When we heard that Squarespace is acquiring all domain name registrations and related customer accounts from Google Domains, we had some mixed emotions. We were caught between surprise, anticipation, and a little bit of disappointment.
A Farewell to Google Domains
Google Domains has been our favorite domain registrar for a few years now. Its ease of use, affordability, and seamless integration into the Google ecosystem (Google Workspace) has made it a better value than some of the competitors. We’ve come to trust and rely on Google Domains’ reliable services, and a shift to a new system is sure to bring its challenges.
Our Favorite Features of Google Domains
These are some of the features that made Google Domains better than the rest:
- Domain Forwarding: Google Domains made it easy to direct one domain name to another.
- Email Forwarding: The email forwarding service provided a streamlined way to ensure that messages sent to different email addresses under our domain were routed to the correct destinations.
- Free WHOIS Privacy: The free WHOIS privacy feature offered by Google Domains provided a valuable layer of protection. It also helps prevent annoying phone calls from people trying to sell us websites.
While these features are also available with other big-name domain registrars, the experience is often tainted by unexpected fees. Where other registrars might nickel-and-dime customers for these essential services, Google Domains offered them without hidden charges. This transparency and affordability were key reasons why we opted for Google Domains over others.
Embracing the New Era with Squarespace
While this change marks the end of an era, we are also hopeful for the future with Squarespace. In their official notice, both Squarespace and Google have committed to a seamless transition, and Squarespace has pledged to continue using Google Cloud DNS infrastructure. This reassures us that reliability and performance regarding DNS will remain consistent during the migration.
Emphasis.LA will give Squarespace the benefit of the doubt. We anticipate that Squarespace will continue with the features that endeared us to Google Domains, honoring their commitment to both present and future customers.
A Possible Good for Society
In today’s tech world, where giant conglomerates often dominate, Google’s expansive influence has been a topic of concern for many. The divestment of Google Domains to Squarespace might be seen as a step in decentralizing power in the tech industry, possibly fostering more competition and innovation. Squarespace is not a small company either, but it is small when compared with Google. Though we at Emphasis.LA have grown comfortable with a quality product from Google, we acknowledge that this move may be beneficial in a broader context.
Some important details of the transition
- Prices for domain name renewals will remain the same for at least 12 months after the acquisition is finalized.
- Squarespace is primarily known for being a website builder platform, but you do not have to have a website on Squarespace or use any of their other services to use Squarespace Domains.
- If you have a domain name that you are not ready to use yet, you can set up a “spam-free” holding page until you are ready.
Other options
Of course, you have many options if you do not want to move your domain name to Squarespace. GoDaddy, NameCheap, and Network Solutions are good options.
WordPress.com is making a strong bid for your business. As a direct competitor to Squarespace, they are offering a free domain name transfer from Google Domains to WordPress.com. This only applies to the first 1,000,000 domains to transfer. These are some of the benefits of switching your domain name to WordPress.com:
- They claim to have faster Domain Name System (DNS) speeds than Google, GoDaddy, and DigitalOcean.
- Free privacy protection
- They are committed to always keeping their prices low.
It is important to note that WordPress.com (the website builder platform and domain name registrar) is not to be confused with WordPress.org (the open-source software). For more information read: What is WordPress?
Moving Forward
What happens next? For now, it’s business as usual. The transition will take place over the coming months, and Google Domains will continue to manage domains until the migration process begins.
We own and manage several domain names on Google Domains so we will be closely watching the transition unfold. We’ll also keep an eye out for notifications from Squarespace. While the purchase is still subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions, eventual migration is inevitable.
Our experience with Squarespace will ultimately tell if this shift will be a successful continuation of what we loved about Google Domains or a transition into uncharted territories.
For those interested in learning more about Squarespace’s plans for domains, further details can be found on their official website. At Emphasis.LA, we remain committed to adapting to the evolving digital landscape, always seeking the best tools and platforms to meet our needs and expectations. Here’s to a hopeful future with Squarespace Domains!