Squarespace has long been established as one of the best website builders on the market. In 2016, the company expanded its offering with the launch of Squarespace Domains, a dedicated domain buying platform. A natural expansion for a website building platform, the launch saw Squarespace enter a multibillion dollar market.
The purpose behind this move was simple: to create a single platform where customers can find everything they need to launch a website from domains and hosting to buying a domain and accessing tools such as a business branded email.
If you are considering buying a domain via Squarespace we have created this guide for you. In it, we walk through everything you need to do to find a great domain for your website.
Want to get the best deal on your Squarespace subscription? Check out our list of the latest Squarespace promo codes.
Quick guide: How to buy a domain on Squarespace
- Visit Squarespace Domains
- Search for your desired domain
- Select from the available options
- Select how long you want to pay for the domain for
- Checkout and pay
How to buy a new domain from Squarespace
Step 1: Search for domains
Start by going to the Squarespace Domain homepage and tapping on the search bar. Here you can enter your desired domain name and search for it. This will quickly let you know if the domain you want is available or not.
Step 2: Assessing the results
In case your preferred domain isn’t available, Squarespace will offer you some alternatives with different TLDs (top-level domains). These include TLDs such as .io, .org, or .net. If you can’t get the .com version of your domain, these are well worth considering. You may even choose to buy your domain with multiple different TLDs and connect them all to the same website.
Step 3: Picking your domain
Each domain on the list will also indicate the associated cost. This will help you quickly see which domains are within your budget and create a shortlist. Once you have selected the domain (or domains) you want, simply select them to add them to your card - then tap Checkout in the cart box to the right of the screen.
You will need to log in or create an account before proceeding. This can be with your email or a Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
Step 4: Select duration
Before proceeding, Squarespace gives you the option to choose the number of years you would like to buy the domain for. Select as many years as you prefer or leave it at the default (1 year) and tap Save and Continue.
Step 5: Add billing information & pay
In the next stage, enter your billing address and contact details. Tap Save and Continue.
You’ll then move to the payment step, where your bank might need you to verify the purchase. If you have a credit card that was issued in the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll have to confirm a prompt stating “Verify Your Purchase,” followed by an email from Squarespace for verification.
Similarly, if you use a Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) for the payment in the EEA, the transactions can take anywhere between 2-7 business days to get processed. Not to mention, your domain will only get registered once the payment has been approved.
Step 6: Verify
Once you have purchased the custom domain, Squarespace’s customer care team will share an email to verify your email address. Remember, this step is extremely important because if you fail to validate your contact info within 15 days, your domain will get suspended. Meanwhile, if you get stuck anywhere in the process, you can reach out to the Squarespace support team.
Squarespace domain features
When you buy a domain from Squarespace domains it comes with a spam-free holding page, meaning you don’t need to get your site live straight away.
Plus, if you already own a domain that you bought from a different provider such as GoDaddy or 1&1, you can transfer it easily, or if not, you can directly connect it with Squarespace by changing its DNS settings.
Security is crucial while building websites, and Squarespace fulfills this by including free Whois privacy protection with its domains. All Squarespace domains that point to its platform also come with an SSL certificate.
On the downside, there are no options to buy a premium domain (pre-registered, after-market, or secondary-market domains) with Squarespace. Still, if you’re looking for a one-stop solution for completely building a website from scratch that includes buying a domain, selecting a theme, customizing the website, and making it live, Squarespace is a great resource for it.
How to pick a domain
Picking a domain can be tricky, and best practices depend on your unique set of circumstances. Below, we outline a few general tips to keep in mind when selecting a domain.
Consider your TLD (Top Level Domain)
The TLD is the last part of a website’s address. Most typically, this is .com or a similar, location specific option such as .co.uk.
Although the .com TLD is still the most popular, you should consider your options when picking a domain. Your TLD can help you communicate important information about your website or brand. For example, a location specific TLD tells potential visitors that you are located in or serve that specific area. Other TLDs such as .edu tell potential visitors that you are an educational site.
Check the obvious SLDs (Second Level Domains) first
The SLD is the part of the domain that you choose, like the ‘google’ part of google.com. The most obvious domain name to go for is your brand name, so check that first. However, as the internet becomes home to more and more websites, fewer and fewer domains are available.
Think outside the box
If you can’t get the domain with your brand name, it’s time to think outside of the box.
You may do this by switching up your TLD. For example, if I ran a martial arts gym called Kinetic Kickboxing Club and kinetickickboxingclub.com wasn’t available, I may try a location specific TLD such as kinetickickboxingclub.co.uk.
Another popular approach is to add a verb to the domain, making it a call to action in itself. With the example above I may try trainatkinetic.com.
Consider suitability
It is important to consider how your domain will impact your brand. Ask yourself:
Does it sound professional?
What message does it communicate?
Is it easy to recall?
Doing this will help you on the path to website success.
Buying a domain from Squarespace: My verdict
Overall, I found Squarespace’s domain buying process a breeze. There was no unnecessary technical jargon or a screen full of ads or offers. The interface is extremely neat and you can buy a domain name of your choice straightaway.
The alternate domain name suggestions are pretty useful in case you’re out of ideas. Plus, once you’ve completed the purchase, Squarespace immediately takes you to the website building process where you can start giving shape and identity to your domain. In short, it's a great platform for instantly starting your website from ground zero without needing much technical background.
If you want to learn more about what Squarespace has to offer, you can read our full Squarespace review here.
Buying a Squarespace domain: FAQs
How do I renew my domain on Squarespace, and what happens if I miss the renewal?
Domains registered through Squarespace are set to auto-renew annually by default, 15 days before the expiration date. You will receive a notification via email before this charge is made. If your payment method fails, your domain may expire and disconnect from your website, disrupting any linked services, such as custom email accounts. You generally have a grace period (30-60 days) to reactivate the domain before it’s released.
Do I get a free domain with Squarespace?
You can get a free domain with Squarespace for one year when you purchase any Squarespace website builder subscription. So, if you are using Squarespace to build your website, it can be worth using the free year first before buying one separately.
What is Whois privacy protection?
Whois privacy protection is a tool that is used to hide your personal information including your name, address, and email from the public Whois database.
Squarespace includes Whois protection, as standard, with every domain purchase at no extra cost. This is a helpful benefit, as it can protect you against spam and nuisance communications in the future.
Can I transfer an existing domain to Squarespace, and what is the process?
Yes, you can transfer a domain you already own to Squarespace. The process involves unlocking your domain at your current registrar, obtaining an authorization code, and following the transfer steps in the Squarespace dashboard. This transfer allows you to manage your domain and website together on Squarespace, simplifying renewals and DNS management.
Can I connect my Squarespace domain to an email address?
Yes. Squarespace partners with Google Workspace, making it easy to connect your domain to a professional email (e.g. yourname@yourdomain.com). However, this is an add-on service which needs to be purchased separately.
What happens if I cancel my Squarespace subscription?
If you cancel your Squarespace subscription but wish to keep your domain, you can transfer it to another registrar or maintain it through Squarespace. If the domain is not renewed or transferred, it will eventually expire and become available for purchase by others.
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