First and foremost, you have to choose a domain name for your business. If you already have an established brand, your domain can simply reflect that name. If not, you may want to start listing out a few possibilities.
How to Buy a Domain
A step-by-step guide to purchasing a custom domain for your website.
A domain is the URL or web address where people can go to find your website. If you think of your website as your home, your domain is the street address that directs people there. You can buy a custom domain from Squarespace, even if you don’t have a website yet. If you purchase an annual Squarespace plan, you get an eligible custom domain free for one year.
Buying a domain with Squarespace is quick, easy, and seamless. This guide will show you how to purchase a unique domain that will help you develop your brand and establish your presence online. Already have a domain? Transfer it to your Squarespace account now.
01. Choose a custom domain.
Get free security certification.
All domains that point to a Squarespace website include a free SSL certificate, no setup required. What is SSL? SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a technology that secures the connection between your browser and the website you’re visiting. Websites using SSL will have URLs beginning with https://. SSL certificates ensure secure connections and prevent hackers from impersonating you or stealing visitors' information.
Check availability.
After you have written down your top domain choices, check to see if they are available. Keep in mind that you can choose from several TLDs. A TLD, or top-level domain, is the part of the URL that follows the last period, such as a .com, .org, or .net. You could keep it simple and choose a .com TLD or get creative and select one that’s unique to your industry or business, like .cafe for your coffee shop or .art for your portfolio or gallery. If your top domain choice is unavailable, keep an eye out for alternatives. Squarespace will automatically suggest other similar names.
Be consistent.
If you’re planning on expanding into social media to create more visibility, ensure that those names are available on the respective platforms to maintain brand consistency.
02. Review and register your domain.
Checkout.
Now that you have selected your custom domain, it’s time to proceed to checkout. At this stage, you’ll be prompted to provide necessary personal and billing information to purchase your domain. Your bank may need you to verify your purchase. If you’re using a credit card issued in the European Economic Area (EEA), you’ll be prompted to click on a display that says, “Verify Your Purchase,” followed by a confirmation email. If you use SEPA to make your payment in the EEA, payments can take between 2-7 business days. Your domain will be registered once the payment goes through.
03. Verify your email address.
After your custom domain has been purchased, Squarespace Customer Care will send you an email asking you to verify your email address. Click on the link in this email to validate your contact information. Please note that this step is incredibly important. If you don’t verify your email address within 15 days, your custom domain will be suspended. If you’re having trouble locating this email or verifying your information, contact the Squarespace Customer Care Team.
04. Create your website.
Now that you’ve secured your custom domain, it’s time to build your website. Having a website for your business, side hustle, portfolio, resume, or even your wedding is invaluable. Check out this step-by-step guide to learn how to create a website using one of Squarespace’s award-winning templates.
A step-by-step guide to buying a domain
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Choose a custom domain
Find a domain that best represents your business or personal brand.
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Review and register your domain
Confirm your domain’s availability and register it.
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Verify your email address
Make your domain official by confirming with your email address.
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Create your website
Get started on building your online presence with Squarespace.
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Need some help with your website? Reach out to our Customer Support Team via email or live chat. Customer Care Advisors are highly trained and work with Designers and Engineers in our New York City and Dublin offices. They have deep Squarespace knowledge and are ready to help whenever you need it.
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