Akim Perminov

Certified Squarespace expert

Free Squarespace Domain: How to Claim Your Web Address in 2024?

tarting a website involves various steps, one of which is obtaining a domain name. A domain name serves as the online identity and address for a website.

Squarespace, a popular website builder and hosting platform, simplifies this process by offering a free custom domain for the first year to new and eligible existing customers who opt for an annual billing plan.

This initiative is designed to lower the entry barriers for users looking to establish an online presence, making it an attractive option for both individuals and businesses.

This complimentary domain offer from Squarespace is more than a cost-saving perk. It is a strategic move that enhances the value of Squarespace's services.

The offer not only includes a free domain registration for a year but also the effortless integration of the domain with the user's website on the Squarespace platform.

This integration allows for a seamless experience, as Squarespace manages the domain's DNS records within its ecosystem. This simplifies the process for users unfamiliar with the technical aspects of website management.

To claim the free domain, users must sign up for an eligible Squarespace plan within the specified timeframe.

Once claimed, this domain becomes a key component of the user's brand identity on the web.

With a professional URL, businesses and individuals can provide an easily accessible and memorable point of contact to their audience.

Squarespace's offer includes a wide range of top-level domains (TLDs), which allows users to choose an extension that best fits their brand or personal vision.

Eligibility for Free Squarespace Domain

Squarespace offers a domain registration promotion that is applicable under specific circumstances. This opportunity is exclusively available to users who choose an annual billing plan.

Upon signing up or transitioning to an eligible plan within the first year, users are entitled to a free custom domain for that year.

Criteria for eligibility:

Subscription Plan: Users must subscribe to an annual or bi-annual billing plan.
Domain Availability: The chosen domain must be marked as eligible for the free offer, which typically includes being free for the first year of registration.
Time Frame: This offer must be claimed within one year of signing up or upgrading to a qualifying plan.

When users select their domain, it is crucial that they confirm its availability and ensure it is marked accordingly. Squarespace will prompt users to provide relevant information to complete the registration process.

Note: Upon the domain's renewal, standard rates will apply. Users are encouraged to be aware of the renewal date as well as the associated costs that come into effect after the first year. Squarespace's support resources are readily available for those requiring assistance in managing their domain subscriptions.

How to Claim Your Free Domain

Squarespace offers a free custom domain for a year to new customers who opt for an annual billing plan. The following sections explain how to select, register, and verify your domain ownership.

Selecting a Domain

A user must first identify the desired domain name that reflects their brand or purpose. They should check the domain's availability through Squarespace's search functionality.

A domain should be concise, easy to remember, and relevant to the user's content.

Domain Registration Process

Once a domain is selected, the user proceeds with the following steps:

Sign up or Log in to Squarespace.
Choose an Annual Billing Plan to be eligible for the free domain offer.
Navigate to the Domains section, and choose the available domain.
Complete the checkout process without additional domain charges for the first year.

Verification of Domain Ownership

After registration, Squarespace requires users to verify domain ownership:

An email is sent to the address associated with the Squarespace account.
The user must click the verification link within the email to complete the process.
Failing to verify within a specified timeframe may lead to the domain's deactivation.

Free Domain Offer Terms

When it comes to the free domain offer provided by Squarespace, understanding the specifics of the terms is essential. The reader must note the offer duration, policies regarding renewal and transfer, as well as any limitations and restrictions tied to the promotion.

Offer Duration

The free domain offer is applicable for one year from the date of registration or transfer. This benefit is exclusively available within the first year after signing up for an eligible Squarespace plan or switching to one.

Renewal and Transfer Policies

Renewal prices for the domain will apply after the initial free year.

Squarespace has committed to maintaining renewal costs for existing Google Domains customers for at least 12 months following the acquisition.

As for the transfer of domains, policies ensure that after a domain is transferred to Squarespace, the same terms apply as for new registrations in terms of offer duration.

Limitations and Restrictions

The offer is valid only for certain TLDs (top-level domains) and might not cover all domain extensions.

Additionally, the offer is limited to those on annual or bi-annual billing plans, excluding monthly subscribers.

It is important for users to confirm their eligibility for this promotion and be aware of any exclusions or special conditions that may affect their ability to claim a free domain.

Setting Up Your Squarespace Domain

Setting up your Squarespace domain involves a few critical steps, each essential for establishing your website's identity and online presence.

Connecting to a Website

To connect your domain to your Squarespace website, access your account dashboard and choose the domain you wish to connect.

This domain can be one that you have already registered, or it can be a new one that you obtain through Squarespace's free domain offer provided with eligible annual plans.

Ensure the domain points to your Squarespace site, which usually requires confirmation and saving your settings.

DNS Settings Configuration

The Domain Name System (DNS) settings must be accurately configured to direct traffic to your Squarespace website. Key records required are:

A Records: These link your domain to Squarespace's IP addresses.
CNAME Records: For verifying domain ownership and connecting subdomains.
MX Records: Essential if you're setting up email addresses linked to your domain.

To add or modify these records:

Navigate to your domain dashboard.
Click your domain name.
Scroll to Custom Records.
Select Add record and choose the appropriate type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.).
Fill out the necessary fields and set the Time To Live (TTL) value, typically 1 hour.

Privacy and Security Options

Squarespace provides options to enhance the privacy and security of your domain:

WHOIS Privacy: Enables you to conceal your personal information on public records.
SSL Certificate: Automatically enabled for all Squarespace domains, securing your site and improving search rankings.

Ensure these features are active and check regularly to maintain your domain's security integrity.

Managing Your Squarespace Domain

When managing a Squarespace Domain, users can streamline processes like updating DNS settings and renewing domain subscriptions within the Squarespace interface. Correctly maintaining domain information ensures the domain remains active and accessible.

Accessing Domain Management

To access the domain management area, users log into their Squarespace account and navigate to the "Domains" section.

Here, they have an overview of all registered or transferred domains under their account.

Squarespace provides a user-friendly interface for the management of domain settings, including DNS configurations and domain forwarding options.

Updating Contact Information

Maintaining up-to-date domain contact information is crucial for domain registration compliance.

In the Squarespace platform, users can update their contact details by selecting their domain in the domain management section and editing the information in the provided fields.

These include the registrant's name, address, email, and phone number.

Renewal and Expiration Protocols

Squarespace domains come with automated renewal processes which help prevent unintentional expirations.

Users can check the renewal settings by selecting their domain and reviewing the expiration date and renewal options.

If a domain is nearing its expiration, Squarespace sends out notifications, prompting users to renew their domain subscription to ensure continual service and domain ownership.

Additional Domain Services

When registering a domain with Squarespace, customers have access to a suite of additional services that enhance the domain's functionality and performance. These services include email integration, domain management through forwarding or redirecting, and the creation of tailored subdomains and custom URLs.

Email Services Integration

Squarespace offers seamless integration with professional email services.

One can enhance their domain with a matching email address through partnerships with email service providers.

This integration fosters brand consistency and provides a professional touch to business communications.

Domain Forwarding and Redirecting

Users have the capability to direct their domain to another URL with Squarespace's domain forwarding feature.

They can easily set up redirects which allow for efficient management of web traffic, ensuring visitors reach the desired destination, whether it’s a social media page, an alternate site, or a specific online promotion.

Subdomains and Custom URLs

Squarespace supports the creation of subdomains for a primary domain, enabling users to organize their site's content effectively.

For example, one might use shop.example.com for an online store. Custom URLs can also be crafted for specific pages or promotions, providing a memorable address that users can easily navigate to.

Frequently Asked Questions

When managing a Squarespace domain, users often have several questions regarding renewal costs, search steps, email setup, and transferring options. This FAQ section provides clear answers to these common inquiries.

How can I renew my domain with Squarespace and what are the costs associated?

A user must log into their Squarespace account to renew their domain.

Squarespace charges a standard fee for domain renewal, which varies depending on the Top-Level Domain (TLD) chosen. Typically, prices for renewals align with standard market rates for domain services.

What steps do I need to follow to search for a domain on Squarespace?

To search for a domain on Squarespace, a user should utilize the domain search tool provided by Squarespace.

They can enter their desired domain name, check availability across various TLDs, and proceed with the registration process directly on the platform.

Can I set up a professional email with my Squarespace domain?

Users can set up a professional email associated with their Squarespace domain. Squarespace offers integration with Google Workspace, allowing the creation of a custom email address linked to the domain. However, additional fees for Google Workspace may apply.

Are there any alternatives to Squarespace that offer free domain services?

Several website builders and hosting providers offer free domain services similar to Squarespace. Some of these include Wix, Weebly, and WordPress.com. However, their offers and services may differ, so users are advised to review each platform's features and limitations.

What is the process for transferring a domain to or from Squarespace?

To transfer a domain to Squarespace, the user must unlock their domain at the current registrar. Then, they need to obtain a transfer authorization code and initiate the transfer on the Squarespace platform. Conversely, to transfer away from Squarespace, the user must unlock the domain and provide the new registrar with a transfer code supplied by Squarespace.