Can You Change Your Squarespace Domain?

If you’re running a Squarespace website, you might ask:

Can you change your Squarespace domain?

The short answer is yes, but the process depends on whether you purchased the domain through Squarespace or are connecting an external domain. Doing it correctly ensures your website stays live, your SEO isn’t affected, and your visitors reach the right place. This guide explains everything in simple, step-by-step terms.

Why You Might Want to Change Your Squarespace Domain

Changing your domain can happen for several reasons:

1. Rebranding your business – You want a domain that reflects your new brand name.
2. Better SEO – Switching to a keyword-friendly or shorter domain.
3. Switching domain extensions – For example, from .net to .com.
4. Correcting mistakes – Fixing typos in the original domain.

Knowing why you’re changing the domain will help you plan your steps and reduce mistakes.

Can You Change a Domain Purchased Through Squarespace?

Yes. If you bought your domain on Squarespace:

Step 1: Add the New Domain

1. Go to Settings → Domains in your Squarespace dashboard.
2. Click Get a Domain.
3. Search for your new domain and complete the purchase.

Step 2: Set the New Domain as Primary

1. In Settings → Domains, select the new domain.
2. Click Set as Primary Domain.

Your old domain will automatically redirect to the new one, preserving visitors and SEO rankings.

Step 3: Redirect the Old Domain

• Squarespace automatically sets up 301 redirects for domains purchased on their platform.
• If the old domain is external, you may need to configure manual redirects (explained below).

Step 4: Update External Links

• Social media profiles
• Email signatures
• Advertising campaigns
• Third-party directories

This ensures visitors continue to find your site after the change.

Can You Change a Connected (External) Domain?

If your domain is registered outside of Squarespace (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains), you have two options:

1. Transfer the domain to Squarespace
   • Gives full control from the Squarespace dashboard
   • Redirects can be managed automatically
2. Change the primary domain while keeping it external
   • Update DNS settings at the domain registrar
   • Point the new domain to Squarespace
   • Set it as the primary domain in Settings → Domains

Note: For external domains, you must manually configure DNS records if moving to a new domain to ensure it resolves correctly.

SEO Considerations When Changing a Squarespace Domain

Changing your domain can affect search rankings if not handled properly. Here’s what to do:

1. 301 Redirects – Squarespace automatically redirects old domains to new ones if purchased on their platform. For external domains, set up manual 301 redirects.
2. Update Sitemap – Squarespace automatically updates your sitemap, but submit it in Google Search Console for faster indexing.
3. Update Internal Links – Ensure all links on your site point to the new domain.
4. Update External Links – Update backlinks from social media, email newsletters, or other websites.
5. Keep Old Domain Active – Maintain it for several months to catch visitors who still use it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to set the new domain as primary
• Not redirecting the old domain
• Ignoring external links and profiles
• Skipping verification in Google Search Console
• Changing domain without updating SSL (HTTPS)

These mistakes can cause downtime, broken links, or lost traffic.

Step-By-Step Summary for Squarespace Users

For Domains Purchased on Squarespace:

1. Buy a new domain in Settings → Domains
2. Set it as Primary Domain
3. Confirm automatic 301 redirects
4. Update all external links

For External Domains:

1. Purchase or prepare your new domain
2. Update DNS records or transfer domain to Squarespace
3. Set the new domain as Primary
4. Configure 301 redirects for old domain
5. Update external links and Google Search Console

Real-Life Example

Imagine your business “Blue Sky Designs” originally had:

• Domain: blueskydesigns.net
• You want: blueskydesigns.com

Steps:

1. Purchase the new .com domain via Squarespace
2. Set .com as primary
3. Old .net automatically redirects
4. Update Instagram, Facebook, and email signatures

Result: Visitors using either domain reach your site, and Google transfers rankings to the new domain over time.