Migrating your website to Squarespace allows you to access powerful design tools, better customization options, and integrated SEO features. However, if you built your original website on Google Sites, you may be wondering how to connect it to a Squarespace domain without losing traffic. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, from understanding the difference between redirecting and transferring to configuring your domain’s DNS settings correctly.
Understanding Your Options: Redirecting vs. Transferring
Before you begin, it’s essential to understand the two primary ways to connect a domain: redirecting and transferring. Choosing the right method depends on your goals and how much control you want over your domain management.
- Redirecting: This method allows you to keep your domain registered with your current provider (e.g., Google Domains) while pointing visitors to your Squarespace website. It is the most straightforward solution, but in some cases, the Google Sites URL may still appear when users access your content.
- Transferring: This involves moving your domain registration from Google to Squarespace, allowing you to manage everything directly from your Squarespace account. It simplifies billing and domain settings but is not an option if your website is hosted on Google Sites.
Since Google Sites does not support direct domain transfers to Squarespace, this guide focuses on the redirecting method.
Preparing Your Squarespace Website
Before you link your domain, ensure your Squarespace website is set up and fully functional. The last thing you want is for visitors to land on a half-built website after redirecting your domain.
- Choose a Squarespace template that fits your needs. Since Google Sites has limited design flexibility, take advantage of Squarespace’s highly customizable layouts.
- Import or manually add your content, including text, images, and media. Google Sites does not offer an export feature, so you’ll need to copy and paste content manually.
- Set up key website settings such as SEO descriptions, navigation structure, and mobile responsiveness.
By having your Squarespace website fully prepared, the transition will be much smoother, and your visitors will experience a seamless browsing experience.
Google Sites Domain Setup: The Redirect Process
Since direct domain mapping is unavailable on Google Sites, the best way to connect your website is by setting up a domain redirect. This ensures that visitors who enter your Google Site's URL will be forwarded to your Squarespace website.
You have two main options:
- Embedding your Squarespace content inside your Google Site. This method is rarely ideal because it limits functionality and may cause display issues.
- Redirecting your Google Site domain to your Squarespace website using DNS settings. This is the preferred method and will be covered in detail.
Managing DNS Settings in Squarespace
To successfully connect your Google domain to Squarespace, you need to update your DNS settings. These settings tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.
Squarespace requires a Business or Commerce plan to connect a custom domain. If you're using a free plan, you’ll need to upgrade before proceeding.
Follow these steps to manage DNS settings in Squarespace:
- Log in to your Squarespace account and navigate to Settings > Domains.
- Click Use a Domain I Own and enter your domain.
- Squarespace will provide specific DNS records (A records and CNAME) that you need to add to your domain registrar.
Connecting Your Domain: Step-by-Step
Once you have your DNS records from Squarespace, you’ll need to update them in your domain registrar’s settings. If your domain is registered through Google Domains, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Google Domains account.
- Navigate to the DNS settings of your domain.
- Locate the existing A records and replace them with the ones provided by Squarespace.
- Add the CNAME records that Squarespace has given you.
- Save your changes and wait for the DNS updates to propagate.
DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours to fully update across the internet.
Troubleshooting Domain Connection Issues
Sometimes, domain connections don’t work immediately. Here are some common issues and solutions:
- Incorrect DNS entries: Double-check that you've copied the DNS records exactly as provided by Squarespace.
- Slow DNS propagation: It may take up to 72 hours for changes to take effect. Try clearing your browser cache or checking with a DNS lookup tool.
- Registrar restrictions: Some domain registrars have additional settings that may interfere with DNS changes. If you're unsure, contact their support team.
Website Migration to Squarespace: Beyond Domain Connection
Simply redirecting your domain isn’t enough if you want to fully transition to Squarespace. You’ll also need to migrate your content. Unfortunately, Google Sites does not offer a built-in export tool, so you will need to manually copy and recreate your pages.
Here’s what you can do:
- Copy and paste text content into your new Squarespace website.
- Download images from Google Sites and upload them into Squarespace.
- Rebuild your navigation structure to match your original layout.
Best Way to Connect Domains in Squarespace
Deciding on the best method depends on your needs:
- If you only need to redirect visitors to your Squarespace website, updating DNS settings is the easiest approach.
- If you want complete control over your domain, transferring it to Squarespace is an option (if not registered through Google Sites).
Using a Google Domain with Squarespace
If your domain is registered with Google Domains, follow these steps to connect it to Squarespace:
- Log in to your Google Domains account.
- Open the DNS settings for your domain.
- Add the A records and CNAME records from Squarespace.
- Save the changes and wait for DNS propagation.
Useful Links
Transferring a Domain to a Squarespace Site – This guide provides detailed instructions on how to move your domain registration from another provider to Squarespace, allowing for centralized management of your website and domain.
Connecting a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Site – Learn how to link a domain registered with an external provider, such as Google Domains, to your Squarespace website by updating DNS settings.
Connecting Your Squarespace Domain to a Google Sites Site – This article explains the process of pointing your Squarespace-managed domain to a website built on Google Sites, enabling seamless integration between the two platforms.
About the Google Domains Migration to Squarespace – Understand the recent migration of Google Domains to Squarespace and how it affects domain management and services.
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Conclusion
Connecting your Google website to a Squarespace domain ensures a professional online presence with improved design flexibility and SEO features. By following this guide, you’ll successfully link your domain and provide a seamless transition for visitors.