | Name | Content | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 216.239.32.21 | 1800 |
| A | @ | 216.239.34.21 | 1800 |
| A | @ | 216.239.36.21 | 1800 |
| A | @ | 216.239.38.21 | 1800 |
Note: Hostinger may display a warning about multiple A Records causing accessibility issues. For Blogger and similar platforms, this warning can be safely ignored. Multiple A Records are intentional and required.
Pro tip: Use '@' or leave the Name field blank to represent your root domain. Different registrars use different conventions.
What We Accomplished Today
✅ SEO-optimized title with keywords
✅ Table of Contents with main sections
✅ Quick Summary Table (Priority, DNS Record Type, What It Controls)
✅ Detailed explanations with step-by-step instructions
✅ Pro tips in italics after each section
✅ Bullet points for key elements
✅ Real case study (suncitymarketing.blog DNS fix)
✅ Professional tables with DNS record details
✅ Local SEO focus (Menifee, Riverside County, California)
✅ Clear CTAs to https://suncitymarketing.org
Professional Website Management for Riverside County Businesses
DNS configuration requires technical knowledge and attention to detail. A single incorrect record prevents customers from reaching your business online.
Sun City Marketing provides professional website management services in Menifee CA and supports small businesses across Riverside County with reliable hosting, DNS configuration, and technical troubleshooting.
Our services include:
- Custom WordPress website design and development
- Secure hosting with automated daily backups
- DNS configuration and domain management
- Local SEO and digital marketing solutions
Ready to eliminate technical headaches and focus on growing your business? Visit https://suncitymarketing.org to explore professional website services designed for small businesses in Riverside County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNS and why does it matter?
DNS (Domain Name System) translates your domain name into an IP address that browsers can understand. Without correct DNS configuration, visitors cannot reach your website.
How long does DNS propagation take?
Most DNS changes propagate within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Complete global propagation can take up to 24-48 hours in rare cases.
Why do I need multiple A Records for Blogger?
Blogger requires four A Records for redundancy and load balancing. This ensures your site remains accessible even if one server experiences downtime.
Recommended Reading
- Website Design Services – https://suncitymarketing.org
- Pricing – Website Design and Development – https://suncitymarketing.org/pricing
- Website Design Menifee CA – https://suncitymarketing.org/website-design-menifee-ca
- Local Business Schema Markup Guide – https://www.suncitymarketing.blog