How to Connect a Squarespace Domain to Google Sites

Using a custom domain is essential for branding, SEO, and professionalism. If you built your website with Google Sites but have a domain registered through Squarespace, you’ll need to connect them correctly. This process, called domain mapping, allows your Squarespace domain to point to your Google Sites website, making it easily accessible through a custom URL.

Many users find the process confusing due to DNS settings, domain verification, and potential delays in propagation. However, by following this step-by-step guide, you’ll ensure a smooth setup without technical roadblocks.

Why Connect Your Squarespace Domain to Google Sites?

Using a custom domain instead of a default Google Sites URL helps create a strong online presence. Whether you're running a business, a personal blog, or a portfolio, a custom domain adds credibility and makes your website easier to remember. It also helps with branding by keeping your domain name consistent across different online platforms.

Beyond branding, a custom domain improves search engine visibility. Websites with a branded domain often perform better in search rankings than generic URLs. This is because search engines see them as more trustworthy. Additionally, a custom domain ensures that visitors reach your website without confusion, even if your Google Sites link changes.

Step 1: Preparing Your Google Sites Website

Before making any changes in Squarespace, it’s important to ensure your Google Sites website is ready for a domain connection. If your website isn’t properly set up, the connection won’t work.

• Make sure your website is published and fully functional.
• Decide whether you want your custom domain to point to the homepage or a specific subpage.
• Determine the exact domain format you want to use (e.g., www.yourdomain.com or subdomain.yourdomain.com).
• Gather the necessary connection details from Google Sites, which will be used during the setup process.

Step 2: Accessing Squarespace DNS Configuration

To connect your Squarespace domain to Google Sites, you'll need to modify your DNS settings. DNS (Domain Name System) settings control how your domain directs traffic to different services, such as email or web hosting. You’ll be adding specific DNS records that tell Squarespace to forward your domain to Google Sites.

1. Log in to your Squarespace account.
2. Navigate to Settings > Domains.
3. Select the domain you want to connect.
4. Find the DNS settings or Advanced settings section.

Once inside the DNS settings, you’ll see a list of records that control how your domain interacts with different services. This is where you will add the records provided by Google Sites.

Step 3: Setting Up Custom Domain Forwarding

Domain forwarding is an optional but useful feature. If your Google Sites website has a long or complicated URL, you can set up forwarding to make it easier for users to access your content. This is especially useful if you're moving from another platform and want to ensure visitors reach the correct destination.

• In your Squarespace DNS settings, find Forwarding Options.
• Enter your Google Sites URL as the destination.
• Save your changes to apply the forwarding.

Step 4: Connecting Your Squarespace Domain to Google Sites

Now, you need to officially connect your domain to Google Sites by adding a CNAME record. This tells Squarespace to point your domain to Google's hosting servers.

1. In Google Sites, go to Settings > Custom Domains.
2. Google will prompt you to verify domain ownership using Google Search Console.
3. Copy the provided CNAME record, which is needed to complete the connection.
4. Return to Squarespace DNS settings and add a new CNAME record.
5. Paste the copied CNAME details into the appropriate fields.

Step 5: Verifying Domain Ownership in Google Search Console

Before Google allows your custom domain to work with Google Sites, you must verify ownership through Google Search Console. This step ensures that only authorized users can link the domain.

1. Follow the steps provided in Google Sites when adding a custom domain.
2. Select Verify via DNS in Google Search Console.
3. Copy the TXT record that Google provides.
4. Return to Squarespace DNS settings and add a new TXT record.
5. Paste the verification code and save the changes.
6. Click Verify in Google Search Console to complete the process.

Step 6: Finalizing and Publishing Your Website

After completing all necessary DNS updates, your website will soon be accessible through your custom domain. However, DNS changes take time to propagate globally.

• Propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.
• If your domain isn't working immediately, try clearing your browser cache.
• Check your Google Sites settings to ensure the domain is correctly linked.

Useful Links

Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Learn how to connect a domain purchased from another provider to your Squarespace website with this step-by-step guide.

Using DNS Records to Connect Third-Party Services – This article provides instructions on managing DNS settings in Squarespace to link your domain with external services like Google Sites.

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Conclusion

Connecting your Squarespace domain to Google Sites enhances your website’s professionalism, branding, and SEO. By following these steps, you can successfully link your domain and ensure your website is accessible through a custom URL. Always double-check your DNS records, verify ownership, and allow time for propagation.