.png?table=block&id=218105a2-9d95-811c-9787-d2babe697e7a&cache=v2)
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
Do not index
Do not index
Suggested Tag
Squarespace
domain management
web hosting
Tags Synced
Tags Synced
AI summary
Web hosting stores website files on servers, while domain hosting manages the website's address. Squarespace includes web hosting in all plans, but custom domains cost extra. Users can buy domains through Squarespace or connect existing ones, with options for multiple domains redirecting to a primary site. The process is simplified for users, making management and support easier.
Last edited by
Platform
Category
Topic
Web Hosting vs Domain Hosting in Squarespace
What Web Hosting Actually Does
Web hosting stores your website's files on servers connected to the internet. Think of it as renting digital storage space where all your content lives (your images, text, videos, and code).
Squarespace acts as your web host automatically. When you build a site on their platform, they store everything on their servers and make sure your site stays online 24/7. This is included in every paid Squarespace plan.
Domain Hosting Explained
Domain hosting manages your domain name (like www.yoursite.com). It's the system that tells browsers where to find your website when someone types in your web address.
Your domain name is essentially your website's postal address on the internet. Without it, people would need to remember a string of numbers (your server's IP address) to visit your site.
How Squarespace Handles Domains
Every Squarespace site starts with a free subdomain that looks like this: yoursite.squarespace.com. This works fine, but most businesses want a custom domain without "squarespace" in the address.
You have two options for getting a custom domain:
- Buy through Squarespace - They'll register and manage everything for you
- Use an existing domain - Connect a domain you've already registered elsewhere
If you register multiple domains, they can all point to the same Squarespace site. Visitors will see your main site regardless of which domain they use to find you.
The Cost Breakdown
Your Squarespace subscription includes web hosting, but custom domains cost extra. Here's what you'll pay:
- Web hosting: Included in all paid plans (Personal, Business, Commerce, etc.)
- Custom domain: Around £16-20 per year if you buy through Squarespace
- First year bonus: Annual plans often include one free domain for the first year
Connecting an External Domain
If you've already registered a domain elsewhere (like Namecheap or GoDaddy), you can absolutely use it with Squarespace. You'll need to update your domain's DNS settings to point to Squarespace's servers.
This process varies by domain provider, but Squarespace's help docs walk you through the steps for major providers. The change usually takes 24-48 hours to fully propagate across the internet.
Multiple Domains, One Site
You can connect several domains to your Squarespace site, but they'll all redirect to your primary domain. This is useful if you want to:
- Protect different variations of your brand name
- Redirect an old domain to your new site
- Capture common misspellings of your domain
Pixelhaze Tip: Keep it simple. Most businesses only need one primary domain. Buying multiple domains "just in case" often wastes money unless you have a specific strategy.
FAQs
Can I transfer my existing domain to Squarespace?
Yes, you can transfer domains registered elsewhere to Squarespace. This consolidates your billing and management, but it's not required.
What happens if I cancel my Squarespace subscription?
Your website goes offline immediately, but if you registered your domain through Squarespace, you keep ownership of the domain name itself.
Do I need technical knowledge to connect an external domain?
Not really. You'll need to update DNS settings in your domain provider's control panel, but it's mostly copying and pasting values that Squarespace provides.
Quick Definitions
- Web Hosting: Storage space and servers that keep your website online
- Domain Name: Your website's address (like www.example.com)
- DNS: The system that connects domain names to web servers
- Subdomain: A prefix added to your domain (like blog.yoursite.com)
The Bottom Line
Squarespace makes this whole process straightforward by offering both services in one place. You get reliable web hosting with every plan, and adding a custom domain is optional but recommended for professional sites.
The main advantage is simplicity. Instead of managing accounts with separate hosting and domain companies, everything lives under one roof. This makes billing, renewals, and technical support much easier to handle.