How Do I Create a Subdomain in Squarespace?
Creating a subdomain in Squarespace involves configuring DNS settings to direct traffic efficiently to a specific section of your site or an external platform. This guide walks you through the entire process, including best practices, troubleshooting, and additional considerations for third-party domains.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Set Up a Subdomain in Squarespace
Step 1: Prepare Your Account Details
Log in to Squarespace: Access your account and go to the Home Menu by clicking the three horizontal lines ("hamburger" menu) in the top left.
Navigate to Domains: In the Settings menu, select Domains to view your domain list.
Step 2: Choose Your Primary Domain
Select the Domain: Locate the primary domain you want to associate with your subdomain.
If you don’t have a domain yet, you can purchase one from Squarespace or connect an external one.
Step 3: Add a Subdomain
Access DNS Settings:
Click on your domain to open its settings.
Navigate to Advanced Settings > DNS Settings.
Create a CNAME Record:
Click Add Record and select CNAME from the dropdown menu.
Fill out the required fields:
Name/Host/Alias: Enter your subdomain name (e.g., “blog” to create "blog.yourdomain.com").
Points to/Value/Destination: Enter the URL or alias provided by the external platform or where you want the subdomain to point.
TTL (Time to Live): Leave as default or set to a lower value (like 300 seconds) for quicker propagation.
Step 4: Save the Settings
Confirm Changes: Double-check the details and click Save. Your new CNAME record will now appear in the DNS settings.
Step 5: Propagation and Testing
Allow for Propagation: DNS changes may take from a few minutes to 72 hours to propagate globally.
Test the Subdomain: Once propagated, type your subdomain (e.g., “blog.yourdomain.com”) into a browser to verify it directs to the correct location.
Alternative: Forwarding a Subdomain
If you prefer to forward traffic from a subdomain to another page or site:
Set Up Domain Forwarding:
Go to Settings > Domains > Domain Forwarding in Squarespace.
Create a forwarding rule:
Source: The subdomain you want to forward (e.g., “members.example.com”).
Destination: The URL where you want users redirected.
Advanced Forwarding Options:
SSL: Keep SSL on for secure connections.
Path Forwarding: Enable this to retain paths in the URL (e.g., forwarding “members.example.com/page1” to “example.com/page1”).
Additional Considerations for Subdomains
Internal Links and Navigation: Ensure your subdomain is properly integrated into your site’s navigation for a seamless user experience.
SSL/TLS Certificates: Squarespace typically manages SSL for subdomains automatically, but double-check to ensure secure connections.
Third-Party Domains: If your domain is registered with providers like GoDaddy or Google Domains, update the DNS records on their platform instead of Squarespace.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Propagation Delays: If your subdomain isn’t working after 72 hours, verify the DNS records for errors in the subdomain name or destination.
Global DNS Check: Use tools like dnschecker.org to confirm whether your changes have propagated globally.
Alias Errors: Ensure the alias provided by the third-party platform matches exactly.
Best Practices for Subdomains
Meaningful Names: Use intuitive names for your subdomains (e.g., "shop" or "blog").
Consistent Path Forwarding: Enable path forwarding to maintain URL structure during redirection.
Test Thoroughly: Regularly test your subdomains and redirects to avoid broken links.
Conclusion
Setting up a subdomain in Squarespace is straightforward, whether you’re creating one for external platforms or forwarding traffic to a different page. With the right DNS configuration and testing, you can seamlessly enhance your website’s functionality and user experience.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step visual guide, check out my YouTube tutorial. And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below—I’d be happy to help!