Connect Your HostGator Domain to Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Check you're on a HostGator Shared Hosting plan (Hatchling, Baby, or Business)
- Start the connection process in Squarespace's Domains panel
- Update DNS settings in your HostGator cPanel Zone Editor
- Add the required CNAME and A records using Squarespace's provided values
- Wait 24-48 hours for DNS changes to take effect
- Use Squarespace's DNS checker if you run into problems
Before You Start
Your HostGator account needs to be on a Shared Hosting plan. That means Hatchling, Baby, or Business plans work fine. Other hosting types won't play nicely with this setup.
You'll keep your domain registered with HostGator throughout this process. You're just pointing it to display your Squarespace site.
Step 1: Start the Connection in Squarespace
Head to your Squarespace dashboard and find the Domains panel. Click "Use a domain I own" and type in your domain name. Then select "Connect domain".
If Squarespace tells you the domain is already connected to another site, you'll need to disconnect it there first before continuing.
Step 2: Get Ready in HostGator
Log into your HostGator dashboard and open cPanel. Look for the Domains section and click on Zone Editor. This is where you'll update your DNS settings.
Keep Squarespace's DNS settings panel open in another tab. You'll need the specific records it shows you.
Important: Don't delete any existing MX records. These handle your email and removing them will break your email service.
Step 3: Add the CNAME Records
First, add a CNAME record using the unique verification code Squarespace gives you. Point this to verify.squarespace.com.
Next, make sure you have a CNAME record for 'www' that points to ext-cust.squarespace.com. Watch out for HostGator's interface adding your full domain name automatically in these fields.
Step 4: Set Up A Records
You'll need four A records that point to the IP addresses Squarespace provides. These connect your root domain directly to Squarespace's servers.
Copy each IP address exactly as shown in your Squarespace DNS panel. Double-check these before saving.
Step 5: Wait and Check
DNS changes take time to spread across the internet. Give it 24-48 hours for everything to work properly.
You can check the status in Squarespace's DNS Settings panel. If things aren't working after 48 hours, use Squarespace's DNS checker tool to spot any problems with your setup.
FAQs
What HostGator plans work with Squarespace?
You need a Shared Hosting plan. That's Hatchling, Baby, or Business plans.
How long before my domain starts working?
DNS changes usually take 24-48 hours to complete. Sometimes it's faster, but plan for the full 48 hours.
What if I see errors after connecting?
Use the DNS checker in Squarespace's DNS Settings panel. It'll tell you exactly what's wrong and what needs fixing.
Will this affect my email?
Not if you leave your MX records alone. Don't delete or change any email-related DNS records during this process.
Jargon Buster
Domain – Your website's address on the internet (like yoursite.com)
CNAME Record – A DNS record that points one domain name to another as an alias
A Record – Points your domain to a specific IP address where your website lives
DNS Settings – The configuration that tells the internet where to find your website and email
MX Records – DNS records that handle where your email gets delivered
Wrap-up
Connecting your HostGator domain to Squarespace is straightforward once you know the steps. The key is getting your DNS records right and being patient while the changes take effect.
If you run into trouble, Squarespace's DNS checker is usually helpful for spotting what went wrong. Most connection issues come down to typos in the DNS records or missing steps.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert support.