To change the built-in URL of your Squarespace website, you'll need to update its unique Site ID within your site's settings.
Understanding Your Squarespace URLs
Before diving into the steps, it's important to differentiate between two main types of URLs associated with your Squarespace site:
- Built-in Squarespace URL (Site ID): This is the default URL Squarespace assigns to your site, typically in the format
your-site-id.squarespace.com. It's automatically generated when you create your site. The steps below focus on changing this specific URL. - Custom Domain: This is a domain you've purchased (e.g.,
www.yourbusiness.com) and connected to your Squarespace site. Changing a custom domain involves different steps, such as disconnecting or connecting a new domain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Built-In Squarespace URL
Follow these simple steps to update the unique identifier of your Squarespace site:
- Access Your Site Settings: From your Squarespace dashboard, navigate to the main Settings menu.
- Open the Domains Panel: Within the Settings menu, click on Domains.
- Select Your Built-In Domain: Under the "Built-In Domain" section, you'll see your current
[your-site-id].squarespace.comURL. Click on this domain. - Input a New Site ID: A field will appear where you can enter a new, desired Site ID. This will replace the
your-site-idpart of your URL. - Click Save: Once you've entered your new Site ID, click Save to apply the changes.
Here's a quick summary of the process:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Navigate to Settings | Access your site's main configuration panel. |
| 2 | Select Domains | Find all domain-related options for your site. |
| 3 | Click your Built-In Domain | Choose the your-site-id.squarespace.com entry. |
| 4 | Enter a new Site ID | Type in the new unique identifier for your Squarespace URL. |
| 5 | Click Save | Confirm the change to update your site's built-in URL. |
Why Change Your Built-In Squarespace URL?
You might want to change your built-in Squarespace URL for several reasons:
- Branding Consistency: Your initial Site ID might have been a random string or a placeholder. Changing it to something more descriptive and aligned with your brand can improve recognition.
- Memorability: A short, relevant Site ID is easier for you and others to remember if you're sharing the built-in URL.
- Initial Setup Oversight: You may have chosen an ID that no longer reflects your site's purpose or name.
Important Considerations After Changing Your URL
Making this change has a few implications you should be aware of:
- Old Links Will Break: Any external links (e.g., shared on social media, in emails, or on other websites) that point to your old
site-id.squarespace.comURL will no longer work. Ensure you update these manually where possible. - SEO Impact: If you're solely relying on the built-in domain for search engine optimization (which is less common if you have a custom domain), this change might temporarily affect your search rankings as search engines reindex your new URL.
- Internal Links: Most internal links within your Squarespace site use relative paths, meaning they should continue to work correctly after the change.
What About Changing a Custom Domain?
If you want to change your custom domain (e.g., from oldbusiness.com to newbusiness.com), the process is different. It typically involves purchasing a new domain, connecting it to your Squarespace site, and then setting it as your primary domain. You might also decide to disconnect the old domain or set up redirects. For detailed instructions on managing custom domains, refer to the Squarespace Help documentation on domain management.
