How to Connect Your Custom Domain to Your New Squarespace Website

Domains & HostingLaunch & SetupDesign & ContentMarketing & SEOWebsite Management
Written By Alison Strate

Hey there! 🙌

Your new Squarespace website is live and looking amazing — it’s designed, styled, and ready for the world to see. Now, there’s just one final step: connecting your custom domain so you can replace that temporary Squarespace URL (you know, the one with the random animals and numbers 🦝😅).

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to connect your domain — whether you’re purchasing one for the first time or connecting one you already own.

What Is a Domain?

A domain is simply your website’s address — like www.alisonstratedesign.com. It’s what your clients and customers will type in to find you online.

Where to Buy a Domain (If You Haven’t Yet)

You have two main options:

1. Buy directly through Squarespace

  • Easiest to connect — Squarespace handles everything for you

  • Free for the first year with an annual website plan

2. Buy from a third-party provider
Examples: GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains

  • Sometimes cheaper or more flexible with domain extensions

  • Slightly more manual to connect (but don’t worry — I’ve got you covered below!)

Option 1: Buying a Domain Through Squarespace

If you don’t already have a domain and want to keep things simple:

  1. Log into your Squarespace site.

  2. Go to Settings > Domains.

  3. Click Get a Domain.

  4. Search for the name you want and follow the prompts to purchase.

  5. Once purchased, it’ll be automatically connected to your site.

That’s it! 🎉

Option 2: Connecting a Domain You Already Own

If you bought your domain through a third-party (like GoDaddy or Namecheap):

  1. In your Squarespace site, go to Settings > Domains.

  2. Click Use a domain I own.

  3. Enter your domain name and click Continue.

  4. Choose Connect Domain.

  5. Select your domain provider or choose Other if it’s not listed.

  6. Squarespace will show you the DNS records you need to copy over.

Now open a new tab, log into your domain provider’s account, and go to the DNS settings for your domain.

Here’s what you’ll typically add:

A Records (point @ to these IPs):

  • 198.185.159.144

  • 198.185.159.145

  • 198.49.23.144

  • 198.49.23.145

CNAME Record (for the “www”):

  • Host: www

  • Points to: ext-cust.squarespace.com

Once you've updated everything, go back to Squarespace and click Refresh.

DNS changes can take up to 72 hours to fully connect — but often it's much faster.

Final Step: Publish Your Site

After your domain is connected:

  1. Go to Settings > Site Availability

  2. Change from Private to Public

🎉 Your website is now fully live on your own branded domain!

Need Help?

If you run into any issues:

  • You can contact your domain provider’s support (they’re used to helping with this!)

  • Or reach out to me — I’m always here to support you post-launch

You've done an amazing job bringing your brand online. Connecting your domain is the final polish — and you’re just one step away from showing it off to the world 🌍💫

Alison Strate

Here is a little bit about me. I am a millennial, married, and young mother of three beautiful children. I live in Southern Utah and love the outdoors. I have a B.S. in Horticulture (the study of plants) and a minor in marketing. I like to think that my degree in horticulture really paved the way for me as a designer. I love color and using it to capture an audience.

My journey into the world of web design began back in 2014, when I designed a website for the company I was working for as their marketing manager. I fell in love with Squarespace and since my husband and I were starting a family I realized designing websites was something I could do from home. Ever since then I have been building websites on the Squarespace platform. I have loved how it has evolved and consider myself an expert in Squarespace.

My design approach is a blend of nature's beauty and strategic thinking. It's been an incredible journey from the serene world of plants to the dynamic realm of digital design, and I've found joy in blending these seemingly disparate fields. From cozy local businesses to vast solar farms in the Australian countryside, my portfolio reflects the diversity of projects I've had the pleasure of working on over the years. I believe in crafting websites that not only look good but also feel like a true reflection of the businesses they represent.

If you're in search of a seasoned designer who combines creativity, dedication, and empathy, look no further. I'm here to collaborate with you on your digital projects, ensuring they not only meet but exceed your expectations. Let's work together to create captivating digital experiences that resonate with your audience and achieve your business goals.

https://alisonstratedesign.com
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