Understanding DNS Settings and Records
DNS (Domain Name System) controls how your domain name connects to your website and email. When DNS is set up correctly, visitors can reach your website, and your email will deliver properly.
This guide explains the most common DNS terms in simple, non-technical language so you know what each record does and when you may need to update it.
What is DNS?
DNS acts like the address book of the internet.
When someone types your domain (example: yourstudio.com) into a browser:
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DNS looks up where your website is hosted.
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It connects the visitor to the correct IP address.
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Your website loads.
DNS also tells email services where to deliver messages sent to you@yourstudio.com.
Common DNS Terms and Definitions
A Record
Points your domain or subdomain to an IP address (the “street address” of your website).
Example:yourstudio.com → 104.26.3.2
CNAME Record
Points a subdomain (like www) to another domain name instead of an IP address.
Example:www.yourstudio.com → yourstudio.com
MX Record (Mail Exchange)
Tells the internet where to deliver email sent to your domain.
Example:
If you use PhotoBiz Mailbox, your MX records point to Rackspace mail servers.
TXT Record
Stores plain text used for verification or email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
Examples:
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Verifying your domain with Google
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Connecting to Facebook Business
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SPF record for email reputation
Nameservers
Nameservers control where your DNS is managed.
Examples:
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If your nameservers point to PhotoBiz AWS, you manage DNS inside your PhotoBiz account.
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If your nameservers point to GoDaddy, DNS updates must be made at GoDaddy.
TTL (Time To Live)
Tells how long DNS records are cached before the internet checks for updates again.
Example:
A TTL of 3600 = changes may take up to 1 hour to fully update.
When You Might Need to Update DNS
You might need to update DNS records if you are:
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Verifying your domain with a marketing or CRM tool
(Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Go High Level, etc.) -
Setting up email with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
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Adding or updating PhotoBiz Mailbox records
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Verifying your domain through Facebook, Meta, or Google Search Console
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Connecting your PhotoBiz website to a domain registered with another provider
Where to Access DNS Settings
If your nameservers point to PhotoBiz AWS
You can manage DNS directly in your PhotoBiz Control Panel (PhotoBiz 9).
If you are using PhotoBiz legacy nameservers (Rackspace)
You can:
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Contact PhotoBiz Support to have DNS changes made for you.
If your nameservers point elsewhere
(GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.)
You must log in to that provider to make DNS updates.
DNS Field Terminology
| DNS Field | What It Means | Also Called |
|---|---|---|
| Host | The part before your domain (like www). | Name, Hostname, Record Name, Subdomain, @ (root), * (wildcard) |
| Target | Where the record points. | Points To, Value, Destination, Address, Mail Server (MX), Canonical Name (CNAME) |
