1. Register or transfer the domain
Use the GreatHosts domain flow to search availability, select an eligible registration term and complete the required registrant information. Prices and available TLDs are live catalogue data rather than a manually maintained static list.
2. Understand DNS before changing it
DNS maps names such as example.com and www.example.com to hosting, mail and verification services. Before editing records, capture the existing values so a change can be reversed.
- A/AAAA records point names to IP addresses.
- CNAME aliases one hostname to another.
- MX controls mail routing.
- TXT is commonly used for verification and mail-security policies.
3. Allow for propagation
DNS changes are not necessarily visible everywhere immediately because resolvers cache previous answers. Avoid repeatedly changing records while an earlier change is still propagating.
4. Enable HTTPS after the name resolves
Issue/install the applicable SSL certificate once the domain resolves correctly. Free Let’s Encrypt applies to qualifying domains ordered directly through GreatHosts; domains registered elsewhere and merely hosted with GreatHosts do not receive that specific free-certificate entitlement under the confirmed policy.
5. Keep certificate and domain terms separate
A domain can be registered for multiple years while a paid SSL certificate remains an annual product. The checkout should therefore show SSL as a one-year item independently of the domain registration term.
6. Avoid SEO myths
HTTPS is important for transport security and browser trust. GreatHosts does not sell SSL on the claim that purchasing a certificate will materially improve search ranking.
7. Validate after DNS/SSL changes
Test the bare domain, www host if used, HTTPS redirect, certificate hostname coverage, email routing where applicable and any third-party TXT verification records.
Common questions
Is GreatHosts the domain registrar?
GreatHosts operates as a domain reseller. Registration is fulfilled through the upstream domain platform.
Is SSL billed for the same number of years as the domain?
No. Paid SSL is an annual product even when the domain is registered for a longer term.
Do externally registered domains get the same free Let’s Encrypt entitlement?
Under the confirmed current policy, the free entitlement applies to qualifying domains ordered through GreatHosts, not domains registered elsewhere and only hosted here.