How Do I Transfer My Domain From Squarespace to Webflow?

Transferring your domain from Squarespace to Webflow involves a series of steps. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Preparation on Squarespace:

a. Unlock Your Domain: 1. Log in to your Squarespace account. 2. Go to the Home Menu, then navigate to Settings and click on Domains. 3. Select the domain you want to transfer. 4. In the domain settings, find the Unlock Domain option. Click to unlock your domain.

b. Get the Authorization Code: 1. In the same domain settings section, look for the Transfer Domain option or an area where you can obtain your Authorization Code (also known as an EPP code). 2. Copy the authorization code. You will need this code for transferring the domain.

2. Preparation on Webflow:

a. Choose a Hosting Plan: 1. Ensure your Webflow project has a hosting plan that supports custom domains (either Basic, CMS, Business, or Ecommerce plan).

3. Initiate the Domain Transfer to Webflow:

a. Start the Transfer: 1. Log in to your Webflow account and access the project where you want the domain. 2. Go to the Project Settings and then click on the Hosting tab. 3. Scroll down to the Domains section and click Add Custom Domain. 4. Input your domain name and click Next.

b. Follow the Transfer Instructions: 1. Webflow will prompt you to enter the authorization code. Paste the code you copied from Squarespace. 2. Follow Webflow’s specific instructions to initiate the transfer.

4. Verify Domain Ownership and Complete Transfer:

1. Webflow will send an email to the email address associated with your domain’s WHOIS information to verify the transfer. Approve the transfer via the email instructions.
2. The transfer process can take up to 5-7 days. During this period, your website might experience some downtime or may temporarily show a parked page. Ensure you communicate this to your users if necessary.

5. Configure DNS Settings:

a. Update DNS Records: 1. Once the domain transfer is completed, you need to configure the DNS settings on Webflow to point the domain to your Webflow site. 2. In Webflow, go to the Domains settings and find the DNS records (CNAME and A records) provided by Webflow. 3. Log in to your domain registrar (after the transfer is complete, it might be Webflow’s partner or another registrar depending on their setup). 4. Update the DNS records with the values provided by Webflow: - Set up a CNAME record for the www subdomain pointing to proxy.webflow.com. - Set up A records for the root domain pointing to the IP addresses provided by Webflow.

b. Verify DNS Settings: 1. After changing the DNS records, return to Webflow’s domain settings and click Check Status. 2. Webflow will verify if the DNS records are set up correctly. This process can take some time due to DNS propagation (typically up to 48 hours).

6. Set the Default Domain:

1. Once the DNS settings are propagated and Webflow confirms everything is correctly set up, set your primary domain as default in Webflow.
2. Ensure all URLs redirect properly to the primary domain to avoid SEO issues.

Considerations and Limitations:

• Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.
• Data Backup: Back up any essential data, site content, and DNS settings before initiating the transfer.
• Email Services: If you have email services tied to your domain, you will need to reconfigure MX records accordingly post transfer.

Final Checks:

1. Verify that your website is functioning correctly on Webflow.
2. Ensure all your web pages are accessible and there are no broken links.
3. Test any forms, databases, and other interactive elements to confirm they work as expected.

By following these steps meticulously, you should successfully transfer your domain from Squarespace to Webflow, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless transition for your visitors.