Step 2: Domain & Hosting

Fresh

Overview

Purchase a cheap domain and connect it to your hosting. This is the foundation for the one-page website that supports your GBP listing.

Procedure

1. Purchase the Domain

1. Go to Namecheap (namecheap.com)
2. Search for an exact match domain to your business name
3. Select a .shop domain (cheapest option, around $1.18)
4. Complete the purchase

Throwaway Domain

This is a temporary domain. Once the GBP is live, you can switch it to your real website domain. So do not spend much on it.

2. Point Domain to Hosting

1. In Namecheap, click Dashboard then Manage on your domain
2. Scroll to Name Servers and select Custom
3. Enter SiteGround nameservers:
   • ns1.siteground.net
   • ns2.siteground.net

3. Add Domain to SiteGround

1. Log in to SiteGround
2. Go to Websites then New Website
3. Click Skip and Create Blank Site
4. Select Existing Domain and paste your domain
5. Click Continue then Finish

4. Create an Email Address

1. In SiteGround, go to Site Tools
2. Create an email address (e.g., contact@yourdomain.shop)
3. Set a password and click Create

Email for Verification

This email will be used for GBP email verification later. Keep the credentials handy.

5. Check DNS Propagation

1. Go to dnschecker.org
2. Paste your domain
3. Check the A record
4. Look for green checks across servers
5. If not propagated yet, wait 10-20 minutes and check again

Tools Used

Tool	Purpose
Namecheap	Domain registration
SiteGround	Web hosting and email
dnschecker.org	DNS propagation check

Output

At the end of this step you should have:

• A registered domain pointed to your hosting
• A working email address on that domain
• DNS propagation confirmed (green checks)

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Next Step: Step 3: Create Website