How to Link an Existing Domain to Your Squarespace Site
If you have purchased a domain from a different registrar and wish to link it to your Squarespace website, you're in luck.
Squarespace offers an easy-to-follow process to accomplish this. Let's walk through the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Access the Settings
Start by logging into your Squarespace account and heading over to 'Settings'. This is where all the customization and administration options for your website are located.
Step 2: Navigate to Domains
In the settings menu, locate and click on 'Domains'. This will open up a page that lists your built-in domain along with any other domain names associated with your Squarespace account.
Step 3: Select 'Use a Domain I Own'
On the domain settings page, choose the option that says 'Use a domain I own'. This option is designed for situations when you have a domain registered elsewhere and want to link it to your Squarespace site.
Step 4: Enter Your Existing Domain Name
Next, you'll need to input the domain name that you've already purchased. Please note; we're not actually linking the domain name in this tutorial, but we're illustrating the steps.
Step 5: Choose Transfer or Connect Option
Now you're presented with two options: 'Transfer' or 'Connect'. Squarespace typically recommends transferring the domain into their control panel. However, you can choose to 'Connect' if you prefer to keep the domain with its existing registrar.
Step 6: Identify Your Registrar
At this stage, you'll need to indicate who your domain registrar is. If your registrar isn't listed, simply choose 'Other'.
Step 7: Click on 'Connect Domain'
After choosing your registrar, click on 'Connect Domain'. A pop-up notice will appear. Click 'Continue' to proceed.
Step 8: Update DNS Settings at Your Registrar
Here's the crucial part. Squarespace will provide you with several DNS records that you need to copy and paste into your domain registrar's control panel. This is typically found in an area named 'DNS' or 'Advanced DNS'.
SQUARESPACE TIP: The specifics of this process can vary depending on your domain registrar, which is why we're not demonstrating this step in detail. However, you'll generally need to add the provided DNS records in the appropriate section at your registrar.
Step 9: Understand the DNS Records
In most cases, the DNS records provided by Squarespace will include A records and CNAME records. The 'Host' field of the A record ties your domain name to your Squarespace account and subscription. There's also a CNAME record for forwarding www traffic to the root domain. Lastly, there are usually four IP addresses for A records, grouped in pairs, which indicate that the servers are located in different geographical locations for redundancy.
By following these steps, you'll have successfully linked your existing domain from another registrar to your Squarespace website. It's a convenient way of maintaining your established web identity while leveraging the powerful website building capabilities of Squarespace.
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