Squarespace, Inc.

What happens when a design-first website builder decides to become a serious player in domain registration? Squarespace's answer: acquire Google Domains and transform domain management into something that actually makes sense.

For over 20 years, Squarespace built its reputation on making website creation simple for entrepreneurs who wanted beautiful sites without touching code. But domains were always part of that story — you can't build a professional online presence without a custom domain name. The company's domain registration service grew alongside their website platform, eventually handling millions of registered domain names.

Then came the Google Domains integration. When Google shut down its domain registration service, Squarespace stepped in to continue that legacy. The result? A domain platform that combines Google's clean interface philosophy with Squarespace's all-in-one approach. Users get what the company calls "the best of Google Domains" — transparent pricing, premium features included by default, and a familiar experience for those migrating from Google.

Here's what sets Squarespace Domains apart from typical registrars: everything that should be included actually is. WHOIS privacy, SSL certificates, premium DNS powered by Google CloudDNS, email forwarding (up to 100 addresses), two-factor authentication, and DNSSEC protection all come standard. No add-ons, no surprise fees, no "premium" upsells for basic security features that should be table stakes in 2024.

The technical infrastructure is noteworthy. Squarespace runs their DNS on Google CloudDNS, implements end-to-end encryption with DNSSEC for domain security, and provides automatic SSL/TLS certificate renewal through Let's Encrypt. Their domain dashboard integrates seamlessly with website building tools, Google Workspace email, and even third-party hosting providers for users who want to register domains without building a Squarespace site.

What makes this especially relevant in today's domain landscape is the positioning. Squarespace isn't trying to be a domain aftermarket or compete on bulk pricing. They're building for entrepreneurs who want professional domain management that just works — transparent pricing, security by default, and tools that help you actually use your domain to build something meaningful online.