Setting your main domain is crucial for establishing your brand's online presence. Here's how to do it effectively:

Understanding Main Domains

• The main (primary) domain is your website's primary address
• All other custom domains redirect to it
• The main domain appears in the browser's address bar
• Your first added domain becomes the main domain by default

Prerequisites

• For Squarespace domains: Verify ownership first
• For third-party domains: Ensure proper connection (takes up to 72 hours)
• Only one domain can be primary at a time
• Primary domain applies to all website pages

Steps to Set Primary Domain

1. Open the Domains menu
2. Locate desired domain
3. Click "Set as main domain"
4. Confirm in the popup message
5. Check for "Primary" label in Domains menu

Important Notes

• Built-in .squarespace.com domains cannot be primary
• Secondary domains use 301 redirects to the main domain
• Only primary domains appear in search engines
• Analytics combine traffic from all active domains

Managing Subdomains

• Subdomains can be set as primary
• Third-party subdomains: Connect first, then set as primary
• Squarespace subdomains: Use root domain settings dropdown

Search Engine Visibility

• Only primary domains appear in search results
• Use Google Search Console to:
  • Specify preferred domain display
  • Request re-indexing if needed
  • Hide built-in domains from search results

Common Concerns

• Built-in domain remains visible when logged in (security feature)
• Adding new domains doesn't automatically change primary status
• No need to remove primary status before setting new main domain
• Traffic analytics combine all domain access

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