How to Verify Third-Party Domains for Squarespace Email Campaigns
TL;DR:
- Verify a third-party domain for your custom email to avoid spam filters
- Domain verification is automatic if registered via Squarespace
- Two main methods exist for verification: transfer to Squarespace or add DNS records manually
- DNS record updates may take up to 48 hours to take effect
- Verification of one email address covers all addresses under the same domain
Domain verification stops your email campaigns from landing in spam folders. If you bought your domain through Squarespace, this happens automatically. But if you registered elsewhere, you'll need to verify it manually.
Here's how to handle domains from third-party providers.
Option 1: Transfer Your Domain to Squarespace
This is the simpler route if you're happy to manage everything in one place:
- Go to your Squarespace account and start the domain transfer process
- Follow the prompts to transfer your domain
- Once the transfer completes, your domain gets verified automatically
The transfer usually takes a few days to complete, but once it's done, you won't need to worry about DNS records or verification again.
Option 2: Keep Your Domain External and Add DNS Records
If you want to keep your domain with your current provider, you'll need to add some DNS records manually.
Where to Add the Records
You have two options depending on how your domain is set up:
If your domain uses Squarespace nameservers: Go to Settings > Domains in your Squarespace account, select your domain, then click DNS Settings.
If your domain uses external nameservers: Log into your domain provider's control panel and find the DNS Management or Domain Settings section.
Adding the Required Records
First, you need to find the specific records for your domain:
- In your Squarespace account, go to Marketing > Email Campaigns
- Click Settings, then Sender Details
- Find your domain and click 'Authenticate'
- Copy the DNS records shown
Now add these two records to your DNS settings:
CNAME Record:
- Type: CNAME
- Host:
squarespace._domainkey - Points to:
squarespace-domainkey.squarespace-mail.com
TXT Record:
- Type: TXT
- Host: @ (or leave blank)
- Value: The unique DMARC code from Squarespace
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to work properly. You can check if verification worked by going back to your Sender Details in Squarespace.
FAQs
Do I need a custom email address to verify my domain?
Yes, you need an email address that matches your domain (like hello@yourdomain.com) to verify it for email campaigns.
How long do DNS changes take to work?
Usually within 48 hours, but it can vary depending on your domain provider.
What if my domain still isn't verified after adding the records?
Double-check that you've entered the records exactly as shown. If you're still having trouble, contact your domain provider's support team.
Can I verify multiple email addresses?
Once you verify one email address for a domain, all other addresses using that same domain are automatically verified too.
Jargon Buster
DNS (Domain Name System): The system that translates domain names into IP addresses so computers can find websites and services.
CNAME Record: A DNS record that points one domain or subdomain to another domain name, like creating an alias.
TXT Record: A DNS record that stores text information, often used for verification purposes.
DMARC: An email authentication protocol that helps prevent spam and phishing by verifying that emails actually come from the domain they claim to be from.
Wrap-up
Verifying your domain is essential for email deliverability when using Squarespace Email Campaigns with a third-party domain. Whether you transfer your domain to Squarespace or add DNS records manually, the verification process helps ensure your emails reach inboxes instead of spam folders.
If you run into issues with DNS records, your domain provider's support team can usually help you get them set up correctly.
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