How Do I Have Multiple Domains Point to the Same Site Squarespace?

Having multiple domains point to the same Squarespace site can help you maintain brand consistency, capture various keyword searches, and ensure that visitors find your content easily, regardless of which domain they use. Here's a detailed guide on how to set up multiple domains to point to the same site on Squarespace:

1. Understand the Process

Squarespace allows you to connect multiple domains to a single site. This involves either connecting external domains that you own to your Squarespace site or purchasing new domains directly through Squarespace. Both primary and secondary domains can be managed to ensure they all direct traffic to the same location.

2. Prepare Your Domains

Before you begin, make sure you have access to the DNS settings of the domains you want to connect. If you're purchasing new domains through Squarespace, this step is simplified, since Squarespace will automatically configure the settings for you.

3. Adding a Primary Domain

Your primary domain is the domain that appears in the address bar of your browser. To add or change your primary domain in Squarespace:

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to the Home Menu.
3. Click on "Settings," then "Domains."
4. If you have not added any domain yet, click on "Use a Domain I Own" if you already have a domain or "Get a Domain" if you need to purchase one.
5. Follow the prompts to connect your existing domain or to purchase a new one.

4. Connecting Additional Domains

To connect additional domains that will point to the same site:

1. While still in the "Domains" settings, click on "Connect a Domain."
2. Select "Use a Domain I Own."
3. Enter the domain name you want to connect and follow the prompts.
4. You'll receive DNS settings (CNAME and A records) from Squarespace.
5. Log in to your domain registrar’s website and update the DNS settings accordingly:
6. For the CNAME record, point it to verify.squarespace.com. This step verifies your domain ownership.
7. For the A records, point the following IP addresses:
   • 198.185.159.144
   • 198.185.159.145
   • 198.49.23.144
   • 198.49.23.145
8. Once the DNS settings are updated, return to Squarespace and click "Refresh" in the domain settings to verify the domain.

5. Set the Primary Domain

Even if multiple domains are connected, you need to set one as the primary domain:

1. Go to Settings > Domains in your Squarespace account.
2. You'll see a list of connected domains. Click on the domain you want to set as the primary.
3. Click "Make Primary."

6. Redirection for SEO and User Experience

It’s important for SEO and user experience to ensure that traffic from all secondary domains is properly redirected to the primary domain. Squarespace handles this automatically by setting up 301 redirects so that visitors to your secondary domains seamlessly end up on your primary domain.

Considerations and Limitations

• Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 72 hours to propagate, although it usually takes much less time.
• Domain Pricing: Ensure you understand the pricing and renewal fees associated with each domain, especially if you are purchasing through Squarespace.
• SEO Implications: While having multiple domains pointing to the same site can capture more traffic, ensure that content remains consistent and that you’re not duplicating content across domains, which can hurt SEO rankings.
• Domain Registrars: While connecting external domains, any issues related to the domain registrar should be handled through their support.

By following these steps systematically, you can successfully point multiple domains to the same Squarespace site, enhancing reach and maintaining a cohesive brand presence online.