How to Create a Squarespace Account and Link Your Domain Effortlessly
Introduction to Squarespace
About SquarespaceSquarespace is a user-friendly website builder for everyone from artists to businesses to entrepreneurs that provides a wide range of tools and features for creating beautiful and effective websites quickly. You can modify every single aspect of your website with its professionally designed templates and drag-and-drop builder, even with no coding or design experience. Moreover, Squarespace's mobile optimization guarantees that your website looks perfect and works properly on any device, and its eCommerce functionalities allow for effortless setup and management of an online store.
Using Squarespace, you get built-in SEO features that help you optimize your website for search engines, making it easier for potential customers to discover your site. And if you ever need help, Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support to assist you in overcoming any challenges you may face. Reliable website builders like Squarespace are the perfect choice to get a professional and delightful website built that fulfills all your requirements. From user-friendly tools to a plethora of freeing features, you can turn your idea into a reality and run your online business with ease.
Setting Up Your Squarespace Domain
No matter if you need to buy a new domain and link it to Squarespace or connect a current one, adding a domain to Squarespace is pretty simple. Squarespace offers free custom domains for the first year when you use annual plans and allows you to connect to a third-party domain.
Squarespace New Domain Registration Guide
From the Squarespace dashboard, visit Settings → click on Domains.
Search for Domain → Type the domain you want and check for its availability.
Choose and Register → Pick the domain name you want and pay.
Automatically Connected → Instantly connects domain to your Squarespace site.
Connecting an Existing Domain
If you currently have a domain with a third-party provider, you can transfer it to Squarespace or connect it:
Visit Settings → Choose Domains → Use a Domain I Own
Choose Connection Type:
Transfer — You can move full domain management over to Squarespace
Connect – Point your domain to Squarespace while retaining management with your current registrar.
Update DNS Settings → If you bought a domain from a different service, get your domain’s DNS records updated following squarespace instructions
Verify and Save → Confirm your changes & Wait for DNS Propagation (it can take 72 hours).
Advantages of Getting a Squarespace Domain
First-year free (for annual plans)
Includes SSL security for a secure website
Domain management is made easy with automatic renewal
Full integration with Squarespace's features
Squarespace makes it easy to manage domains for creating a professional online website.
Manage Your Squarespace Domain
Assigning a domain on Squarespace is easy if you registered for it or even if you connected with an external one. You can change settings, renew subscriptions, transfer domains, and configure DNS records from your Squarespace dashboard.
Accessing Domain Settings
1. Settings → Domains from your Squarespace dashboard
2. Choose the domain you want to manage.
3. Settings → Domain renewal, privacy settings, and DNS records.
Domain Management Features of Significance
✅ Renewal & Auto-Renewal
If you buy a Squarespace domain, it will renew automatically unless canceled.
Adjust renewal settings to Domain Settings → Auto-renew.
✅ DNS and Custom Records
Change A records, CNAMEs, MX records , and TXT records for email and 3rd party services.
It can take up to 72 hours for changes to propagate.
✅ WHOIS Protection & Domain Privacy
What’s worse still, only 2% of domain registrars offer WHOIS privacy for free and Squarespace is one of them.
If you require public WHOIS data, opt out of privacy.
✅ Transferring a Domain
For Squarespace: Migrate an outside domain to Squarespace for easier management.
From Squarespace: “Unlock the domain and obtain a transfer code to transfer it elsewhere.
Squarespace domain management makes securing your domain simple, automating renewals, and customizing your DNS straightforward.
What is a Squarespace domain integration?
Squarespace domain integration is when you link a third-party custom domain to a site built in Squarespace. It helps to give your site a unique space on the web with an exact and professional web address like www.yourbusiness.yourbusiness.squarespace.com.
How to create a Squarespace account?
Step 1: Sign Up for a Squarespace Account
Visit Squarespace.com: Go to the official Squarespace website and click on the "Get Started" button.
Choose a Template: Select a website template that matches your desired style. Templates can be customized later, so focus on the general layout.
3. Create Your Account: Enter your email, create a password, and set up your account. You can also sign up using Google or Apple credentials.
Step 2: Set Up Your Website
Launch the Website Editor: Once your account is created, Squarespace will guide you to the editor for your selected template.
Customize Your Site: Add your site title, images, pages, and content. The editor provides drag-and-drop functionality for easy customization.
Preview Your Design: Use the "Preview" mode to ensure your website looks great on desktop and mobile devices.
Upgrade Your Account and Select a Plan
Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore and build your site. Once you're ready to launch, you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Account Settings: In your Squarespace dashboard, go to Settings, and then Billing & Account.
Select a Plan: To upgrade your plan, click on “Billing,” then “Upgrade Your Plan.” Squarespace has a few plans you can choose from:
Personal Plan — Aimed at displaying work or writing a blog, or a basic web presence, for an individual or small group. Key features: Mobile-optimized website, free custom domain (for one year), website analytics, SSL security and 24/7 customer support
Business Plan: For larger websites that need unlimited contributors, premium features (like Squarespace Commerce), custom code, and integration with third-party services. The plan is perfect for showcasing your work, establishing a home for your business, or selling products from a mini shop page.
Commerce Plans: Intended for businesses that sell primarily online, offering e-commerce-specific features.
Billing Options: Monthly or Annually Annual billing usually comes with benefits, such as a domain name complimentary for your first year.
Step 3: Connect Your Domain
You can connect an existing domain or purchase one through Squarespace. Here's how:
Option 1: Use an Existing Domain
Go to Settings > Domains: Navigate to the Domains section in your Squarespace settings.
Select “Connect a Domain”: Enter your existing domain name and select your provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
Follow the setup instructions: Squarespace will provide DNS settings. Log in to your domain registry and update the DNS records as instructed.
Option 2: Purchase a Domain
Select “Get a Domain”: In the Domains section, search for and purchase a domain through Squarespace.
Automatically Connected: Domains purchased through Squarespace will automatically integrate with your website.
Verify Your Domain
After purchasing or connecting your domain, Squarespace will send a verification email. Click the link in the email to verify your domain and complete the setup process.
Step 4: Finalize and Launch
Check Your Settings: Ensure your website settings, such as SEO titles, descriptions, and contact information, are updated.
Publish Your Site: Click "Publish" to make your website live. If you’re still working on your design, keep it in “Private” mode until it’s ready.
Tips for Success
Enable SSL: Secure your website by enabling the SSL under advanced settings.
Make sure you get professional communications: use G Suite or other email providers
Measure Performance: Use Squarespace Analytics to Monitor Visitors and Engagement
Following these steps will help you have your working Squarespace site and its domain linked so that everything is ready for the big world as a finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a domain I already own with Squarespace?
Yes! Squarespace allows you to connect an existing domain by updating your DNS settings. Follow the "Connect a Domain" process under Settings > Domains.
2. How much does Squarespace cost?
Squarespace offers monthly and annual pricing plans:
Personal Plan: Starts at $16/month
Business Plan: Starts at $23/month
Commerce Plans: Start at $27/month (for online stores)
3. Can I switch my domain from another platform to Squarespace?
Yes, you can transfer your domain to Squarespace, making it easier to manage everything in one place. This process typically takes 5-7 days.
