Understanding DNS: Why You Should Leave It to a Pro

If you’ve ever tried to launch or move a website, you’ve probably run across terms like DNS, A records, CNAMEs, MX records, or propagation — and wondered what language you just stepped into. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. DNS is one of those behind-the-scenes systems that keeps the web running, but it can quickly turn into a maze of confusion when something goes wrong.

DNS stands for Domain Name System — basically the internet’s phone book. When you type in austinwebanddesign.com, DNS translates that friendly name into a numeric IP address that computers use to find each other. Without it, you’d have to remember a string of numbers just to visit your favorite website.

Common DNS Questions We Hear

Here are a few of the most common DNS-related questions people bring to us:

• How do I point my domain to my web host?
• Why isn’t my site showing up after I moved servers?
• What’s the difference between an A record and a CNAME?
• Do I need to update my MX records for email?
• How long does DNS propagation take?
• Should I use Cloudflare or my registrar’s default DNS?
• Can I redirect one domain to another without breaking SEO?
• Why does my site load fine for me but not for my client?

Each of these questions can lead down a rabbit hole of settings, propagation delays, and unexpected errors. And because DNS changes can affect your website, email, and security, a small mistake can cause hours — or even days — of downtime.

Why You Should Leave DNS to a Pro

At Austin Web & Design, we handle DNS issues every week — from domain migrations to email setups and everything in between. We know how to navigate the quirks of registrars, hosts, and third-party DNS providers to get things working smoothly the first time.

So instead of spending your afternoon staring at confusing DNS records or waiting for changes that never seem to take effect, leave it to a pro. We’ll make sure your site points where it’s supposed to, your email keeps flowing, and your online presence stays live and reliable.

We’ve got you covered — contact Austin Web & Design and we’ll handle the technical details so you can focus on running your business.