How To Change Squarespace Domain Name ?

Changing your Squarespace domain name may feel intimidating at first, but with the right process, you can do it safely without losing traffic, SEO value, or website functionality. Whether you are rebranding, fixing a typo, or switching to a more memorable domain, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why You Might Need to Change Your Squarespace Domain Name

Before making any changes, it’s important to understand the reasons for updating your domain:

1. Rebranding – A new brand name requires a matching domain to keep your online identity consistent.
2. Better User Experience – Shorter, memorable domains are easier for visitors to recall.
3. SEO Benefits – A keyword-focused domain can help search engines understand your niche.
4. Correcting Mistakes – Typos, incorrect extensions, or outdated branding can be fixed.

Important Considerations Before Changing Your Domain

Changing your domain is not just about entering a new web address. Keep these points in mind:

• SEO Impact: Changing domains can temporarily affect your search rankings. Proper redirects are essential.
• Email Accounts: If you use email addresses linked to your domain, ensure they are updated.
• Backups: Export website content or create a backup to avoid data loss.
• Domain Availability: Make sure your desired domain is available before initiating the change.

Step 1: Purchase or Prepare Your New Domain

You can either buy a new domain directly through Squarespace or use an external domain you already own.

Option 1: Buy a New Domain on Squarespace

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Go to Settings > Domains > Get a Domain.
3. Search for your desired domain and complete the purchase.

Option 2: Use an External Domain

1. Ensure your domain is unlocked and accessible for DNS changes.
2. Have the login information ready for your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.).

Step 2: Add Your New Domain to Squarespace

Once your new domain is ready:

1. Navigate to Settings > Domains.
2. Click Use a Domain I Own if it’s an external domain.
3. Follow the prompts to connect it to your Squarespace site.
4. Squarespace will provide DNS instructions if the domain is external.

Pro Tip: Squarespace automatically sets up SSL for new domains, ensuring your website stays secure.

Step 3: Make the New Domain Primary

After connecting your new domain, you must make it the primary domain so that visitors see it instead of the old one:

1. Go to Settings > Domains.
2. Find your new domain and click Make Primary.
3. Confirm the change.

Squarespace automatically sets up 301 redirects from your old domain to the new one, which is crucial for preserving SEO.

Step 4: Update SEO and Analytics

1. Confirm 301 Redirects – Ensure old URLs point to the new domain.
2. Update Internal Links – Review menus, blog posts, and buttons to point to the new domain.
3. Update External Links – Notify partners, social media profiles, email signatures, and other platforms about your new domain.
4. Update Google Tools:
   • Add the new domain in Google Search Console.
   • Use the Change of Address tool to notify Google.
   • Update Google Analytics settings for accurate tracking.

Step 5: Test Everything

Before announcing your new domain, double-check your website:

• Visit the new domain and ensure all pages, forms, and media work correctly.
• Test old URLs to make sure they redirect properly.
• Confirm SSL (https) is active.
• Check mobile and desktop views for any display issues.

Step 6: Announce Your Domain Change

Let your audience know about the change to avoid confusion:

• Update all social media accounts and email marketing tools.
• Publish a blog post explaining the change.
• Notify customers about any changes to email addresses or login information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Redirects – This can lead to traffic loss and SEO penalties.
2. Not Updating Google Tools – Search Console and Analytics must reflect your new domain.
3. Neglecting Backlinks – Broken external links can harm authority and traffic.
4. Changing Domains During High Traffic Periods – This can negatively impact user experience.

FAQs About Changing Squarespace Domain Name

Q1: Will I lose SEO if I change my domain?
No, if you use 301 redirects and update Google Search Console, most of your SEO value is preserved.

Q2: How long does it take for the new domain to work?
For Squarespace-purchased domains, it’s almost instant. External domains may take 24–48 hours for DNS propagation.

Q3: Can I keep my old domain active?
Yes, keeping it ensures residual traffic is redirected and protects your brand.

Conclusion

Changing your Squarespace domain name is straightforward if you follow the right steps. By carefully planning, connecting your new domain, setting it as primary, updating SEO settings, and testing thoroughly, you can rebrand or optimize your website without losing visitors or search engine rankings.

Squarespace simplifies the process, but attention to detail ensures a smooth transition and long-term success.