Setting Up Your Primary Domain on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Set one custom domain as your main site address on Squarespace
- The first custom domain you add becomes the primary by default
- Change your primary domain via the Domains panel in settings
- Primary domains ensure consistent visitor redirection
- Built-in Squarespace domains show when logged in for security
When managing multiple custom domains in Squarespace, you need to designate one as your primary. This primary domain acts as your main website address and where all other domain traffic will direct.
Finding Your Primary Domain
To identify your current primary domain, go to the Domains panel on your Squarespace dashboard and look for the "Primary" label next to a domain name. The first domain you add automatically becomes your primary.
How to Change Your Primary Domain
- Navigate to the Domains panel in your Squarespace settings
- Click on the settings icon next to the domain you wish to set as primary
- Choose 'Set as primary domain' from the options available
- Confirm your choice in the pop-up that appears
The new primary domain will now show a 'Primary' label next to it in the Domains panel.
Pixelhaze Tip: If changing your primary domain as part of a rebrand, consider how this change might affect your SEO and online presence.
Subdomains and Primary Settings
If your site includes subdomains, you might want to set one of these as the primary. Only subdomains that are not shared across different billing or permission settings in Squarespace can be primary.
Setting a Subdomain as Primary
- Access the Domains panel and locate your subdomains under the section managed by third-party or Squarespace-hosted domains
- Select the subdomain you wish to make primary
- Click 'Set as primary domain'
- Turn off the "Use www prefix" to make the subdomain visible directly in the browser address bar
FAQs
Why is my Squarespace built-in domain visible when I log in?
For security purposes, your built-in domain will always be visible in the address bar when you're logged into your Squarespace site.
What happens if I add another custom domain, will it become primary automatically?
No, the first custom domain you add remains the primary until you manually change it to another custom domain through the Domains panel.
Can I set a built-in .squarespace.com domain as my primary domain?
No, your primary domain must be a custom domain. The built-in domain will become the primary only if all custom domains are removed.
Jargon Buster
Primary Domain: The main web address used and displayed for your site.
Custom Domain: A purchased or personalised domain name used to customise the default Squarespace address.
301 Redirect: A method to permanently redirect traffic from one domain to another, ensuring visitors reach your primary domain.
Wrap-up
Setting a primary domain in Squarespace simplifies how visitors access your site through various domains, improving user experience and SEO. Checking and updating your primary domain settings is straightforward, enhancing your site's professionalism and coherence. If you need more specific control over URL forwarding, Squarespace offers additional tools and support to refine your domain setup.
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