Preparing for Squarespace Takeover of Google Domains
Squarespace recently acquired Google Domains: approximately 10 million URLs spread across millions of customers.
People are often confused about what they pay for online, so here’s a quick offline parallel:
Domain = Digital Address
Website Hosting = Digital Rent or Mortage
Email Hosting = Digital Mail Service (most often FREE, but we recommend going PRO with email@yourdomain.com)
Email Marketing = Mass Mailings
Why This Happened
Allegedly, this boils down to Google's business model changing. Because people are using new tools like Instagram, TikTok, Alexa/Siri, and A.I. to search for answers, Google's revenue is drying out from paid advertisements on search result pages.
Selling Google Domains to Squarespace generates immediate revenue and reduces overhead. It's also why we see Google moving into other areas such as phones, tablets, and smart homes.
What to Do
Nothing is changing (yet!) except for the logo at the top of your annual invoice. This transition process will roll out gradually and is expected to take several months.
It's possible prices will go up as Squarespace takes over in the next 12 months. Google Domains default price was $12/year, while Squarespace starts their domains at $20/year.
Under the terms of the agreement, Squarespace will honor all existing Google Domains customers' renewal prices for at least 12 months and will be leveraging Google’s infrastructure powering the Google Domains product during the migration period in order to ensure the seamless transfer of domains.
Helpful Videos
Purchase NEW Domain(s) on Google
Leverage this remaining time to purchase NEW domains on Google. They offer the best service, pricing, and support.
Helpful Blog 📝: How to Choose Your Domain, Email Address, and Social Handles
Transfer Existing Domain(s) to Google
If you’re spread out between GoDaddy, Wix, or other domain registrars, you can take a moment to centralize all of your domains to one registrar.
Add Years to Domain(s) on Google
If you want to save money before the official switch and possible price increase, consider adding multiple years at the lowest cost. You can add years using this guide or the video with this section.
If you run into trouble purchasing, transferring , or extending your domain(s), here are few helpful links:
Click here to read the official guide from Squarespace Domains.
Click here to read the official support guide from Google.
Click here if you want to schedule a consultation and do this together.
