How to Connect a Third-Party Domain to Your Squarespace Website

Meta Description: Learn how to seamlessly connect a third-party domain to your Squarespace website with our step-by-step guide. Ensure a smooth domain connection while keeping your domain registered with your provider.

Connecting a third-party domain to your Squarespace website is a crucial step in establishing a professional online presence. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or an individual launching a personal website, understanding the domain connection process ensures your site is easily accessible to your audience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to map your existing domain to your Squarespace site without transferring its registration.

Why Connect a Third-Party Domain to Squarespace?

Connecting your domain to your Squarespace website allows you to use a custom web address that reflects your brand or personal identity. A well-connected domain enhances credibility, improves search engine rankings, and provides a seamless experience for your visitors. Additionally, keeping your domain registered with your original provider offers flexibility and control over your domain management.

Before You Begin

Before initiating the domain connection process, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Registered Domain: You should already own a domain registered with a third-party provider like GoDaddy, HostGator, or Namecheap.
• DNS Access: Your domain provider must offer full DNS access to manage DNS settings effectively.
• Trial or Paid Squarespace Site: You can connect your domain to both trial and paid Squarespace sites, but not to expired ones.

Tip: Most domain connections take between 24 to 48 hours to propagate. Plan accordingly if you have a specific launch date.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Domain

Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace

1. Access the Domains Panel:
   – Log in to your Squarespace account.
   – Navigate to the Domains panel from your website’s dashboard.

2. Use Your Existing Domain:
   – Click on Use a Domain I Own.
   – Enter your full domain name in the Enter Domain field and click the arrow to proceed.

3. Initiate the Connection:
   – Click Connect Domain.
   – If prompted that your domain is already connected to another Squarespace site, verify and disconnect it from the other site.

4. Select Your Domain Provider:
   – From the drop-down menu, choose your domain provider. If it’s not listed, select Other and proceed.

5. Continue the Process:
   – Click Connect Domain again and then Continue on the ensuing message.

Step 2: View Your DNS Settings

After initiating the connection, the DNS Settings panel will display the necessary records you need to input into your domain provider’s account. Keep this panel open for reference throughout the process.

Step 3: Log Into Your Domain Account

1. Access DNS Management:
   – Open a new browser tab and log in to your domain provider’s account.
   – Locate the section for managing DNS settings, which might be labeled as DNS, Advanced DNS Records, or Manage Domains.

2. Prepare for DNS Changes:
   – Review existing DNS records. Some providers may require you to modify or delete existing records to ensure proper domain connection.

Note: Do not delete MX records as they are essential for your email service.

Step 4: Add the First CNAME Record

1. Locate the Verification CNAME:
   – In the Squarespace DNS Settings, find the unique code under the Host column for verification.

2. Create a CNAME Record:
   – In your domain provider’s DNS manager, add a CNAME record with the following details:

   • Alias or Host Name: Paste the unique code from Squarespace.
   • Type or Record Type: Select CNAME.
   • Points To: Enter verify.squarespace.com.

Tip: If adding a CNAME isn’t possible, you can add a TXT record instead.

Step 5: Add the Second CNAME Record

1. Configure the www Subdomain:
   – In Squarespace’s DNS Settings, locate the www entry under the Host column.

2. Create or Edit the CNAME Record:
   – Set the Points To value to ext-cust.squarespace.com.

Alternative: If your provider doesn’t support CNAME records, add an A record pointing to 198.185.159.144.

Step 6: Add the A Records

Squarespace requires four A records to ensure proper domain connection:

• Creating A Records:
• In your domain provider’s DNS settings, add or edit A records to match the above details.
• If your provider doesn’t accept @ as the Host Name, leave the field blank or enter your domain name without www.

Step 7: Wait for the Connection to Complete

After updating your DNS settings:

1. Propagation Time:
   – Allow 24 to 48 hours for the changes to take effect globally.

2. Monitor the Connection:
   – Return to the Squarespace Domains panel.
   – Refresh the DNS settings to check if the records are correctly configured.
   – Look for a “connected” label to confirm success.

3. SSL Certificate Generation:
   – Ensure your SSL certificate is active to provide a secure connection for your visitors.

Note: A “This website is pending domain owner verification” message may appear temporarily. If it persists beyond 48 hours, contact Squarespace support for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your domain connection isn’t successful, consider the following steps:

• DNS Error Messages: Use Squarespace’s DNS checker tool to identify and rectify incorrect CNAME or A records.
• Persistent Verification Messages: Ensure all DNS records are correctly entered and wait for full propagation.
• Provider Support: Contact your domain provider’s support team for assistance with DNS settings, providing them with the necessary details from Squarespace.

Additional Tips

• Managing Multiple Domains: Squarespace allows the connection of multiple custom domains to a single site. This is useful for handling different domain extensions or regional domains.
• Avoid Special Characters: Domains with special characters may not display correctly across all browsers. Stick to standard alphanumeric characters to ensure compatibility.
• Transfer vs. Connect: If your domain is eligible, consider transferring it to Squarespace for streamlined management and potential benefits like a free domain for the first year.

Conclusion

Connecting your third-party domain to your Squarespace website enhances your brand’s credibility and provides a professional look to your online presence. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth and efficient domain connection process, allowing you to focus on growing your website and engaging with your audience.

Ready to elevate your online presence? Visit Wishibl today to take the next step in managing and optimizing your domain connections effortlessly.