How to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy to Squarespace

Every successful online business relies on a working domain. After all, it is how users discover your brand, products and services. You might wonder whether to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace. This might be the case if you want to do more with your website, enhance its quality, or if your domain is up for renewal. 

Whatever the reason, moving your website to a comprehensive website builder is an excellent option. However, the process could be tricky if you’re not technically inclined. 

Here is everything you need to know about GoDaddy vs. Squarespace and the steps you need to take to get your website up and running elsewhere.

Steps to Transfer a Domain From GoDaddy to Squarespace

You can transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace. However, you cannot import your GoDaddy website content, such as the template, background, colors, etc. Instead, you must redesign your website using Squarespace’s customization tools. 

Transferring a domain can be challenging for non-technical people. It certainly helps to have even a brief understanding of web development. Nevertheless, Squarespace and GoDaddy each provide step-by-step guides to walk you through the process. 

1. Log Into GoDaddy

Sign into your GoDaddy to view your Domain Portfolio. Then, select the domain you intend to transfer to Squarespace. 

Click on Transfer and Transfer to Another Registrar — GoDaddy will display a message if your domain is ineligible. 

Note: If applicable, you must turn off your Ownership Protection before continuing the domain transfer.

2. Verify Contact Details

Is your contact information up-to-date? GoDaddy will send communications regarding your domain transfer to Squarespace to the email address provided in your Administrative account. 

You can verify and correct the information by visiting the Domain Settings page and clicking Contact Information. Remember to save any changes you make.

3. Unlock Domain

Visit the Additional Settings section and locate the toggle indicating whether your domain is locked. 

If it is, you must switch it off to unlock the domain before continuing. GoDaddy will process your request once you’ve completed this step.

4. Retrieve Authorization

You must get an authorization code from GoDaddy to proceed. Revisit Additional Settings and select Transfer domain away from GoDaddy. 

Select Click here to see Authorization Code and copy it to your clipboard. 

It is best to save the code somewhere you can easily refer to it, such as a Google Doc, Word Doc or a written note. GoDaddy will also email it to you through your Administrative email on file.

5. Begin Transfer

In Squarespace, open the Domains panel and click Use a domain I own.

Enter the domain name you want to transfer from GoDaddy in full and press the arrow. Select Transfer domain and enter your authorization code — then Save.

6. Confirm Registration

In Squarespace, visit the Registration page to verify the contact information for your domain. The site will automatically populate this information from GoDaddy. However, you can click on Domain contact information to make changes. 

You will want to confirm the correct email address is on file, as Squarespace will use this address to provide transfer updates. Once again, remember to save any changes before moving on.

7. Enter Payment

You can pay for your domain transfer with the card on file in your Payment Information panel. However, you must enter your credit card details if you’re still in your 14-day free trial. Then save your payment information and continue.

Squarespace accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and SEPA direct credit to transfer Euros. 

8. Confirm Transfer Progress and Troubleshoot

Transfer details will appear in Review Order on Squarespace, where you will see a one-year charge for your domain registration.

Go over all the registration details, including payment, the domain’s expiration date, and other information before proceeding with the purchase. Once you have paid, Squarespace will show you a message that the transfer has started. 

You will return to the Domains panel afterward. A message will then appear if there are difficulties or errors in transferring the domain. 

Possible troubleshooting could involve unlocking your GoDaddy domain or a rejected authorization code. You will need to correct these discrepancies for the transfer to continue.

9. Complete Domain Transfer

It can take five to seven days to transfer a domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace. You can speed up the process by confirming your transfer manually.

Visit the Transfers Page in GoDaddy and choose Transfers Out. Select In Progress and search for the domain.

Click on the checkbox next to the domain and then Approve Transfer. Your domain transfer should occur within 15 to 30 minutes. 

Should You Transfer Your GoDaddy Domain to Squarespace?

The decision to transfer your GoDaddy domain to Squarespace depends on what you’d like to achieve with your website. Read through the following comparisons to decide where you get the most value for your money. 

Features and Customization

No one would argue GoDaddy is the place to get a website running quickly, and its Artificial Design Intelligence allows you to do so efficiently. Yet, GoDaddy only offers 22 templates, which are less sophisticated and may not compete well with competitor sites. 

Squarespace is an amateur web builder’s dream, offering over 100 high-quality templates for those with less design experience. It also delivers the following features:

• Large selection of customizations, including adding elements, modifying the layout, changing colors and more
• An impressive UX design, making it simpler to use for those without web design experience
• Allows you to customize your 404 page and CSS
• Calendar synchronization and scheduling features for an additional fee

Marketing and Support

Digital marketing is a critical component of business success. While both websites offer professional email and social media marketing tools, Squarespace might appeal more to users.

Some of Squarespace’s marketing tools are free, while others are an additional expense, such as campaign building. However, its analytics overview is more comprehensive than GoDaddy’s, giving users an in-depth understanding of their demographics, traffic, sales, and commerce. 

GoDaddy offers InSights — a tool to help your business thrive. You can analyze website traffic and engagement and receive tips for boosting both. Although limited compared to Squarespace, it is helpful to people who have less time to devote to their website.

Users can access numerous SEO keyword mechanisms and edit meta tags on Squarespace. They also can submit a sitemap, which Squarespace will update automatically according to your changes. GoDaddy also has keyword support, but users must build their sitemap manually.

They also each offer 24/7 customer support in case issues arise. Squarespace does not have a phone number for assistance, but it delivers email, live chat, social media channels, and a thorough Help Center with troubleshooting articles. 

On the other hand, GoDaddy has a live chat, email assistance, and a 24/7 hotline you can call — but users might agree its Help Center is outdated and disorganized.

Cost Comparison

Most business owners weigh their decisions to transfer their domain by each site’s cost-effectiveness. GoDaddy costs $9.99 to $29.99 monthly, which fits most business owners’ budgets.

Squarespace’s monthly rate is higher. Here’s a breakdown of the different plans:

• Plans start at $12 monthly when you sign up with Squarespace for the year — about $144 total.
• You’ll be charged $16 for up to 20 pages when you select the month-to-month option.
• Unlimited access costs $18 monthly when you sign up for the year — about $216.
• Unlimited access with a month-to-month payment plan costs $26.

On the low end, GoDaddy costs roughly $120 for the year. You must decide whether Squarespace’s additional perks are worth the extra money.  

Is Squarespace the Right Space for Your Domain?

It is hard to say whether transferring your domain from GoDaddy to Squarespace is right for your business. If you are looking for a more advanced website builder with easy customization tools, Squarespace is for you. Likewise, you’ll have access to better marketing analytics and features to boost your online presence. 

Take stock of your brand’s website needs and determine whether GoDaddy delivers enough features. If not, it might be time to upgrade to Squarespace.