
How to Connect Your HostGator Domain to Squarespace: Complete Guide
To connect a HostGator domain to Squarespace, follow these precise steps:
Prerequisites:
- Confirm you have a HostGator Shared Hosting plan (Hatchling, Baby, or Business)
- Keep your domain registered with HostGator
- Ensure you meet all third-party domain connection requirements
Step 1: Initialize Connection in Squarespace
- Go to Domains panel
- Click "Use a domain I own"
- Enter your domain name
- Click "Connect domain"
- Select "Other" from dropdown
- Click "Continue"
- Keep the DNS records panel open for reference
Step 2: Access HostGator DNS Settings
- Log into HostGator account
- Click "Hosting" in sidebar
- Find your domain and click "cPanel"
- Under Tools, locate "Zone Editor"
- Click "Manage" for your domain
- Select "Add Record"
Step 3: Add First CNAME Record
- Name: [Your unique code from Squarespace]
- Type: CNAME
- Value: verify.squarespace.com
Step 4: Add Second CNAME Record
- Name: www
- Type: CNAME
- Value: ext-cust.squarespace.com
Step 5: Add Four A Records Create these exact records:
- Host: @ | Type: A | Value: 198.185.159.144
- Host: @ | Type: A | Value: 198.185.159.145
- Host: @ | Type: A | Value: 198.49.23.144
- Host: @ | Type: A | Value: 198.49.23.145
Important Notes:
- Allow 24-72 hours for connection completion
- Don't delete existing mail/email records
- Monitor connection progress in Squarespace DNS Settings
- Use DNS checker tool if verification fails
- Contact HostGator support for account-specific issues
Troubleshooting:
- If domain shows "Can't verify domain ownership," check DNS records
- Verify all CNAME and A records match exactly
- Wait full 72 hours before assuming connection issues
- Use DNS checker tool in Squarespace for verification
The domain will show as "Connected" in your Domains panel once properly linked.
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