Steps to recreate your existing site from another platform on Squarespace by starting a trial, importing content, and moving a domain.
If you've already got a website and want to move it to Squarespace, follow this guide for help getting started. During this process, you’ll pick a template, import or recreate your site's content, and move your domain.
For more specific instructions on migrating from popular platforms, visit our guides for help switching from GoDaddy, Wix, Weebly, Wordpress, or Squarespace 5.
Tip: For hands-on help migrating your site, hire a Squarespace Expert.
What you can move
- Domains - If you purchased domains from another provider, you can transfer them to Squarespace. You can transfer multiple domains, whether they're currently parked or connected to an old website. If you don't have a domain, you can register a new one with Squarespace.
- Website content - You can import some content from a previous site, depending on where you're coming from and the type of content. It's not possible to import your last site’s layout and design, or fonts.
When to cancel your old site
If your old site is still live, we recommend keeping it online with your current host until your new site is complete. This ensures your visitors have a live site to visit, and you can refer to your old content while you complete the transition. When you’re ready to make the switch, you can close your old site.
While working on your new Squarespace site, you can avoid having two live sites by keeping your in-progress site private. Add a site password to prevent it from appearing in search results. After your new site is complete, you can transfer or connect your domain to transition visitors over, then cancel service with your previous provider and publish your new site.
Step 1 - Build your new site
You can build a new site on Squarespace with these steps:
- Start a trial - Every Squarespace site begins with a 14-day free trial, no credit card required. Trials include access to nearly all Squarespace features and are a great way to find out if our platform meets your needs.
- Choose a template or build your own - Choose a pre-built template to get started right away or build your own template to start with a unique design. Our templates use demo content to show off key features, but your site has access to every feature and style options.
- Add pages - Place layout pages and specialized pages, like blog pages, in your navigation menu to create a site structure.
- Upload content - Build out each page by adding and editing sections to create unique layouts.
- Edit the style - Use site styles to change fonts, colors, and other design options.
As you work on your site, use our site launch checklist to help understand when you're ready to launch. If you need more time to finish things up, you can extend your trial.
Tip: Register for our Getting Started with Squarespace webinar where we'll show you the basics of setting up your site. You'll learn how to start a free trial, choose a template, build a homepage, create a contact page, and change your fonts and colors.
Step 2 - Import content
You can import some content from a previous site, depending on where you're coming from and the type of content. It's not possible to import your last site’s layout and design, or fonts.
Use our import tools
- Pages and blog posts - You can import from WordPress, Blogger, and Tumblr.
- Products - You can import from Big Cartel, Etsy, and Shopify, or from other platforms using a .csv.
- Podcasts - You can import podcast blog posts from Blogger, Tumblr, and WordPress. You can also use the SoundCloud or audio block to upload archived episodes. For help transitioning your RSS feed, visit Transferring a podcast.
Add more content
To add new content or recreate content you can't import, add pages, sections, and images similar to those on your old site. While adding content, follow these tips:
- When copying and pasting text, remove text formatting to avoid importing stray HTML tags. These can interfere with your site's style settings.
- Format your images for display on the web so they look great on different screen sizes.
Step 3 - Move your domain
After your site is ready, it's time to move any custom domains you already own.
Tip: After moving your domain, you may want to create URL redirects to preserve SEO and ensure old links work. While your old site is still online, we recommend cataloging your site’s URL structure in a spreadsheet.
Transfer your domain
If you have a domain registered with another provider, transfer it to Squarespace. This way, you can manage all aspects of your site from one service instead of two, and we can help with any issues with your domain directly.
If your domain doesn’t meet our transfer requirements, or if you have a complex registration setup, you can connect it instead.
Note: If you have a custom email address linked to your domain, before transferring your domain to Squarespace, we recommend contacting your current email provider to ensure there won’t be any issues with moving to Squarespace. We also recommend backing up any emails, contacts, or settings you may need.
Register a new domain
If you don't have a domain or want to register a new one, you can register a Squarespace domain. All Squarespace sites on an annual billing plan include one custom domain for a year. You can register additional domains for their listed prices. Pricing for domains depends on the domain's top-level domain (TLD). To find a domain's price, you can search for it on the domain name search page or your Domains panel.
Step 4 - Upgrade to paid service
After you’ve explored the platform and decided to build your new site with Squarespace, you’ll choose a plan and upgrade to paid service.
For more details on all of our plans, visit Choosing the right Squarespace plan.
Keep in mind:
- Our current pricing is always listed on our Pricing page.
- All billing plans are available on monthly and annual payment cycles. On an annual billing cycle, the average monthly cost is lower, and you can register a free custom domain for a year.
- Even after you upgrade, you can keep your site private until the design is done and you’re ready to add a domain.
Get to know Squarespace
As you continue working on your site, take a moment to explore Squarespace and learn how the platform works.
You can search this Help Center to find guides on any Squarespace feature. For an overview, our Getting Started page links to popular guides.
In addition to website building and hosting, we also offer tools for scheduling, creating social content, members-only pages and content, and managing reservations for hospitality businesses. Some of these require separate subscriptions. For a full list, visit Everything you can do with Squarespace.
Step 5 - Cancel old service
Squarespace provides website hosting and, if you transferred or registered a domain with us, domain hosting. After your Squarespace site is online and you've moved over or recreated any content from your old site, you can cancel service with your hosting provider.
However, if you connected a domain that’s still hosted by another provider (rather than transferring it), you'll need to maintain that domain subscription. If you're not sure, contact your previous provider to confirm what services you're still using and paying for.
FAQ
Is there a free version of Squarespace?
You can start any website with a free 14-day trial, but we don't offer a free version for ongoing sites.
I can't find a design for my business.
Squarespace sites are flexible, so the template can be customized to create any number of site designs. We use demo content to show off key features, but as an example, starting with a design that uses restaurant demo content doesn't limit you to building a restaurant site.
Can multiple people help with my site or view it early to share feedback?
Yes. You can invite contributors to view your site before it's published or edit and manage content and settings. By setting different permissions, you can ensure any collaborator has the level of access they need.
How does switching to Squarespace affect my SEO?
Squarespace is well-regarded for our search-optimized design, but it's important to understand that switching content management systems may cause your site's search ranking to dip, at least at first. This is true no matter what platform you choose or move between.
However, by following these tips, you can reduce this effect on search results and potentially increase your search performance in the long run.
Do I need to optimize my site for mobile?
You don't need to do anything. We use built-in mobile styles to ensure your site looks great on any display size and have tools for previewing and customizing your mobile layout.
Can I remove "Made with Squarespace?"
Yes. This text is optional on every plan and template, and you’re welcome to remove it and replace it with other content.
Can I add code or CSS?
Squarespace helps you build a site without coding or design expertise. If you have coding knowledge and want to make custom changes, you can use code injection, CSS, and code blocks.
Please note, adding code to your site is an advanced modification that falls outside of the scope of Squarespace support. To learn more, visit Adding custom code to your site.
Can someone rebuild my site on Squarespace for me?
Customer Support is here for you 24/7 if you need help building your site on your own. If you're looking to pay someone for more extensive design or development, visit Marketplace to hire a Squarespace Expert.
More answers
For more popular questions about moving to Squarespace, visit Getting started with your Squarespace website.