Connect Your Domain to Squarespace Ecommerce

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to link a custom domain to your Squarespace ecommerce store
• Learn to configure DNS settings for your domain
• Know the steps to verify and troubleshoot domain connectivity issues
• Recognise the importance of SSL certificates for your ecommerce site

Introduction

Setting up a custom domain for your Squarespace ecommerce store gives you a professional web address that customers can trust. Instead of using a generic Squarespace URL, you'll have your own branded domain that helps build credibility and makes your store easier to find.

This chapter walks you through connecting your domain to Squarespace, configuring the technical settings, and making sure everything works properly. We'll cover the common issues that trip people up and how to avoid them.

Lessons

Connect Your Custom Domain

You can either use a domain you already own or buy a new one through Squarespace. If you already have a domain with another provider, you'll need to keep it there and just connect it to Squarespace.

Step 1: Log into your Squarespace account and go to Settings > Domains.

Step 2: Click "Connect a Domain" if you own one elsewhere, or "Get a Domain" to buy through Squarespace.

Step 3: Enter your domain name and follow the setup prompts.

Step 4: Choose whether to connect the domain or transfer it to Squarespace (connecting is usually easier).

Configure DNS Settings

DNS settings tell the internet where to find your website when someone types in your domain. Getting these right is crucial for your site to work properly.

Step 1: In your Domains section, click on your connected domain.

Step 2: Squarespace will show you the DNS records you need to set up. These typically include A records and CNAME records.

Step 3: Log into your domain registrar's control panel and find the DNS management section.

Step 4: Add the DNS records exactly as shown in Squarespace. Double-check each entry.

Step 5: Save your changes and wait for DNS propagation (usually takes 24-72 hours).

Verify Your Connection and Enable SSL

Once your DNS settings are in place, you need to check everything works and ensure your site is secure.

Step 1: Wait for DNS propagation to complete. You can check this by visiting your domain in a browser.

Step 2: In Squarespace, go to Settings > SSL and make sure SSL is enabled for your domain.

Step 3: Test your domain by visiting it in an incognito browser window to avoid cache issues.

Step 4: Check that both www and non-www versions of your domain work correctly.

Practice

Try connecting a domain to your Squarespace store. If you don't have a spare domain, you can buy a cheap one just for practice. Work through each step and verify that your site loads correctly on the new domain.

Check that your SSL certificate is active by looking for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar.

FAQs

How do I connect my custom domain to my Squarespace ecommerce store?
Go to Settings > Domains in your Squarespace account, then click "Connect a Domain" and follow the setup process.

Do I need to configure DNS settings when connecting my domain to Squarespace?
Yes, you'll need to add DNS records at your domain registrar to point your domain to Squarespace. The exact records are shown in your Squarespace account.

What should I do if my site doesn't work after connecting my domain?
First, check your DNS settings are correct. If they are, wait up to 72 hours for propagation. If it's still not working, contact Squarespace support.

Can I use my domain for email as well as my website?
Yes, but you'll need to set up separate MX records for email. Check with your email provider for the correct settings.

Jargon Buster

DNS Settings: The technical instructions that tell browsers where to find your website when someone types in your domain name.

SSL Certificate: A security feature that encrypts data between your website and visitors, shown by the padlock icon in browsers.

Domain Registrar: The company where you bought your domain name and where you manage its settings.

Propagation: The time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the internet, usually 24-72 hours.

Wrap-up

You now know how to connect a custom domain to your Squarespace ecommerce store. Remember that DNS changes take time to work, so don't panic if your domain doesn't work immediately.

The key steps are connecting the domain in Squarespace, setting up the correct DNS records at your registrar, and enabling SSL for security. Take your time with the DNS settings as small mistakes can cause big problems.

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