Squarespace Domain Review: Everything You Need To Know.
Have you ever wondered how customers locate a website online? Yup, you've guessed it, they use the website's name or the link. This link or address is called a domain name and serves as an equivalent to the physical address for the business. The key parts of a domain name are the name of your business and the TLD, which is known as the Top Level Domain and is usually .com, .org, .uk, etc.
Domain names are purchased from third-party software to serve as an address to a website, and it comes with various TLDs depending on your website's objectives.
Squarespace Domain Name
Once you create your website on Squarespace on a free trial, you get a free domain name, but it comes with Squarespace.site TLD, which is a bad option if you want a professional website and are mindful of your brand's image.
Nevertheless, it gets better. You get a free, custom domain name for a whole year once you subscribe to any of Squarespace's annual plans. In other words, you won't have to purchase a domain name for a third-party provider for the first year of hosting your website on Squarespace. Squarespace only starts billing after the first annual subscription to your plan.
Another advantage of Squarespace Domain Name is that you can purchase a Squarespace Domain without having a website yet. If you are building your website yourself and want to take things one step at a time by buying a domain first, you are free to do so on Squarespace.
Pricing
The starting price for a Squarespace Domain is $20/year. However, the prices can increase depending on the Top Level Domain you want, whether .com, .net, .me, etc. There are over 200+ TLDs in Squarespace, so you can access a wide variety.
You can get a Squarespace Domain name for as high as $70/year, depending on various factors. However, most domain names on Squarespace are around $20/year.
Although Squarespace gives you a domain name for free for the first year and charges $20/year afterward, many people still wonder if it is worth the price compared to purchasing it from popular domain hosting sites such as Godaddy and Google Domain. Not to worry, we will take an in-depth look into these domain hosting websites and determine whether purchasing a Domain name from Squarespace is worth the investment.
Squarespace Domain Vs. Godaddy
Godaddy is a website builder and hosting domain site that is known as one of the largest domain hosting platforms in the world and accounts for more than 30% of business domains. It allows you to purchase domains with over 500 TLDs available on their sites.
The site boasts a domain name starting at as low as $0.99/year, but it isn't what you think. There are various additional services you have to purchase with your domain name to ensure you have the highest security and convenience when using your domain name.
Pricing
Squarespace offers their domain name starting from $20 to 70/year, depending on the TLD you are purchasing.
Godaddy has a domain plan starting from $0.99/year for lower TLDs, such as .xyz, and increases up to around $14.99/year for the .net domains. However, these prices are for the basic domain payment, and it doesn't cover some important features that we will look at.
Also, these prices are only for the first year of purchase; after that, the regular renewal rate is $19.99/year, which may be a big turn-off for domain buyers.
Features
SSL Security
SSL Security keeps your connection secure and prevents hackers from reading or tampering with the information being sent from two systems.
Squarespace Domain Name comes with a free SSL certificate, which means you don't have to worry about purchasing any additional SSL security for your domain name, all at the domain price.
For GoDaddy, you don't get free SSL security with your domain name. Instead, you'll have to purchase an SSL Certificate separately on the website, which starts from $63.99/year. When added to the amount spent on the domain name, it results in a costly purchase, which can become burdensome if renewed yearly.
Do GoDaddy domains come with SSL?
No. GoDaddy domains do not come with SSL. You have to get the SSL certificate from them separately. GoDaddy only offers a free SSL certificate on their Ultimate Web Hosting Plan ($12.99/mo) in which you can get the free SSL certificate for one year, which is Self-Managed Standard SSL DV (later, you need to pay $79.99 per year). I think this is very costly.
WHOIS Privacy
Both hosting platforms have a robust WHOIs privacy policy that prevents random users from looking up your domain name.
Domain Transfer
Both platforms agree to domain transfer if you are no longer interested in hosting your domain with either. However, some basic requirements must be followed, and a small fee. For Instance, Godaddy domain transfer is only initiated when your administrative contact approves.
DNS Management
Both come with robust DNS Management, which allows you to manage your domain(s) from a comprehensive dashboard. However, Squarespace's DNS management board is simpler and easy to understand when compared to the Godaddy board. Regardless, both DNS Management board comes with all the necessary features.
Custom Professional Email
Squarespace doesn't offer a default email with their domains, so you must host your email on a third-party platform. In contrast, you get the chance to pay $2/year (price increase after the first year) for a professional email on Godaddy, which will come in handy if you are looking to purchase a professional email for your website.
Verdict
Squarespace and Godaddy domains offer excellent privacy protection and functionalities. Squarespace doesn't skyrocket its prices after the first year of purchase. You consistently pay the amount you used for the first domain, which comes with a free SSL certificate. However, you don't get a free SSL certificate, and the prices increase yearly.
It is safe to say that if you have the money, you will get a lot of sophisticated tools and add-ons with Godaddy Domain plans. However, Squarespace Domain is an excellent choice if you want to work on a budget and avoid hidden costs.
Squarespace Domain Vs. Google Domain
Google Domain is another great domain host that offers robust features. Compared to Squarespace Domain, they are almost a tie with their impeccable features. Let’s take a look.
Pricing
Google Domain Pricing starts from $12/year and increases to $60/year depending on the TLD you want. However, one great thing about Google Domain and Squarespace is that they renew at the same initial rate, which makes it a better option when compared with GoDaddy.
Features
Privacy Protection
Google Domain offers robust privacy protection and ensures your domain name is secure from hackers and random users trying to look up your domain.
Squarespace also offers Privacy Protection which is highly robust and dependable.
Integration with top Website Builders
Google Domains lets you connect your domain with other website builders such as Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, etc. So, you can purchase a domain and still use it on your favorite website builder, Squarespace inclusive.
On the other hand, Squarespace allows you to move your domain from Squarespace to another website builder.
Connect Domain to G Suite
Since Google runs G-Suite, it is super easy to hook up your domain to other G-Suite apps without hassle, so you can set up different email names for your team under the same domain name.
Squarespace also allows integration with Google Workspace, which means you can use a professional email from Google and other apps.
Subdomains and Two-step Verification
You can create 100s of subdomains on your Google domain, which is also available on Squarespace. Also, you get an extra security layer, the 2-step verification process.
Any domain you register with Google Domains comes with privacy protection, one-click DNSSEC, and Google 2-Step Verification — all at no added cost.
Verdict
Both Squarespace and Google Domains offer good return on investment, and have the same features and similar prices. Also, considering that Google Domain allows integration with Squarespace, then purchasing a domain on Google and integrating it on Squarespace will be hassle-free.
How To Connect A Domain You Already Own
You can connect your domain to Squarespace if you've already purchased a domain or are moving your website to Squarespace. Here are the necessary steps to follow to connect your already purchased domain on Squarespace
Step One: Login to your Squarespace Account
If you don't have a Squarespace account yet, the first process is to create one here.
Once that is done, log in to your Squarespace account and go to Settings on the left side of the screen.
On Settings, you will see different options; go to Domains just before the Google Workspace, and click on it.
You will be taken to another page, where you'll see 'Use A Domain I Own.' Click on the button, and type in your custom domain in the box that will be provided.
After doing that, select the arrow beside the box.
Next, two options will appear; Transfer Domain and Connect Domain. Click on the Connect Domain
Squarespace will require you to select Providers. If none of your providers are listed, select others and click on Connect Domain.
A message box highlighting your domain's connection to your site will appear. Click Continue
The DNS box will appear. Under the DNS Setting, there will be a series of numbers just beside the verify.squarespace.com. Ensure you note this number and do not close the browser window. It is important for the next series of steps.
Step Two: Connect to your Third-Party Domain Server
Next, log in to your Domain account on the third-party provider. Next, you will need to locate your Domain's DNS setting on the website. Depending on your domain hosting platform, it may be called Manage Domains, Advanced DNS Records, or any other similar name.
Go back to the Squarespace window and copy the unique number/code you saw earlier.
On your DNS Management board, create a CNAME and follow the instructions from Step Four to Seven here.
Note: The processes vary for different domain servers. However, you can find some helpful guides on how to do so for various servers here.
related article: 31+ Best Coaching Website Templates.Squarespace Domain Hosting Vs. Web Hosting
Domain Hosting and Web Hosting have a similar concept but are totally different.
Domain Hosting
Domain Hosting is all about storing the information about your URL or website address on the internet. For instance, if your website is www.xyx.com, your domain host stores every information about the address and allows you to manage the URL link. That way, users can find your website using the URL link. An example is the Squarespace.site URL address you get when you sign up on Squarespace. However, you can get a free custom domain if you pay for any of their annual web hosting plans, and you also have the liberty to transfer or connect your custom domain.
Web Hosting
On the other hand, Web Hosting stores all information about your site. So, instead of focusing only on the URL or address of the website, it stores every single thing, such as text, videos, audio, images, information, etc., of your website. From another perspective, it serves as a storage room for all your essential valuables. Doing that will allow users to view what is on your website and interact with them.
Fortunately, Squarespace is a web hosting and domain hosting platform, which means you can host your website on Squarespace and also manage your domain on Squarespace.
related article: 17+ Sales Page Templates: Skyrocket Your Sales Now!Can I Transfer Squarespace Domain Away From Squarespace?
Yes. Squarespace allows you to transfer your Squarespace Domain away from Squarespace, so long as your domain isn't on the 60-day active lock. This is a mandatory lock that The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) mandates every domain provider to do after a new transfer of domain or new registration. If you've confirmed that your domain isn't locked, then let's look at how you can do that.
Log in to your Squarespace account, go to Settings on the left side of the page, and click on Domain Panel
You'll see the list of all the domains you manage; click the domain you want to transfer.
You will see a list of checked options such as Auto-Renew, Whois Privacy, and Lock. If you don't see the lock option, then your domain is not on lock and can be transferred.
Click the Send Transfer Authentication Code button. It will send the transfer key to your domain admin email.
Next, go to the new domain host you are interested in, open an account
Type the domain name on the new domain hosting platform, or go to the menu and select the 'Transfer to Us' link or a similar link. Some hosting platforms may not have the transfer link and may mandate you to type the domain name before revealing that it is unavailable and displaying the transfer button
Once you click the transfer button, follow the instructions to transfer your domain. However, you will be asked at one point to input the transfer key you got from Squarespace. After that, your new domain server will guide you through the remaining easy steps.
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You can cancel a Squarespace Domain within five days of registration. If you cancel within that period, you also get a full refund. However, if it has past five days, you will have to wait until the domain expires. However, you should head to the Domain Panel under Settings and uncheck the Auto-renewal box.
To cancel your Squarespace Domain
Log in to your Squarespace Account
Head over to Settings
Click on Domain Panel
Select the Domain you'll love to cancel
It will take you to the domain setting. Scroll down the page, and click on the Cancel Domain button.
related article: Squarespace Review: Is It Really Worth The Investment?How To Transfer Squarespace Domain To Shopify
If you've discovered that Squarespace isn't the best place for your store and Shopify will satisfy your e-commerce needs better, follow these steps to transfer your domain
Log in to your Squarespace account, go to Settings on the left side of the page, and click on Domain Panel
You'll see the list of all the domains you manage; click the domain you want to transfer.
You will see a list of checked options such as Auto-Renew, Whois Privacy, and Lock. Uncheck the Lock option. If you don't see the lock option, then your domain is not on lock and can be transferred.
Click the Send Transfer Authentication Code button. It will send the transfer key to your domain admin email.
Next, go to Shopify, head to Settings > Domains
Enter the domain you want to transfer from Squarespace (do not include the www.)
You'll see Domain Unlocked. Click on Next. If your domain is still locked, then repeat the above steps to unlock it.
Paste the transfer key/ authentication code in the verification code box
Click Next > Buy and Transfer
Go back to the Squarespace domain admin email, and approve the domain transfer. It may take up to a few hours or a day before validation.
related article: 12 Best Squarespace Alternatives To Build A WebsiteDoes Squarespace Own Your Domain?
You own your domain on Squarespace. You can transfer your domain name to another web or domain hosting site and cancel your domain name. However, you will have to pay a yearly fee for renewal.
related article: 29+ Premium Squarespace Templates Shop For Any BusinessDoes Squarespace Domain Include Email?
No. Squarespace Domain names don't come with a professional email. Instead, you will have to host your email externally. However, Squarespace offers the option to connect to Google Workspace and create a professional email.
You get to pay $6/month for the Business starter’s pack and $12/month for Business standard pack. The main difference between the two plans is the amount of storage per user and video meeting participants. You get 30 GB storage/user for the Business starter’s pack, and 2000 GB storage/user for the Business standard.
