Creating a subdomain in Squarespace allows you to organize your website efficiently, offering specialized sections for blogs, stores, or landing pages. While Squarespace doesn’t provide built-in subdomain creation, you can set it up through your domain provider and connect it to Squarespace. This guide walks you through the complete process, including setup, best practices, and troubleshooting.
Understanding subdomains and their uses
A subdomain is an extension of your primary domain, such as blog.yourwebsite.com or shop.yourwebsite.com. It allows you to create independent sections under the same brand without needing a separate domain.
Common uses for subdomains:
- Blogs – Example: blog.yourwebsite.com
- Online stores – Example: shop.yourwebsite.com
- Landing pages – Example: promo.yourwebsite.com
- Customer portals – Example: support.yourwebsite.com
- Multilingual versions – Example: fr.yourwebsite.com for a French version
How to create a subdomain in Squarespace
Squarespace does not directly manage subdomains. Instead, you must configure them through your domain provider (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains) and connect them via DNS settings.
Step-by-step guide to creating a subdomain
Access your domain provider
Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard where you manage your domain name.
Navigate to DNS management
Find the “DNS Management” or “DNS Settings” section. This is where you can edit DNS records.
Create a CNAME record
To verify your subdomain with Squarespace, create a new CNAME record:
- Name/Host: Enter your subdomain (e.g., blog).
- Value/Points to: Enter verify.squarespace.com.
- TTL: Leave this at its default setting.
Verify the subdomain in Squarespace
In Squarespace, go to Settings > Domains, add your subdomain (e.g., blog.yourwebsite.com), and complete the verification process.
Point the subdomain to Squarespace
After verification, create an A record that directs traffic to Squarespace:
- Type: A record
- Name/Host: Your subdomain (e.g., blog)
- Value/Points to: Use Squarespace’s official IP addresses (check their latest documentation).
Best practices for connecting a subdomain to Squarespace
To ensure a smooth connection and functionality, follow these best practices:
- Check propagation time – DNS changes can take up to 72 hours.
- Use correct DNS records – Ensure all records are accurately configured.
- Manage domain settings efficiently – Keep an organized DNS setup.
- Consider SEO implications – Subdomains vs. subdirectories impact search rankings differently.
Troubleshooting subdomain issues
Common problems and fixes
- Subdomain not working? – Double-check your DNS records for typos and allow sufficient propagation time.
- Squarespace verification fails? – Ensure the CNAME record is correctly entered and reattempt verification.
- Pointing a subdomain to another website? – Use an A record with the destination site’s IP instead of Squarespace’s.
Advanced subdomain usage
Using a subdomain for landing pages
Marketing campaigns often benefit from dedicated subdomains like promo.yourwebsite.com, allowing you to separate promotions from your main website.
SEO impact of using subdomains
Google treats subdomains as separate entities, which can influence SEO rankings. If SEO is a priority, a subdirectory (e.g., yourwebsite.com/blog) may be a better choice.
Squarespace business email setup with subdomains
You can configure custom emails like [email protected] using Google Workspace or other email providers.
Configuring subdomains for eCommerce on Squarespace
Online stores often use subdomains for different product categories or support pages (e.g., store.yourwebsite.com, help.yourwebsite.com).
Useful Links
Creating a Subdomain for Your Squarespace Site – This guide provides detailed instructions on setting up a subdomain within Squarespace, including DNS settings and domain management.
Accessing Your Squarespace-Managed Domain's DNS Settings – Learn how to access and modify DNS settings for domains managed directly through Squarespace.
Connecting a Third-Party Subdomain to Your Squarespace Site – Step-by-step instructions for linking a subdomain from an external domain provider to your Squarespace website.
Connecting Subdomains or Multiple Domains – Understand how to manage and connect multiple domains or subdomains to a single Squarespace site.
Troubleshooting Third-Party Domain Connections – Find solutions to common issues encountered when connecting third-party domains or subdomains to Squarespace.
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Conclusion
Creating a subdomain in Squarespace helps organize your website efficiently while keeping it under the same brand. Although Squarespace does not create subdomains directly, you can easily set them up through your domain provider.