How to Connect a Domain to Your Squarespace Account: A Guide for Busy folks
*Please note that this post may include affiliate links, and I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
If you're anything like me, juggling a million things at once while trying to build an online presence, you know how important it is to find reliable and affordable tools. Today, I want to share a step-by-step guide on how to connect a domain to your Squarespace account. I'll be focusing on Namecheap, my go-to domain provider, which is currently offering a fantastic promotion for first-time users at just $5.98! 🌟
I've dabbled with other hosting providers like Bluehost and SiteGator, but I've been with Namecheap the longest. It's almost embarrassing how many domains I've purchased from them 😅. I absolutely love their service, and their domains are the cheapest I've found, much more affordable than buying directly from Squarespace, though admittedly less convenient.
So, if you don't mind juggling your website pieces between two locations, this can save you some cash. If you prefer keeping everything in one place for simplicity, you might consider transferring your domain to Squarespace, but keep in mind that convenience comes at a cost. When clients ask for my recommendation, I always inquire about how they want to manage their website in the future. For those looking for the most economical route, I always suggest starting with a Namecheap domain.
Why Namecheap?
Namecheap offers a ton of great features:
AutoBackup feature for data security.
Server locations in the US, UK, and EU with Cloud Storage.
Domain registration with up to 100% off for 1 year.
50 free PositiveSSL certificates for 1 year.
Easy-to-install WordPress.
Unmetered Bandwidth.
Free Supersonic CDN.
Free Website Builder for quick and stylish layouts.
Free website transfer from another platform.
100% uptime guarantee.
24/7 Customer Support.
Now, let’s dive into the steps to connect your Namecheap domain to your Squarespace account:
Step 1: Purchase Your Domain from Namecheap
Head over to Namecheap and take advantage of their current promotion for first-time users. Trust me, their prices are unbeatable!
Step 2: Log into Your Namecheap Account
Once you've purchased your domain, log into your Namecheap account. Go to your Domain List and click on the "Manage" button next to the domain you want to connect.
Step 3: Update DNS Settings
In the Domain tab, look for the "Nameservers" section. Select "Custom DNS" and enter the following Squarespace nameservers:
- ns1.squarespacedns.com
- ns2.squarespacedns.com
- ns3.squarespacedns.com
- ns4.squarespacedns.com
Step 4: Add Your Domain to Squarespace
Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the "Settings" tab. Select "Domains" and click on "Use a Domain I Own". Enter your domain name and click "Continue".
Step 5: Verify Your Domain
Squarespace will provide you with a unique verification code. Go back to your Namecheap account and in the "Advanced DNS" tab, add a new CNAME record with the verification code provided by Squarespace.
Step 6: Finalize the Connection
Return to Squarespace and click "Verify". This process might take a few minutes. Once verified, your domain will be connected to your Squarespace website.
Step 7: Set Your Primary Domain
Finally, in the Squarespace "Domains" settings, choose your new domain as the primary domain for your site.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully connected your Namecheap domain to your Squarespace account. 🌐✨
Using Namecheap for your domain can save you money and provide you with great features and support. If you're just starting your website journey, this is a fantastic way to begin. For a more seamless experience, you might consider keeping everything in one place, but for those of us looking to maximize savings, Namecheap is the way to go.
Happy website building, folks! 🛠️💻
