How To Link Squarespace To Domain ?

Connecting your Squarespace website to a custom domain is a crucial step to establish a professional online presence. Whether you purchased your domain through Squarespace or an external provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap, linking it ensures visitors can access your website using your preferred web address. This guide provides an in-depth, step-by-step explanation of how to link Squarespace to a domain while maintaining SEO value and proper site functionality.

Why Linking Your Domain to Squarespace Matters

Linking a domain to Squarespace is more than just pointing a web address to your site. It affects your branding, search engine visibility, and user experience:

1. Professional Branding – A custom domain reinforces credibility and trust with visitors.
2. SEO Advantages – Using a consistent domain helps search engines index your website correctly.
3. Easy Access – Visitors can reach your website using a memorable, branded URL instead of a Squarespace subdomain.
4. Email Setup – Domains can be used for professional email addresses (e.g.,

Step 1: Determine Where Your Domain is Hosted

Before linking your domain, identify whether it is:

• Purchased on Squarespace – Squarespace domains are easiest to connect because they are managed within your account.
• Purchased from an External Provider – Domains from registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, or Bluehost require DNS configuration.

Tip: If you’re unsure where your domain is registered, you can use a WHOIS lookup tool to find the registrar.

Step 2: Add Your Domain to Squarespace

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Settings > Domains.
3. Click Use a Domain I Own.
4. Enter your domain name and click Continue.
5. Select whether your domain is hosted on Squarespace or external.

Squarespace will guide you through the next steps depending on your selection.

Step 3: Linking a Squarespace-Purchased Domain

If your domain is purchased on Squarespace:

1. The domain is automatically verified within your account.
2. Click Connect Domain.
3. Squarespace will configure the domain settings, including SSL and redirects.
4. Your domain will typically connect within minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours for global propagation.

Pro Tip: Keep your domain active in Squarespace to avoid breaking links or losing SSL certification.

Step 4: Linking an External Domain

For domains purchased from an external provider:

1. Squarespace will provide DNS records (CNAME and A records) that must be configured at your domain registrar.
2. Log in to your domain registrar account.
3. Locate the DNS management or zone editor section.
4. Update the following records:
   • CNAME Record:
     • Host: www
     • Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com
   • A Records (IPv4):
     • Host: @
     • Points to the IP addresses provided by Squarespace (usually four specific IPs)
5. Save the DNS changes.

Note: DNS changes may take 24–48 hours to propagate globally.

Step 5: Verify the Domain in Squarespace

After updating DNS settings:

1. Return to Settings > Domains in Squarespace.
2. Click Refresh next to your domain to check verification status.
3. Once verified, your domain will display as Connected.

Squarespace automatically sets up a 301 redirect from the non-www version to the www version to avoid duplicate content issues.

Step 6: Enable SSL for Security

Squarespace automatically provides SSL certificates for connected domains:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced > SSL.
2. Ensure Secure (HTTPS) is enabled.
3. Test your website using https://www.yourdomain.com to confirm the SSL is active.

Tip: SSL is essential for SEO rankings and user trust.

Step 7: Test Your Domain Connection

After linking your domain:

• Visit your website using both www and non-www versions to ensure proper redirects.
• Check mobile and desktop views to confirm site functionality.
• Ensure forms, e-commerce, and other features work correctly.

Step 8: Update External Links and SEO Settings

1. Update Google Search Console and Analytics to include your new domain.
2. Update social media profiles, email signatures, and marketing materials.
3. Submit a sitemap to Google using the new domain for proper indexing.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Domain Not Connecting
   • Double-check DNS records and allow up to 48 hours for propagation.
2. SSL Not Working
   • Ensure you have removed old DNS entries and enabled HTTPS in Squarespace settings.
3. Incorrect Redirects
   • Make sure the www version points to Squarespace and that non-www redirects are set correctly.
4. Propagation Delays
   • DNS changes can take 24–48 hours globally. Be patient and avoid making frequent changes.

FAQs About Linking Squarespace to a Domain

Q1: Can I link multiple domains to the same Squarespace site?
Yes, you can connect multiple domains and set one as primary while others redirect to it.

Q2: Do I need to pay extra to link an external domain?
No, linking an external domain to Squarespace does not incur additional fees, but you must maintain registration with your provider.

Q3: Will linking my domain affect SEO?
Properly configured domain connections and 301 redirects ensure minimal SEO impact while improving branding and site credibility.

Conclusion

Linking Squarespace to a domain is a crucial step for building a professional and credible online presence. Whether your domain is purchased on Squarespace or an external provider, following the steps outlined above ensures smooth connection, proper redirects, SSL security, and SEO optimization.

By carefully configuring DNS settings, verifying the domain, enabling HTTPS, and testing thoroughly, your website can be accessed reliably under your custom domain, creating a seamless experience for visitors and search engines alike.