Squarespace Acquires Google Domains: What To Do Now? (2023)

Do you have your domains in Google Domains? There’s something you should know. Squarespace acquires Google Domains for $180 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023 (VERY soon), and there will be a huge transition period after that.

At Feisworld, all our domains are under Google Domains, actually dozens of domains from our clients and sister companies too. So we were very curious to see what this transition means for us. We’ve captured a few notes in this post.

There are a few reasons why Squarespace acquired Google Domains. First, it is a way for Squarespace to expand its offerings and become a more comprehensive solution for businesses. Squarespace already offers website builders, e-commerce platforms, and marketing tools. By adding domain registration to its lineup, Squarespace could become a one-stop shop for businesses that need to create and maintain an online presence.

Second, the acquisition could help Squarespace compete with other website builders, such as Wix and Weebly. These companies also offer domain registration services, and the acquisition of Google Domains could give Squarespace a competitive advantage.

Finally, the acquisition is also a way for Google to exit the domain registration business. Google has been gradually reducing its involvement in the domain registration market in recent years. In 2018, Google discontinued its free domain registration service. And in 2021, Google announced that it would no longer be offering domain registration services to businesses in China.

As part of the transition, Google Domains customers will be migrated to Squarespace Domains. Squarespace has said that it will honor renewal pricing for at least 12 months after the transaction is completed.

Squarespace Acquires Google Domains. How’s the transition going to be?

1. What’s the big news?

On June 15, 2023, Google announced its intent to sell all domain registrations and associated customer accounts from Google Domains to Squarespace. Details can be found on domains.squarespace.com.

2. How does this affect me, a Google Domains customer?

You don’t have to do anything immediately. After regulatory approvals, your domain account will transition to Squarespace. Associated Google Workspace services will also be under Squarespace’s management, unless stated otherwise.

3. Will there be changes to my domain management?

Initially, no. But after regulatory approvals and a transition period, you’ll manage your domain via Squarespace, including DNS, WHOIS settings, and domain renewals.

4. I registered through Google Workspace. What changes for me?

Upon transition, your domain management shifts to Squarespace. However, Google Workspace will still handle domain billing.

5. Will my domain ever stop working during this process?

No. Your domain registration and DNS delegation remain unaffected.

6. What about my Google Workspace or G Suite services bought through Google Domains?

Billing and support for these services will transition to Squarespace, but this won’t affect subscriptions billed directly by Google Workspace or its resellers.

7. Do I need to take any actions right now?

No immediate action is required. You’ll receive further details post-transaction approval. Until your domain transitions, Google’s T&C and Privacy Policy still apply.

8. What happens to my billing data?

Your encrypted billing data will be securely migrated to Squarespace’s PCI-compliant payment processors.

9. What if I don’t want to shift to Squarespace?

You’re free to transfer your domain(s) to any other registrar whenever you want.

10. I use Cloud Domains. What changes for me?

Squarespace Domains will become your new domain registrar. After a transition period, likely post-January 2024, domain configurations, WHOIS data, and DNS delegation will migrate to Squarespace Domains. Your information will be governed by Squarespace’s policies.

11. Will Cloud products like Cloud DNS be affected?

Squarespace will continue using Google Cloud DNS infrastructure, so DNS reliability remains unchanged. Cloud DNS and related services will still be run by Google Cloud.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Google Domains is a significant move for Squarespace. It could help the company expand its offerings, compete with other website builders, and become a more comprehensive solution for businesses.

Other posts you might enjoy…

• Best Google Domains Alternatives (After Squarespace) (2023)
• A Beginner’s Guide to Selling Your First Digital Product on Squarespace (5 Easy Steps)