Wix is a popular website builder that simplifies the process of creating a website, and that includes managing your hosting and domain. Unlike traditional methods where you'd buy hosting and a domain from separate companies and then connect them, Wix offers an integrated approach. Here's a breakdown of how to set up hosting and a domain from scratch on Wix.

Understanding Hosting and Domains on Wix
First, it's essential to understand that when you build a site with Wix, hosting is automatically included. You don't need to purchase it separately from a third-party provider. Wix's hosting is a cloud-based service that offers global content delivery, 24/7 security, and a 99.99% uptime, which is a major convenience.

When it comes to domains, you have two primary options:

Buy a new domain directly from Wix: This is the most straightforward option. You can search for and purchase a domain name within your Wix account. This domain is then automatically connected to your website, and all your domain management (registration, renewals, etc.) is handled in one place.

Connect a domain you already own: If you've already purchased a domain from another registrar (like GoDaddy or Namecheap), you can connect it to your Wix site.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up a New Domain on Wix
This guide focuses on the most common and recommended method: purchasing a new domain directly through Wix.

Step 1: Create and Publish Your Website
Start by creating your website using the Wix Editor or Wix Studio. You can use one of their many templates or start from scratch.

Once you're happy with the design and content, click the "Publish" button.

At this stage, your website will be live on a free Wix subdomain (e.g., yourusername.wixsite.com/yoursitename). To get a custom domain, you'll need to upgrade to a premium plan.

Step 2: Choose a Premium Plan
Wix offers a range of premium plans, each with different features and pricing. To connect a custom domain, you must upgrade to a paid plan.

Most yearly premium plans come with a free domain voucher for the first year. This can be a great value for beginners.

The plans vary based on your needs, such as storage space, e-commerce capabilities, and marketing tools. Select the plan that best fits your project.

Step 3: Purchase Your Domain
After you upgrade, you'll be guided through the process of setting up your domain.

You'll be prompted to search for a domain name. Type in the name you want (e.g., yourbrandname.com).

Wix will show you if the domain is available and suggest other extensions (e.g., .net, .org, .co).

Once you find an available domain, you can proceed to checkout. If you're on a plan that includes a free domain voucher, it will be automatically applied at this point.

You will be required to provide your contact information, which is a standard part of domain registration. Wix also provides free domain privacy protection, which keeps your personal details private.

Step 4: The Automatic Connection
Since you've purchased the domain directly from Wix, the platform automatically handles the hosting connection.

The Domain Name System (DNS) records are updated in the background, pointing your new domain to your Wix website.

It can take up to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet, but in many cases, it happens much faster.

If You Already Own a Domain
If you have a domain from another registrar, the process is slightly different but still simple.

Upgrade your Wix site: You'll still need a premium plan to connect a custom domain.

Add your domain to your Wix account: Go to the "Domains" section of your Wix dashboard and select "Connect a domain you already own."

Update your nameservers: Wix will provide you with a set of nameservers (e.g., ns1.wixdns.net and ns2.wixdns.net).

Log in to your domain registrar: Go to the website where you purchased your domain and find the "DNS settings" or "nameservers" section.

Replace the existing nameservers: Delete your current nameservers and replace them with the ones provided by Wix.

Wait for propagation: It can take up to 48 hours for the new settings to update across the internet.

Once connected, your website will be live at your custom domain, and you can focus on building your online presence.