Web Hosting vs Domain Hosting on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Web hosting stores your website’s files on servers so people can access them online
- Domain hosting manages your website address (like yourdomain.com) and makes sure it points to the right place
- Squarespace handles both web hosting and domain management in one place
- You can connect existing domains or register new ones through Squarespace
- Web hosting comes with all Squarespace plans, but domain registration costs extra
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is where your website actually lives online. When you build a site with Squarespace, they store all your content (text, images, videos) on their servers. Think of it like renting storage space for your website’s files.
Without web hosting, your site would just be files sitting on your computer that nobody else could see.
What is Domain Hosting?
Domain hosting is about managing your website’s address. Your domain is what people type into their browser to find you (like www.yourbusiness.com).
If you register your domain somewhere else (like GoDaddy or Hover), that company becomes your domain host. They’re responsible for making sure your domain name points to the right web host.
How They Work Together
For your website to work properly, your domain needs to point to where your website files are stored. Squarespace makes this simple by letting you handle both in one place.
Whether you register a new domain with Squarespace or connect one you already own, they’ll make sure everything points to the right place so visitors can find your site.
Quick tip: Check your domain settings in your Squarespace account regularly to make sure everything’s pointing correctly to your site.
Domain Options with Squarespace
You have three main options:
Connect an existing domain – If you already own a domain elsewhere, you can connect it to your Squarespace site without transferring it.
Transfer your domain – Move your domain registration from another provider to Squarespace for easier management.
Register a new domain – Buy a new domain directly through Squarespace.
Each option has different setup steps, but Squarespace walks you through the process either way.
FAQs
Can I connect multiple domains to my Squarespace site?
Yes, you can connect multiple domains and set them all to redirect to your main domain. This is useful if you want to protect different variations of your business name.
Do Squarespace plans include domain costs?
All Squarespace plans include web hosting, but domain registration costs extra. You’ll pay an annual fee for each domain you register through Squarespace.
How do I transfer a domain to Squarespace?
Go to your Squarespace dashboard and use the domain management tools. You’ll need to unlock your domain at your current registrar and get an authorization code. Squarespace guides you through each step.
Jargon Buster
Web Hosting – The service that stores your website files on servers and makes them accessible online
Domain Hosting – Managing your website’s address and making sure it points to your web host
Custom Domain – A personalized web address you register for your website (as opposed to a free subdomain)
Primary Domain – Your main website address. If you have multiple domains, they’ll all redirect to this one
Domain Registrar – The company where you register and manage your domain name
Wrap-up
The main thing to remember is that web hosting stores your actual website, while domain hosting manages your website’s address. Squarespace handles both, which keeps things simple.
Most website owners don’t need to think about this too much day-to-day. But understanding the basics helps when you’re setting up domains or troubleshooting connection issues.
If you want to dive deeper into Squarespace best practices, check out our comprehensive guides at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership