Website Builder (for WordPress) - How to Connect a Domain
Want to make your website live for the world to see? Connecting a domain is an essential step if you're using Bluehost's Website Builder for WordPress. This guide will show you how to connect a domain to your Website Builder site so visitors can access your business or brand online.
- What You'll Need Before You Start
- How to Connect a Domain
- Troubleshooting Common Domain Connection Issues
- FAQs
- Summary
What You'll Need Before You Start
To connect a domain to Website Builder, make sure you have:
- A registered domain name
- A website designed with the Bluehost Website Builder for WordPress
Important: If your chosen domain is already connected to another site, publishing your Website Builder site will overwrite the existing content. Be sure to back up any content you want to keep before continuing.
How to Connect a Domain
- Open the Bluehost Website Builder Editor.
- In the top-right corner, click the Publish button. A window will pop up showing your site's temporary URL.
- Click the Choose Domain button. A list of domains assigned to your Bluehost account will appear.
- Select your preferred domain and click Connect this domain.
Only domains assigned to your Bluehost account will show up on this list.
- Whenever you update your website, click Publish to make your changes live.
Need help with the next step? See:
- SEO Marketing Packages and Plans
- Website Builder for Wordpress Support Guide
- Website Builder (for WordPress) - How to Publish your Website
Troubleshooting Common Domain Connection Issues
If you're having trouble connecting your domain:
- Domain not appearing in the list? Make sure it's assigned to your account and fully registered.
- Is the connection taking too long? Propagating may take a few minutes, especially for newly registered domains.
- Error saying domain already in use? Double-check if it's linked to another site or previously connected content.
FAQs
Q: Can I connect a domain I purchased from another provider?
A: Yes, but you must first assign it to your Bluehost account via domain transfer or name server updates.
Q: How long does it take for the connection to go live?
A: Domain connections usually go live within a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours due to DNS propagation
Q: Can I switch to another domain later?
A: Absolutely. You can change your connected domain anytime by repeating the steps above.
Summary
Connecting a domain to Website Builder ensures your WordPress site is live and discoverable online. By following the simple steps above, you can link your custom domain to your site, publish it, and start reaching your audience. If you're ready to grow, explore our Website Builder Design Guide and SEO Overview for optimization tips. Need more visibility? Don't miss our SEO Marketing Plans.
If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:
- Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
- Phone Support -
- US: 888-401-4678
- International: +1 801-765-9400
You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.