---
title: Preview your site before your domain points here
description: "Open your site in the panel and use its preview link to build while your domain still points elsewhere. Point your domain at us when you are ready. ## Add your site first Haven't added your site yet? Follow [Install…"
url: "https://getsimple.net/knowledgebase/preview-your-site-before-dns/"
updated: "2026-11-01"
category: Get Started
---

# Preview your site before your domain points here

Open your site in the panel and use its preview link to build while your domain still points elsewhere. Point your domain at us when you are ready.

## Add your site first

Haven't added your site yet? Follow [Install WordPress](/knowledgebase/install-wordpress/) or [Install Joomla](/knowledgebase/install-joomla/), then come back here.

## Find your preview link

1. Open your hosting control panel. See [Open your hosting panel](/knowledgebase/open-hosting-panel/).
2. Open **Websites**, then select your site.
3. Open the **Domains** tab.
4. Find the row with TYPE **PREVIEW**, next to your **PRIMARY** domain row. The address shown in that row is your preview address.
5. Open that address in your browser to build and check your site.

Don't see a PREVIEW row? Open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and we will point you to it.

## Moving a site from another host?

New accounts include free best-effort WordPress and Joomla migration from your current host. Ask through a support ticket in your Get Simple account, or move the site yourself.

When a temporary preview is available, check the site there before you switch DNS. Test extensions or plugins, the admin login, forms and cache (LSCache). Our support team can help if you need it.

## Point your domain when you are ready

1. Sign in at https://billing.getsimple.net.
2. Open **Services** and select the hosting row, then copy the nameservers shown there.
3. At your registrar, replace the current nameservers with those two values and save.

DNS changes can take from a few minutes up to 24 to 48 hours. If this account should serve your website, do not keep the old host's nameservers. Full steps: [Point your domain at Get Simple](/knowledgebase/point-your-domain/).

## Your free SSL certificate

A free certificate is requested automatically once the domain points at your hosting. It can take a few minutes after DNS is correct. See [Get a free SSL certificate](/knowledgebase/free-ssl/).

## FAQ

### Can I start building before my domain points here?

Yes. Open your site in the panel and use its preview link to build while your domain still points elsewhere.

### How long does it take after I point my domain?

DNS changes can take from a few minutes up to 24 to 48 hours.

### Can you move my existing site for me?

Yes. We move your site for you at no extra cost, on a best-effort basis. Ask through a support ticket in your Get Simple account.

### When does my free SSL certificate start?

It is requested automatically once the domain points at your hosting, and it can take a few minutes after DNS is correct.

### I can't find the preview link. What now?

Open your site in the panel, then the **Domains** tab, and look for the row with TYPE **PREVIEW**. Still can't find it? Open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and we will help.

## Related

- [Joomla hosting](/joomla-hosting/)
- [WordPress hosting](/wordpress-hosting/)
- [Shared hosting](/shared-hosting/)
- [Point your domain at Get Simple](/knowledgebase/point-your-domain/)
- [Create a staging site](/knowledgebase/create-a-staging-site/)