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Connecting Your Cloudflare Domain to Squarespace: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve got a shiny new domain name managed through Cloudflare, and you’re building a beautiful website on Squarespace. Excellent choices, both! But getting these two platforms to talk to each other can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. Fear not, intrepid webmaster! I’m here to guide you through the process, step-by-step, with the clarity only a seasoned expert can provide.

The short and sweet of it: connecting your Cloudflare domain to Squarespace involves pointing your domain’s DNS records within Cloudflare to Squarespace’s servers. This is done by adding specific CNAME and A records in Cloudflare that Squarespace provides. Then, verify the connection within your Squarespace account. Sounds simple, right? Let’s delve into the details.

Step-by-Step: Cloudflare and Squarespace Integration

Here’s the process broken down into manageable, digestible chunks:

1. Start in Squarespace: Initiate the Connection

Log into your Squarespace account.
Navigate to Settings > Domains.
Click “Use a domain I own.”
Enter your domain name and click “Connect Domain.”
Squarespace will identify that your domain is hosted elsewhere (i.e., Cloudflare). Click “Connect from provider.”
Squarespace will display the required DNS records you need to add to Cloudflare. These records will include two CNAME records and four A records. Write these down or keep this page open – you’ll need them soon!

2. Head Over to Cloudflare: DNS Record Modification

Log into your Cloudflare account.
Select the domain you want to connect to Squarespace.
Click on the “DNS” icon.
This is where the magic happens. You need to add the DNS records provided by Squarespace.

3. Adding the CNAME Records

Click “+ Add record.”
Record Type: Select “CNAME.”
Name: This will usually be “www”.
Target: This will be a Squarespace-provided address like “ext-cust.squarespace.com”. Make sure to copy this exactly as Squarespace provides it.
TTL: Leave this as “Auto.”
Proxy Status: Ensure this is set to “DNS only” (grey cloud icon). This is crucial; using Cloudflare’s proxy (orange cloud) can interfere with Squarespace’s verification process.
Click “Save.”
Repeat for the second CNAME record. This usually involves verifying your domain with a unique code provided by Squarespace. The Name will likely be a unique string and the Target will be “verify.squarespace.com.” Ensure “DNS only” is selected.

4. Adding the A Records

Click “+ Add record.”
Record Type: Select “A.”
Name: Enter “@.” (This represents your root domain, e.g., yourdomain.com)
IPv4 address: Enter the first IPv4 address provided by Squarespace. You’ll have four of these. Ensure accuracy!
TTL: Leave this as “Auto.”
Proxy Status: Ensure this is set to “DNS only” (grey cloud icon).
Click “Save.”
Repeat this process for the remaining three A records, using the corresponding IPv4 addresses provided by Squarespace.

5. Back to Squarespace: Verification

Return to the Squarespace domain connection page you left open earlier.
Click “Continue.”
Squarespace will now attempt to verify the connection. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours (although it usually happens much faster).
If the verification is successful, you’ll see a message confirming the connection. If not, double-check your DNS records in Cloudflare for any typos or errors.

6. Configure DNSSEC (Optional, but Recommended)

While not strictly required for connecting your domain, enabling DNSSEC enhances your domain’s security. Check Squarespace’s documentation for recommended DNSSEC settings.

7. Set Your Primary Domain (Important!)

Once the connection is verified, navigate back to Settings > Domains in Squarespace.
You’ll likely see both “www.yourdomain.com” and “yourdomain.com” listed.
Choose which version you want to be your primary domain (typically the version without the “www”). Squarespace will automatically redirect the other version to your primary domain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions I encounter regarding connecting Cloudflare and Squarespace, along with my expert answers:

1. How long does it take for the connection to propagate?

DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 72 hours, although in most cases, the changes are visible much sooner. Clearing your browser cache and flushing your local DNS cache can sometimes speed things up.

2. I’m getting an SSL error. What should I do?

Ensure your Cloudflare SSL/TLS encryption mode is set to “Full (strict)”. Also, make sure you have a valid SSL certificate enabled in Squarespace. Squarespace usually handles SSL automatically once the domain is connected.

3. Why is Squarespace saying my domain is still connected to another provider?

This usually means that the DNS records haven’t fully propagated yet, or there might be conflicting DNS records from a previous hosting provider that haven’t been removed. Double-check your DNS records in Cloudflare and ensure that there are no other A records or CNAME records pointing to the old provider.

4. Can I use Cloudflare’s CDN features with Squarespace?

While you can use some of Cloudflare’s features like basic DDoS protection, it’s generally not recommended to use Cloudflare’s full CDN functionality (orange cloud) with Squarespace. Squarespace has its own built-in CDN, and using Cloudflare’s CDN on top of it can cause conflicts and performance issues. Make sure your Proxy Status is set to “DNS only” (grey cloud).

5. What if I already have other DNS records in Cloudflare?

Adding the Squarespace records shouldn’t interfere with existing records, as long as they don’t conflict with the records Squarespace requires. If you’re unsure, consult with a DNS expert or contact Cloudflare support. Be extra careful with existing MX records (for email) to avoid disrupting your email service.

6. Do I need to transfer my domain to Squarespace?

No, you don’t need to transfer your domain. Connecting your domain means you’re simply pointing your existing domain to Squarespace’s servers. You can continue to manage your domain registration and DNS settings through Cloudflare.

7. I messed up the DNS records. How do I fix it?

Carefully review the DNS records provided by Squarespace and compare them to your Cloudflare settings. Correct any typos or incorrect values. If you’re still having trouble, you can delete all the DNS records you added and start the process from scratch.

8. Squarespace says my domain is “parked.” What does that mean?

This usually indicates that the A records aren’t pointing correctly to Squarespace’s servers. Double-check the A records in Cloudflare and make sure they are the exact IPv4 addresses provided by Squarespace.

9. Will using Cloudflare affect my Squarespace SEO?

Using Cloudflare correctly (with DNS only and proper SSL configuration) shouldn’t negatively impact your SEO. In fact, Cloudflare’s security features can potentially improve your site’s security and performance, which can indirectly benefit your SEO.

10. How can I troubleshoot connection problems?

Verify your DNS records: Double and triple-check the CNAME and A records in Cloudflare against the records provided by Squarespace.
Check DNS propagation: Use a DNS lookup tool like “whatsmydns.net” to see if the DNS changes have propagated globally.
Clear your browser cache: Old cached data can sometimes interfere with verification.
Contact Squarespace support: If you’re still stuck, Squarespace’s support team is a valuable resource.
Contact Cloudflare support: If you suspect the issue lies with Cloudflare’s configuration, reach out to their support team.

11. What are the benefits of using Cloudflare with Squarespace?

Even without using Cloudflare’s CDN features, you can still benefit from its DDoS protection, DNS management, and potentially improved site security.

12. Can I use Cloudflare’s Page Rules with Squarespace?

Generally, it is not recommended. Cloudflare’s Page Rules can potentially interfere with Squarespace’s functionality. If you choose to use them, proceed with caution and thoroughly test any rules you implement to ensure they don’t break your site.

Connecting your Cloudflare domain to Squarespace might seem daunting at first, but with careful attention to detail and a systematic approach, you can achieve a seamless integration. Remember to double-check your DNS records, be patient during propagation, and consult the support resources available from both Squarespace and Cloudflare if you encounter any issues. Now go forth and build something amazing!