Connecting Third-party Subdomains to Your Squarespace Site

Connecting Third-party Subdomains to Squarespace

TL;DR:

• Connect third-party subdomains like blog.yourdomain.com to your Squarespace site
• Start in the Squarespace Domains panel and select 'Connect From Provider'
• Set DNS records through your domain provider using CNAME or TXT records
• Changes take 24-48 hours due to DNS propagation
• Double-check all DNS settings are correct and refresh in Squarespace to verify
• Disable the "www" prefix if the subdomain is your primary domain

Before you start, make sure your domain is registered with a provider that offers full DNS services like GoDaddy or Network Solutions. If you don't have a domain yet, you can register one directly through Squarespace.

Initial Setup and Connection

Here's how to connect your subdomain to Squarespace:

1. Access Domains Panel: Open your Squarespace account, go to the Domains panel, and select 'Use a Domain I Own'
2. Enter Subdomain: Type your subdomain details in the Domain Name field and proceed to connect from your provider
3. Select Provider: Choose 'Other' from the dropdown menu to set up using any third-party provider

DNS Configuration

Now you need to adjust your DNS settings:

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1. Log into Your Domain Account: Access the DNS settings area of your domain provider's site
2. Set up CNAME Records:
   • For verification, enter a unique code provided by Squarespace to point to verify.squarespace.com
   • Configure your main subdomain record to point to ext-cust.squarespace.com

Pixelhaze Tip: Always add a period at the end of domain entries in DNS settings to avoid issues in DNS resolution.

Finalising and Testing

After setting DNS records:

1. Refresh Squarespace DNS Settings: Return to Squarespace and refresh your DNS settings to check if the entries are correct
2. Wait for DNS Propagation: It can take 24 to 48 hours. Regularly check in the Domains panel for updates
3. Remove "www" Prefix: If your subdomain is the primary domain, ensure the "www" prefix is disabled in Squarespace settings

FAQs

Can I connect multiple subdomains to my Squarespace site?
Yes, repeat the same setup process for each subdomain.

How long does it take for a subdomain to connect to my Squarespace site?
It typically takes between 24 to 48 hours due to DNS propagation.

Do I need to disconnect a subdomain from another Squarespace site before connecting it to a new one?
Yes, ensure it is disconnected from the previous site first if it was already connected.

Jargon Buster

Subdomain: A specific, secondary website address linked to your main domain, like blog.yourdomain.com

CNAME Records: DNS settings that link your subdomain to another domain (in this case, Squarespace servers)

DNS Propagation: The update process across the internet when changes are made to your DNS settings

TXT Records: Alternative to CNAME records for domain verification or other settings when CNAME isn't available

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Wrap-up

Connecting a subdomain to your Squarespace site extends your web presence and is great for organising different sections of your online content. By following these steps, you should see your subdomain active and directing to your Squarespace site within a couple of days. Keep an eye on DNS settings and contact your domain provider if you encounter any issues during the setup.

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