Overview
This guide demonstrates how to add a root domain or subdomain to Google Domains and configure the (sub)domain with each Tenon DNS record. This guide assumes that you have already created your Google Domains Account.
While this guide is intended to be as helpful and comprehensive as possible, there is a small possibility that you will encounter an error or issue of some kind while configuring your DNS records within Google Domains. If that is the case, we recommend contacting Google Domain's support team as they will be able to most quickly identify and resolve the issue (or, at minimum, provide next steps).
Deciding Between a Root Domain and a Sub Domain
Deciding which domain to use - especially whether to use your root domain or a subdomain of that root domain - is key before proceeding any further. As this can be a challenging decision to make, we recommend reviewing the following informational articles if needed:
- Choosing a domain name
- The basics of email subdomains
- Can I use the same domain name for Tenon and my personal email account?
Let's briefly review two key terms: root domains and subdomains.
Examples of root domains include Service-Now.com, mydnsexample.com, or google.com. Examples of subdomains include Tenon.Service-Now.com, mg.mydnsexample.com, or mail.google.com. Notice the pattern: subdomains have an extra prefix (or sometimes multiple prefixes) before the primary domain name itself. In most cases using a subdomain with Tenon is preferred, but we cover this topic more comprehensively in the above articles.
Finally, once a decision has been reached, add the (sub)domain to your Tenon account, and our system will generate the various DNS records needed.
Adding the domain
There are two methods of adding a domain or subdomain within Google Domains:
Method 1: Registering a new domain/subdomain with Google Domains
Method 2: Transferring an existing (sub)domain from another DNS provider to Google Domains
The first method of adding a (sub)domain within the Google Domains Control Panel only takes 5 steps, and this method is covered in this article. If you already have a domain purchased and registered elsewhere, you'll need to transfer the domain to Google Domains (see the next paragraph).
The second method of adding a (sub)domain within the Google Domains Control Panel is not covered in this article; nonetheless, Google Domains documents how the transfer process works within their system.
A third method, configuring an existing (sub)domain's nameservers within the Domain Registrar to reference Google Domains rather than the current DNS provider, is not possible within Google Domains' system.
Method 1: Registering for a new Domain / SubDomain with Google Domains
Step 1: Login to your Google Domains account
Step 2: If not already selected, click the Get a new domain option on the left-hand navigation pane. Then, enter the new domain name you wish to add (buy/purchase) from Google Domains inside the center textbox.
Step 3: Choose the desired domain ending (.TLD) for your domain. Then, click the shopping cart circular icon (located to the right of the heart circular icon), which adds the domain to your Google shopping cart.
Step 4: Choose the desired options in your cart and proceed to the next page.
Step 5: Enter your contact information for ICANN and complete the domain registration process.
Method 2: Transferring an existing (sub)domain from another DNS provider to Google Domains
Since transferring an existing (sub)domain from another DNS provider to Google Domains is such an intricate and delicate process, we recommend following the instructions that Google Domains has laid out here.
We also recommend contacting the Domain Registrar if you have any questions or encounter any issues regarding with the Domain Registration and Nameserver Management processes.
Finally, you can navigate to either of the following Google Domains articles, which will provide additional information:
Configuring The Domain
Tip: Once the domain has been added, you may access it in the future using the following steps.
Step 1: If you're shown the My domains page upon login, you'll see a list of domains in the center of the page. Click the Manage link found within the row that contains the domain name in question.
Step 2: Click the DNS option on the left-hand navigation pane.
Step 3: View, create, or edit the desired DNS records for the domain within the Resource records section in the middle of the page.
Configuring SPF
SPF records help protect your domain against spoofed emails and decrease** the likelihood your emails will be flagged as spam. (* Exceptions apply: e.g. actual spam/phishing emails will still be considered as such by mailbox providers even with the presence of an SPF record.)
To understand how to configure SPF records, please reference one or both of the following general Google Domains Tutorials:
Configuring DKIM
DKIM records help authenticate your domain against forged emails and decrease** the likelihood your emails will be flagged as spam. (* Exceptions apply: e.g. actual spam/phishing emails will still be considered as such by mailbox providers even with the presence of an DKIM record.)
To understand how to configure DKIM records, please reference the following general Google Domains Tutorials:
Configuring MX
MX records describe where emails intended for your domain should be sent.
To understand how to configure MX records, please reference the following Google Domains Tutorials:
Configuring CNAME
CNAME records alias (point or direct) one domain name to another domain name, which in this case effectively associates your emails with Tenon and allows tracking of opens and clicks.
To understand how to configure CNAME records, please reference the following Google Domains Tutorial:
