How to Get Rid of Squarespace in URL: Streamlining Your Domain Setup

When creating a website with Squarespace, one of the first things you may notice is the default domain format, which includes '.squarespace.com' at the end of your website address. If you're looking to establish a professional online presence, having a custom URL without the Squarespace branding is key. Adjusting your domain to reflect your brand more accurately can make a significant difference in how your visitors perceive your website.

I understand that navigating domain settings might seem complex at first. However, the process of removing the Squarespace tag from your URL is straightforward. It involves acquiring a custom domain and adjusting your Squarespace settings to ensure that your website is accessible through your new domain. Additionally, focusing on optimizing your website's SEO can aid in promoting your custom domain and making your site easier to find for your audience.

Key Takeaways

• Acquiring a custom domain enhances the professionalism of your site.

• The built-in Squarespace domain can be replaced via domain settings.

• Effective SEO strategies promote the visibility of your new domain.

Understanding Your Squarespace URL Structure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z97Wsyy4ILc&embed=true

When setting up a site with Squarespace, I notice that the platform assigns a built-in domain that typically follows the format: mydomain.squarespace.com. This structure is common while the site is still in the trial phase or if I haven’t connected a custom domain yet.

The URL structure is composed of several parts:

• Protocol: This is usually http:// or https://, indicating how data is transferred. Squarespace defaults to https for security.

• Subdomain: The mydomain part of mydomain.squarespace.com is a customizable subdomain chosen by me when creating the site.

• Domain: squarespace.com is the domain that shows Squarespace is currently hosting the site.

• Path: Any text following a slash after the domain, indicating a specific page or post on my site.

I understand that once I upgrade to a paid plan, I can change the URL structure by registering a new custom domain or transferring an existing one. This removes the .squarespace part of the URL. The process is straightforward and can be done through the Squarespace interface, as detailed in how to change your Squarespace URL.

Additionally, here are a few key points about domain management on Squarespace:

• Custom Domains: After going live, mydomain.com can replace mydomain.squarespace.com.

• Subdomains: Custom subdomains can be added to the main domain such as blog.mydomain.com.

• Paths: These remain important for SEO and user navigation on my site.

By understanding the structure and how to modify it, I have better control over my site's branding and URL readability.

Setting Up a Custom Domain

When I create a website with Squarespace, the default domain includes ".squarespace.com" in the URL. To establish a professional presence, I opt to set up a custom domain, either by purchasing directly through Squarespace or connecting an external domain I own.

Purchasing a Domain Through Squarespace

To acquire a custom domain, Squarespace offers an integrated service that allows me to purchase domains directly. This option is streamlined and does not require additional configuration since Squarespace automatically connects the new domain to my website. Generally, the steps I follow are:

1. Navigate to the Home Menu and select Settings.

2. Click Domains and then choose Get a Domain.

3. Search for the desired domain name, and if available, proceed to purchase.

Once the transaction is complete, my website instantly reflects the new domain.

Connecting an External Domain

If I already own a domain with another provider, Squarespace allows for easy integration:

1. In Settings, I go to Domains and then select Use a Domain I Own.

2. I enter my existing domain name and click Continue.

3. I select my domain provider from the list or choose Connect From Provider if it’s not listed.

4. Squarespace provides me with records to enter in my domain provider's account.

After updating these records, it may take up to 72 hours for the changes to propagate and for my domain to start directing to my Squarespace site.

Navigating Squarespace Domain Settings

Managing your Squarespace domain settings is straightforward once you know where to look and what to do. Let's walk through the process to gain control over your domain configuration.

Accessing Domain Settings Panel

I start by logging into my Squarespace account and navigating to the Home Menu. From there, I click Settings, then select Domains. This takes me directly to the Domains panel, where I have a comprehensive view of all my domain information.

Using the Domain Management Tools

Within the Domain Management Tools, I have several options. I can:

• Register a new domain if I haven't already done so.

• Connect a domain I already own from a third-party provider.

• Transfer a domain to Squarespace to manage everything in one place.

• Update DNS settings for domain verification and to ensure proper connectivity.

• Set up or modify Email Forwarding to create a professional email presence.

Each tool is designed to give me complete management of my domain settings and is easily accessed from this central panel.

Redirecting Your Squarespace Built-in Domain

When setting up a professional website, having a custom domain instead of the default Squarespace subdomain is crucial. Here's how to redirect your Squarespace built-in domain to a custom one.

Configuring URL Redirects

To initiate a URL redirect from your built-in Squarespace domain, I first navigate to the Settings menu of my Squarespace dashboard. Here, I look for the Domains section where I'll see my current built-in domain displayed. It's in this section that I can manage and set up URL redirects effectively.

To redirect from a built-in domain (like mydomain.squarespace.com), I click on this domain. I then have the option to set up a 301 redirect if I am moving to a new permanent domain, or a 302 redirect for a temporary change. For a permanent switch, I always use a 301 redirect as it informs search engines that my site has moved permanently, therefore transferring any SEO history to my new domain.

Lastly, I ensure that my DNS settings for the new custom domain are correctly pointed to Squarespace. This is often a simple process provided by the domain registrar. Once the redirect is configured, visitors and search engines will be seamlessly directed to my new custom URL, eliminating the 'squarespace.com' extension from their view.

Optimizing SEO to Promote Your Custom Domain

When I launch a website, I ensure that a custom domain is a priority. Custom domains enhance the brand presence and credibility, which are vital for SEO. Here are actionable steps to optimize SEO and boost the visibility of my custom domain:

• Set Up a Custom Domain: A custom domain establishes a professional image. I typically set up a custom domain to replace the default .squarespace.com URL, which is essential for SEO growth.

• Customize URLs for Pages: I make sure my website's URLs are clean, precise, and reflect the content of the page, which helps search engines and visitors understand and remember my site's pages more effectively.

Table 1: Example of URL Customization

Default URLCustomized URLexample.squarespace.com/aboutwww.mybrandname.com/aboutexample.squarespace.com/serviceswww.mybrandname.com/servicesexample.squarespace.com/contactwww.mybrandname.com/contact

• Optimize Site Structure: Navigation is crucial for user experience and SEO. I keep my website hierarchy logical and straightforward, allowing both users and search engine crawlers to easily find content.

• Meta Titles and Descriptions: I write clear and descriptive meta titles and descriptions for each page, using relevant keywords that not only improve SEO but also increase click-through rates from search engine results pages.

• Improve Site Load Speed: Site speed is a ranking factor, so I optimize images, leverage browser caching, and minimize HTTP requests to ensure my site loads quickly for visitors.

• Accessibility and Mobile-Friendliness: I prioritize making my site accessible to all users and ensure it is mobile-friendly, as Google uses mobile-first indexing for all web pages.

Each of these steps contributes to a solid foundation for promoting my custom domain. By focusing on these SEO best practices, I can effectively increase the visibility of my website in search engine results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Domain Setup

When setting up a domain on Squarespace, I often encounter specific issues that can be resolved with a systematic approach. My focus is to ensure we have a seamless domain connection and address any hiccups promptly.

Solving Connectivity Problems

Step 1: Verify Domain Settings
Firstly, I double-check my domain settings. It is crucial that the DNS settings are correctly entered. Incorrect DNS records can prevent my domain from connecting to my Squarespace site. For detailed troubleshooting, I reference the Squarespace Help Center's guide on domain connections.

Step 2: Check for Typos in Domain Name
I ensure there are no typographical errors in my domain name. A simple typo can lead to connectivity problems, as the domain won't resolve to the intended address.

Handling Domain Propagation Delays

Understanding Propagation Time
Once I've setup my domain, I need to be aware that changes to DNS settings can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate across the internet. This is a normal part of the domain setup process.

Using Temporary Domains
During the propagation period, I may use a temporary Squarespace URL to continue working on my site. I won't remove the .squarespace from the URL until I've confirmed that the domain propagation is complete and the custom domain is fully functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I will cover the most common inquiries about customizing and configuring Squarespace domains. I'll provide clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure your Squarespace site's URL reflects your brand's identity.

How can I remove the built-in Squarespace domain from my website?

To remove the default Squarespace domain, upgrade to a paid plan and register a custom domain. Once the custom domain is active, you can set it as your primary domain, removing the Squarespace branding from your URL.

What are the steps to connect a custom domain to my Squarespace site?

Connecting a custom domain involves logging into your Squarespace account, going to the Settings tab, and locating the Domains section. Add your custom domain here and follow the prompts to link it to your site.

Is it possible to delete the Squarespace watermark from my site's URL?

Yes, you can delete the Squarespace watermark by connecting a custom domain to your site, which can be purchased from Squarespace or another domain provider. The watermark can't be removed from the free Squarespace.com domain.

How do I properly set up my Squarespace site on Google Search Console?

After connecting your custom domain, verify your Squarespace site on Google Search Console. Add your domain, verify ownership through the DNS record or a HTML file, and follow the instructions to complete the process.

What does domain registration entail on Squarespace, and how long does it take?

Domain registration on Squarespace usually takes 24-72 hours to propagate, during which Squarespace registers the domain you've chosen and sets it up to work with your site.

Can I unlink an existing domain from my Squarespace website, and how?

To unlink a domain, go to your Domains panel, select the domain you wish to disconnect, and choose to cancel or disconnect the domain. Remember, these changes are irreversible, so proceed cautiously.