How to Get Your Free Squarespace Domain
TL;DR:
- Squarespace gives you a free custom domain for one year with any annual billing plan
- Only certain domain extensions qualify (those priced like .com domains)
- You can't transfer this offer to another domain or get cash back
- After the first year, you'll pay standard renewal rates for your domain type
Squarespace includes a free domain for your first year when you sign up for an annual plan. Here's how to claim it and what you need to know about the restrictions.
Claiming Your Free Domain
Your site needs to be on an annual billing plan to qualify. You can claim your free domain in several ways:
Brand new registration: Register your domain directly through your annual plan dashboard if it's your first Squarespace domain with an eligible extension.
Upgrading from trial: If you registered a domain during your trial period, upgrade to an annual plan and you'll get a balance adjustment for what you paid.
Parked domain upgrade: Turn your parked Squarespace domain into a full website within the first year.
Domain transfer: Move an eligible domain from another registrar to Squarespace after upgrading to an annual plan.
The free domain offer only applies to certain domain extensions. These are the ones priced similarly to .com domains. Premium or specialty domains don't qualify.
What Happens After Year One
Once your free year ends, your domain will renew at the standard annual rate for your domain extension. Make sure you factor this into your budget planning.
If you cancel your plan within the first year, you lose the free domain offer. Cancel within the first 14 days and you'll get a prorated refund minus the domain registration fee.
Plan Restrictions
Monthly billing plans don't qualify for the free domain offer. Neither do Mobile Start plans or resold domains.
Switching from annual to monthly billing after you've claimed your free domain won't affect your eligibility, as long as you made the switch after claiming the offer.
Any balance adjustments from the free domain offer can only be applied to future Squarespace invoices. You can't get cash back.
FAQs
Which domain extensions qualify for the free offer?
Only extensions priced similarly to .com domains qualify. Premium or specialty domains don't count.
What if I switch from annual to monthly billing later?
As long as you've already claimed your free domain on the annual plan, switching to monthly billing afterward won't affect it.
Can I get a cash refund instead of a balance adjustment?
No, balance adjustments can only be applied to future Squarespace invoices.
Jargon Buster
TLD (Top-Level Domain): The ending part of a domain name, like .com, .org, or .net.
Balance Adjustment: A credit applied to your Squarespace account to offset future payments. You can't convert this to cash.
Domain Transfer: Moving your domain from another registrar to Squarespace. This usually involves a transfer fee that might be offset by a balance adjustment if you qualify.
Wrap-up
Getting a free domain with Squarespace is straightforward if you're on an annual plan. The key is understanding which domains qualify and planning for renewal costs after your first year. Keep track of your billing cycle and budget for domain renewals to avoid surprises.
If you need more specific help with your domain setup, Squarespace support can walk you through the process for your particular situation.
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