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How to Buy a Domain on Squarespace

Your website needs an address. That's where a domain name comes in. It's how people find you online. Squarespace makes it easy to purchase and manage your domain. So, how to get a domain on Squarespace and have no issues? This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right name to managing your domain settings.

Choosing and Buying the Right Domain

A well-chosen domain name strengthens your website’s identity. Let's see how to buy a domain on Squarespace with the right first steps. Follow these key factors to select the best one:

#1 Choose a domain that reflects your brand

Your domain should match your business name or purpose for better brand recognition.

#2 Keep it simple and easy to spell

Avoid complex words, numbers, and hyphens—shorter names are easier to type and remember.

#3 Pick a suitable domain extension

The right extension impacts credibility. See the comparison below:

Extension Best For
.com General businesses, most recognized extension
.net Technology-related websites
.org Non-profits and communities
.co Startups and .com alternative
.shop / .tech / .design Industry-specific businesses
⚡ The .com extension is the easiest for users to remember and trust, making it the best option when available.

How to Buy a Domain on Squarespace

Squarespace provides a seamless way to register a domain directly from your dashboard, with hosting and renewal options built-in. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Log in to Squarespace or create an account if you’re new.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Domains in your dashboard.
  3. Use the search bar to enter your desired domain name and see if it’s available.
  4. Choose from available options (including different domain extensions like .com, .net, etc.) and click Add to Cart.
  5. Review pricing details, domain privacy (free with Squarespace), and renewal options before proceeding.
  6. Click Checkout, then enter your contact and billing details to complete the purchase.

Once purchased, your domain is automatically connected to your Squarespace website, making setup easy even for beginners.

✅ Some Squarespace plans include a free domain for the first year. Check your plan before purchasing!

Domain Management and Security

Squarespace Domain Pricing and Renewal

Squarespace domain pricing varies based on the extension and features like domain privacy.

Standard domains:

Typically range from $20 to $70 per year, with automatic renewal unless canceled.

Premium domains:

Industry-specific extensions like .design or .tech may cost more.

Renewal fees:

Renewal pricing may differ from first-year promotional rates, so check before buying.

⚡ If you don’t renew your domain before expiration, it may enter a grace period, after which someone else could buy it.

Domain Privacy and Security

Squarespace includes free domain privacy on most domains, keeping your personal details hidden from the public WHOIS database. This protects against spam, identity theft, and unwanted solicitations.

Connecting and Transferring a Domain

Here, let's check out the two possible options:

#1 Connecting an Existing Domain

If you already own a domain, you can connect it to Squarespace by updating your DNS settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Domains and select "Use a domain I own."
  2. Enter your domain name and follow the prompts.
  3. Update your domain’s DNS settings at your current registrar.
⚡ DNS updates can take up to 48 hours to take effect, so allow some time for changes to reflect.

#2 Transferring a Domain to Squarespace

If you'd prefer to manage everything in one place, transferring your domain to Squarespace is a great option:

  • Unlock your domain at your current registrar.
  • Retrieve your domain’s authorization code (EPP code).
  • Initiate the transfer in Squarespace’s domain settings.
💡 Transferring a domain to Squarespace consolidates billing and simplifies website management.

Advanced Domain Settings

Managing Squarespace domain settings includes several components:

Update DNS records. Modify DNS settings to connect services like email or subdomains.

Set up domain forwarding. Redirect your domain to another website if needed.

Configure email with your domain. Squarespace partners with Google Workspace for professional email setup (e.g., [email protected]).

✅ A branded email address boosts professionalism and trust with your audience.

Troubleshooting Common Domain Issues

If your domain isn't working as expected, don’t worry—most problems are easy to fix. Below are the most common issues and how to resolve them:

  • Domain not connecting: Double-check that your domain is correctly linked to your Squarespace site. Go to Settings > Domains and confirm the DNS records match what Squarespace provides. After making any changes, allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.
  • Renewal problems: Log in to your billing settings and verify that your credit card or payment method is valid and up to date. Expired or declined payments can prevent automatic domain renewal.
  • Email setup issues: If you're using a custom email (like via Google Workspace or Zoho), ensure your domain’s MX records are correctly set. You can access and edit DNS settings under Settings > Domains > DNS Settings. Refer to your email provider’s documentation for the exact record values.
💡 You can use online tools like DNS Checker (dnschecker.org) to see if your DNS records are propagating globally.

Registering Squarespace Domains – Official guide on how to register a new domain directly through Squarespace, including step-by-step instructions.

Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Learn how to link a domain purchased from another provider to your Squarespace website with this comprehensive tutorial.

Domain Transfer Pricing and Billing – Detailed information on the costs and billing processes associated with transferring an existing domain to Squarespace.

Squarespace Domains Overview – An overview of managing domains within Squarespace, covering registration, connection, and settings management.

Squarespace Domain Renewals – Understand the renewal process for domains registered through Squarespace, including timelines and fees.

Enhance Your Squarespace with Powerful Plugins!

Elfsight created dozens of useful plugins to make your website more attractive and boost its performance in so many ways. Try these no-code solutions for free on Squarespace!

Conclusion

Finally, you know how to buy a domain on Squarespace making a good choice for simple and convenient usage. Whether registering a new domain, transferring one, or connecting an existing one, Squarespace provides the tools to manage your website seamlessly. Follow these steps, and your website will have a professional online presence in no time.

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