Linking GoDaddy to Squarespace involves pointing your domain registered with GoDaddy to your Squarespace website. This process is typically straightforward but can take some time for DNS changes to propagate across the internet. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Step-by-Step Guide to Link GoDaddy to Squarespace:

Step 1: Prepare Your Squarespace Site

1. Log into Squarespace: Access your Squarespace account by logging in at squarespace.com.
2. Settings: Go to your Squarespace site's dashboard, then navigate to the Settings panel.
3. Domains: Select the "Domains" option from the Settings menu.
4. Use a Domain I Own: Choose the “Use a Domain I Own” option and enter your GoDaddy domain.

Step 2: Log into GoDaddy

1. Visit GoDaddy: Access your account by visiting godaddy.com and logging in.
2. Manage Domains: Go to the “My Products” page and select your domain name from the list. This action will take you to the "Domain Settings" page.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings in GoDaddy

1. DNS: Within the Domain Settings page, find the section labeled "DNS Settings" or "Manage DNS."
2. Edit Records: You will need to edit the following DNS settings:
3. A Records:
   • Look for any existing A records and either edit them or delete and create new ones.
   • Add a new A record with the host name “@” pointing to Squarespace’s IP address (you’ll find specific IP addresses in the Squarespace setup guide or help docs; for example, 198.185.159.144).
4. CNAME Records:
   • You will need a CNAME record for the “www” subdomain. Point it to ext-cust.squarespace.com.
5. Save Changes: After updating the DNS records, make sure to save or apply your changes.

Step 4: Verify Domain Connection in Squarespace

1. Return to Squarespace: Go back to your Squarespace domain settings screen.
2. Verify: Go through the verification process Squarespace provides. This might involve automated checks or manual entry of certain records to confirm that the domain is correctly pointed to Squarespace’s servers.

Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

1. Timing: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, though it usually happens faster (within a few hours).
2. Check Status: Periodically check your domain status in your Squarespace account to see if it has successfully linked.

Considerations and Limitations

• TTL (Time to Live): Default TTL settings on GoDaddy might delay propagation. You can lower the TTL before making changes to potentially speed up the process.
• Cache Issues: Sometimes, local DNS caching can cause delays in seeing your updates. Clearing your browser cache or trying an alternative browser might help.
• Support: Contact GoDaddy support for specific DNS questions or Squarespace support if your site isn’t resolving correctly.
• SSL Certificates: Squarespace automatically provides SSL certificates for your domain, but ensure that the domain is correctly pointed to avoid any “Not Secure” warnings during the transition.

Final Steps

Once the DNS records have propagated, your GoDaddy domain should point seamlessly to your Squarespace website. Regularly monitor your website during this period to ensure everything is functioning correctly, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if necessary.

By carefully following these steps, you can link your GoDaddy domain to your Squarespace site effectively.