Yes, you can change your free Squarespace domain, but there are certain conditions and steps you need to be aware of to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Initial Considerations

1. Eligibility: If you’re on an annual plan, Squarespace offers a free custom domain for the first year of your subscription. If you’re within your free year, you can make changes.
2. Domain Transfer vs. New Domain: Changing your Squarespace domain could mean either transferring from another provider or simply selecting a new domain name provided by Squarespace.
3. SEO Impact: Changing your domain can impact your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You may lose existing search engine rankings and have to rebuild them under the new domain name.
4. Email Services: If you're using Squarespace's G Suite for email, you will have to update your email settings associated with the new domain.

Practical Steps to Change Your Squarespace Domain

1. Checking Availability

Before making any changes, ensure your new desired domain name is available: - Go to the Squarespace Domain Search tool. - Enter the new domain name and check its availability.

2. Registering a New Domain

If you’re within the free first-year period, you can choose a new domain free of charge: - Log in to your Squarespace account. - Navigate to the Domains section. - Click on Get a Domain. - Follow the prompts to register the new domain, ensuring it’s listed under the free first-year domain.

3. Updating Your Primary Domain

To set the new domain as your primary domain: - Go to the Domains panel. - Click on the domain you want to make primary. - Select Make Primary Domain. - Confirm the changes.

4. Redirecting the Old Domain

To avoid losing visitors who might go to your old domain: - Set up a domain forwarding from the old domain to the new one. - Go to the Domains section. - Click on the old domain. - Select Forwarding and enter the new domain. - This will ensure users and search engines get redirected to your new site.

5. Updating Site Content

Ensure all internal links, images, and other content reference the new domain: - Perform a comprehensive review of your site’s content and update URLs or any embedded resources to point to the new domain.

Post-change Considerations

1. SEO Adjustments:
2. Update your sitemap and submit it to search engines.
3. Create a clear 301 redirect plan to ensure that any old page URLs correctly point to the new location.

4. Notify Google through Google Search Console about the site move.

5. Third-Party Services:

6. Update your domain name in any third-party services that are integrated with your site, such as social media profiles, marketing emails, and external listings.

7. SSL Certificate:

8. Ensure that your new domain has SSL enabled. Squarespace usually handles SSL certificates for domains registered through them.

Limitations & Considerations

• Propagation Time: Changes to your domain can take up to 72 hours to propagate globally.
• Cost: After the first year, your new domain will incur the standard renewal fees.
• Support: Reach out to Squarespace support if you encounter any issues. They provide comprehensive support for domain changes.

Conclusion

Changing your free Squarespace domain is possible and can be carried out effectively by following these outlined steps. While the process is generally straightforward, attention to detail is crucial to minimize disruptions, particularly regarding SEO and site accessibility. Take the time to thoroughly update all related resources and inform your audience to ensure a smooth transition.