1
Choosing a domain
Start with a name that a customer can hear, spell, and repeat. Short labels are useful when they remain distinct; descriptive labels are useful when they make the offer clearer. Avoid adding a hyphen or number merely to force an exact phrase.
2
Picking an extension
Choose an extension that supports the audience you expect. A .com is familiar across broad markets; a more specific extension can signal a category or location. Read registry eligibility before treating any extension as universally available.
3
Checking availability
Availability changes quickly. Use Domain Search for a current provider response, then treat an unavailable result as unavailable until a later verified search says otherwise.
4
Understanding registration and renewal pricing
Registration starts a term; renewal applies later. A provider may price premium names differently from standard names, and taxes may vary. Do not use an extension directory price as a final price for a specific domain.
5
Registering a domain
Keep the customer’s legal ownership and recovery access clear. PLM’s purchase capability remains disabled, so registration is not initiated by these pages. Any future checkout must be separately reviewed and approved.
6
Connecting DNS
DNS tells the internet where a hostname should resolve. Confirm who owns the DNS zone, record the existing state, and change one scoped item at a time. Propagation is not instantaneous and some records have long TTLs.
7
Connecting a domain to Vercel
A Vercel project needs an approved domain configuration and correct DNS records. Verify the hostname, apex and www plan, and existing records before asking for a connection. This guide does not configure Vercel or DNS automatically.
8
Setting up business email
Mail delivery depends on accurate DNS authentication. Plan mailboxes, aliases, migration, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC with the people who own the email and DNS accounts. Start with Business Email when you need a scoped path.
9
Domain privacy
Public RDAP data can be limited or redacted. Privacy/proxy services vary by TLD and registrar, so never assume an option is available without an actual provider response. The customer remains the registrant even when PLM provides technical guidance.
10
Domain security
Protect the registrar account with two-factor authentication, maintain recovery contacts, limit access, and review registrar locks. Preserve ownership documentation and react quickly to unexpected contact, DNS, or transfer changes.
11
SSL certificates
HTTPS needs a valid certificate and a correct domain/DNS configuration. Vercel can manage certificates for correctly connected domains, but browser warnings can also come from DNS, hostname mismatch, or mixed content.
12
Renewals and expiration
Record expiration dates and renewal contacts. Do not assume auto-renew is on. Letting a domain lapse can interrupt websites and email, and recovery policies vary by provider and extension.
13
Transfers
Transfers commonly require an unlocked domain and an authorization/EPP code. A recent registration or registrant change can trigger a 60-day restriction. Review timing before moving a domain that supports a live site or email system.
14
Getting PLM support
For a real connection, email, security, or transfer project, use the domain intake path with the domain, current owner, DNS owner, and goal. Do not send credentials, EPP codes, or sensitive registrant data through a public form.