Can You Change Your Squarespace Domain Name?

Yes, you can change your Squarespace domain name, but there are several important considerations and steps to follow. Below is a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:

1. Understanding the Types of Domains

Squarespace offers two primary domain types:

1. Built-in Domain: This is the free domain provided by Squarespace, typically in the format yourcompany.squarespace.com.
2. Custom Domain: This is a domain name that you have purchased, either through Squarespace or a third-party registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.

2. Changing a Built-in Domain

For built-in domains, replacing the domain is relatively straightforward but comes with some limitations:

• Step-by-Step Process:
• Log in to your Squarespace account.
• Click on "Settings" in the Home Menu.
• Go to "Site Availability".
• Find your current built-in domain and look for an option to update or edit it.
• Enter your new preferred domain name.

Limitations: - You can only change the subdomain part, and the rest will always include .squarespace.com. - Doing this doesn't change the fundamental URL structure, and search engines will need to reindex the new URL.

3. Changing a Custom Domain

Changing a custom domain involves redirecting the new domain and ensuring your settings are correctly updated.

• Step-by-Step Process for Domains Purchased Through Squarespace:
• Acquire a new domain either through Squarespace or another registrar.
• Log in to your Squarespace account.
• Navigate to the Home Menu and click on "Settings".
• Select "Domains".
• Click "Use a domain I own", and follow the prompts to connect your new domain.
• Make the new domain the primary domain: In the "Domains" section, find your newly added domain, click on it, and set it as the primary domain.

Step-by-Step Process for Domains Purchased Elsewhere: 1. Purchase your new domain from a third-party registrar. 2. Log in to your Squarespace account. 3. Navigate to "Settings" > "Domains". 4. Select "Use a domain I own" and follow the prompts to connect your new domain. 5. Update DNS settings at your domain registrar to point to Squarespace's servers. You will usually need to set the DNS records to: - A Records: 198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144, 198.49.23.145 - CNAME Records: verify.squarespace.com for www 6. Set the new domain as the primary domain in Squarespace.

4. SEO and Audience Impact

Changing your domain name can have an impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) and your audience:

• Redirects: Ensure that you set up proper 301 redirects from the old domain to the new domain. This helps maintain SEO value and ensures visitors using your old URL are directed to the new site.
• Search Engine Indexing: Understand that it may take some time for search engines to reindex your site under the new domain.
• Informing Users: Let your audience know about the change through emails, social media updates, and any other communication channels you use.

5. Considerations and Limitations

1. Email Services: If you're using an email linked to your domain, updating the domain name will also require updating your email settings or services associated with the domain.
2. External Links: Update your domain name on all your printed materials, social media profiles, and any other places where your URL is listed.
3. Subscriptions and Plans: Double-check that changing your domain doesn't impact any of your subscriptions linked to your current domain.

By following these steps methodically, you can successfully change your Squarespace domain name with minimal disruptions to your online presence. Ensure that you plan adequately for all stages to avoid common pitfalls.