Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Domain to Squarespace

Connecting your custom domain to your Squarespace site not only enhances your brand's professionalism but also helps in creating a memorable and cohesive online presence. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you link your domain to your Squarespace website.

Step 1: Prepare Your Domain

If you don't already own a domain, you can purchase one directly through Squarespace or from a third-party domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. If you buy your domain from Squarespace, it will automatically connect to your site. If your domain is from another registrar, you’ll need to manually connect it.

Step 2: Add Your Domain to Squarespace

If your domain is registered outside Squarespace:

1. Log into your Squarespace account.

2. Navigate to Settings and then Domains.

3. Click Connect a domain.

4. Enter your domain name and click Continue.

5. Select your domain provider from the list, or click Other if it’s not listed.

Step 3: Update DNS Settings at Your Domain Registrar

To point your domain to your Squarespace site, you need to modify the DNS settings by updating the A records and CNAME record.

1. Log into the account at your domain registrar.

2. Locate the DNS settings or Domain Management area.

3. Edit or add A Records:

   • Point the A records to Squarespace's IP addresses: 198.185.159.144, 198.185.159.145, 198.49.23.144, and 198.49.23.145

4. Edit the CNAME Record:

   • Change the CNAME record for www to point to verify.squarespace.com.

Note: DNS changes can take up to 72 hours to fully propagate.

Step 4: Verify Domain Connection in Squarespace

Once you've updated your DNS settings:

1. Return to the Squarespace Domains panel.

2. Click Refresh under your domain to check the connection.

3. Squarespace will automatically check if the domain is properly connected. If there are issues, it will provide information on what's wrong and how to correct it.

Step 5: Set Your Primary Domain

Once your domain is verified and connected:

1. In Squarespace, navigate back to Settings > Domains.

2. Choose your domain and click Make Primary to set it as the primary domain for your site. All other domains will redirect to this primary domain.

Step 6: SSL Certificate Activation

Squarespace automatically creates and manages SSL certificates for all connected domains to secure your site and increase your ranking in search engines. This setup is automatic, but you can manage SSL settings in the Security & SSL section under your domain settings.

Final Checks

After all configurations:

• Test your website by visiting your domain. It should direct you seamlessly to your Squarespace site.

• Ensure that your SSL certificate is active by checking for the secure padlock icon in the browser address bar next to your URL.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter any difficulties or simply prefer expert guidance through the setup process, feel free to reach out. Connecting your domain is crucial for your online presence, and I'm here to ensure it's done right. Contact me for personalized support to streamline your Squarespace setup.