5 Common mistakes with Domain and DNS settings and how to avoid them.

When setting up a website, many business owners focus on design and content but forget that the foundation lies in something less visible: domain and DNS management. These are what keep your website accessible, secure, and reliable. Small errors in this area can lead to downtime, broken email, or even security risks.

At Active WebDezign, we often see clients come to us with avoidable issues that stem from misconfigured domains and DNS records. Since we manage most of our DNS through Cloudflare, we have learned what can go wrong and how to prevent it.

Here are five of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Having Clear Control of Your Domain

It is always best for businesses to have domain access and visibility. Some providers keep this entirely in their own accounts, which can create problems if you ever want to make changes or switch services.

How to avoid it: Make sure you know where your domain is registered and that you can access the account if needed. At Active WebDezign, we often manage domains on behalf of clients for convenience, but we always ensure that ownership and control remain clear and secure for the business.

2. Ignoring DNS Redundancy

DNS servers tell browsers how to find your website. If your DNS is hosted in only one place with no backup, a single failure can take your website offline.

How to avoid it: Use a provider like Cloudflare DNS, which not only improves speed but also provides a resilient global network. It adds a layer of protection so that if one server fails, traffic can still be routed smoothly.

3. Forgetting About Email DNS Records

It is easy to get a website up and running and forget that email services also rely on DNS. Incorrect or missing MX records can result in undelivered messages, which can harm your business communications.

How to avoid it: Double check that your MX records, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC entries are correctly set up. Cloudflare allows you to manage these DNS records in one place, making it easier to keep email secure and functional.

4. Misusing the Proxy and DNS Settings in Cloudflare

Cloudflare has an option to proxy traffic through its network, shown as an orange cloud in the dashboard. Many users mistakenly toggle this on or off without understanding the impact. This can break services like email or certain integrations.

How to avoid it: Only enable proxy mode for records that handle web traffic, such as your main website. Leave mail and third party service records as DNS only. If you are unsure, seek professional advice before making changes in Cloudflare.

5. Not Monitoring or Updating DNS Records

DNS settings are not something to set and forget. Old records can linger, services may change, and security protocols evolve. A single outdated record can cause unnecessary downtime or expose your site to risks.

How to avoid it: Review your DNS setup regularly. Cloudflare provides a clear dashboard where you can see all records at a glance. Set reminders to check for outdated entries and update them whenever services change.

Final Thoughts

Domain management and DNS configuration may not be the most glamorous part of running a website, but they are some of the most important. By keeping control of your domain, using resilient DNS services, configuring email correctly, managing Cloudflare settings wisely, and monitoring regularly, you can avoid many of the headaches that cause websites to go offline.

If you are unsure about your current setup, we can help review your domain and DNS configuration to make sure everything is in the right place. Contact us here and we will be happy to guide you.