How To Change Built In Domain

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Changing your built-in domain on Squarespace is a straightforward process that can enhance your website's professionalism and usability.

This guide will provide you with detailed steps to change your built-in domain, the benefits of doing so, and best practices to consider.

Quick Fix

What is a Built-In Domain?

A built-in domain, also known as a Squarespace URL, is the default web address assigned to your Squarespace site when you create it. This URL typically follows the format of your-site-id.squarespace.com, where the "site-id" consists of randomly generated words and characters.

Although this domain is functional, it may not be memorable or professional, especially when sharing your site with clients or visitors.

Why Change Your Built-In Domain?

1. Professional Appearance: A custom-built domain name looks more polished. For instance, demo-site.squarespace.com is far more appealing than ocelot-orangutan-wxyz.squarespace.com.

2. SEO Considerations: Changing your built-in domain can help with search engine indexing. If Google indexes both your custom domain and built-in domain, it can lead to duplicate content issues, complicating your SEO efforts. By changing your built-in domain, you can minimize the chances of this happening and improve your site's indexing.

3. Ease of Use: A more intuitive URL can make it easier for clients to remember and access your site during development or review phases.

How to Change Your Built-In Domain in Squarespace

For Squarespace 7.1

1. Access the Domains Panel:

   • Log in to your Squarespace account.

   • Navigate to Settings and select Domains.

2. Select Built-In Domain:

   • Under the Built-In Domain section, click on the domain you wish to change.

3. Enter a New Site ID:

   • In the Site ID field, enter your desired new site ID. This ID can be between 3 to 30 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens (but cannot end with a hyphen or contain special characters).

4. Save Changes:

   • Click Save to apply the changes. If the new site ID is already taken, you will receive an error message prompting you to choose another name.

5. Confirmation:

   • After saving, you will receive an email confirming the change to your built-in domain.

For Squarespace 7.0

The steps for Squarespace 7.0 are similar:

1. Open Settings:

   • Log in and go to Settings, then select Domains.

2. Modify Built-In Domain:

   • Click on the built-in domain and enter your new Site ID.

3. Save the New Domain:

   • Click Rename to finalize your changes. Your new built-in domain will be activated immediately.

Best Practices for Changing Your Built-In Domain

• Choose a Memorable Site ID: Opt for a site ID that relates to your brand or is easy to remember. For example, if your custom domain is example.com, consider using demo-example as your built-in domain.

• Test for Availability: Before finalizing your new site ID, ensure it is not already in use by checking for existing domains.

• Consider Future Changes: Remember that you can change your built-in domain multiple times, so if you are unsure, you can always revisit this step later.

• Inform Team Members: If you are working with a team, inform them of the change to avoid confusion, especially if they are logged in while you make the update.

Conclusion

Changing your built-in domain on Squarespace is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your website's professionalism and usability. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a more memorable and SEO-friendly URL that better represents your brand.

Whether you're in the development phase or preparing for a client presentation, a well-chosen built-in domain can make a significant difference in how your site is perceived.