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how to change url squarespace

how to change url squarespace

3 min read 05-02-2025
how to change url squarespace

Squarespace is a popular website builder known for its user-friendly interface. However, changing your website's URL can sometimes feel a bit tricky. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can update your web address with ease. We'll cover changing both your domain name (the entire URL) and your individual page URLs (the part after your main domain).

Understanding Your Squarespace URL

Before diving into the process, it's important to understand the components of a Squarespace URL:

  • Domain Name: This is the main address of your website (e.g., www.example.com). This is what people type into their browser to visit your site.
  • Page URL: This is the specific address of an individual page on your website (e.g., /about, /blog/my-first-post). This sits after the domain name.

Changing your domain name is a more significant process than altering individual page URLs. We'll cover both scenarios below.

How to Change Your Squarespace Domain Name (www.example.com)

Changing your main domain name requires careful planning and execution. This process usually involves purchasing a new domain name from a registrar like Google Domains or Namecheap and then transferring it to your Squarespace account.

Step 1: Purchase Your New Domain Name

Before you can change your Squarespace domain, you'll need to purchase the new one from a domain registrar. Make sure the name is available and that it reflects your brand and target audience.

Step 2: Connect Your New Domain to Squarespace

  1. In your Squarespace account, go to Settings > Domains.
  2. Click + Add Domain.
  3. Enter your new domain name and click Add. Squarespace will then guide you through the domain verification process. This usually involves adding DNS records to your domain registrar’s account. Consult your domain registrar’s help documentation if you encounter difficulties.

Step 3: Set Your New Domain as Primary

Once your new domain is connected and verified, you can make it your primary domain.

  1. Go to Settings > Domains.
  2. Find your new domain. Click the three dots and select Set as Primary.

Step 4: 301 Redirect (Crucial for SEO!)

This is the most important step to avoid losing your SEO rankings. A 301 redirect tells search engines that your website has permanently moved to a new address, preserving your rankings and avoiding broken links. Squarespace generally handles this automatically, but confirming is vital. Check your Squarespace settings to ensure a 301 redirect is in place from your old domain to your new one.

Step 5: Update Your Website Links

After transferring to the new domain, update any external links pointing to your old domain. This includes social media profiles, email signatures, and any other online mentions.

How to Change Individual Page URLs (e.g., /about, /blog/my-first-post)

Modifying individual page URLs within your Squarespace website is considerably easier than changing your main domain name.

Step 1: Access Page Settings

Navigate to the page you want to modify. In the editor, look for the page's settings (usually a gear icon).

Step 2: Edit URL Slug

Within the page settings, you'll find a field labeled "URL Slug" or something similar. This is the part of the URL after your domain name. Edit this field to reflect your desired URL. Keep it concise, descriptive, and relevant to the page content.

Step 3: Save Changes

Save your changes, and your page's URL will be updated.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Domain Errors: If you encounter problems connecting your domain, double-check your DNS records at your domain registrar. Squarespace’s help center provides detailed instructions for this.
  • SEO Impact: Remember, changing your domain name has significant SEO implications. Ensure a 301 redirect is in place.
  • Lost Traffic: Changing URLs can temporarily affect website traffic. Monitor your analytics to track the impact.

By following these steps, you can confidently change your Squarespace URL, whether you're updating your main domain or simply tweaking individual page addresses. Remember to prioritize the 301 redirect to protect your SEO rankings. If you face any significant challenges, consult Squarespace's comprehensive help documentation or their support team.

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