What to Do With Your Domain When Deleting Your Website: A Guide to Best Practices

What to Do With Your Domain When Deleting Your Website: A Guide to Best Practices

By Michael Turner

December 13, 2024 at 06:07 PM

Managing Domain Names After Website Deletion

When deleting your website, carefully consider what to do with your domain name, as it represents your online identity. Here are your options based on domain registration type:

For Squarespace Domains:

  • Domains remain active and auto-renew even after website cancellation
  • Continue using the domain with Squarespace
  • Move it to another Squarespace site
  • Transfer to a different provider
  • Cancel domain by disabling auto-renewal

For Legacy Squarespace Domains:

  • Free domains linked to annual plans remain free while active
  • Upon cancellation, choose to:
    • Let the domain expire
    • Convert to a paid domain ($20/year)

For Third-Party Domains:

  • Disconnect the domain from Squarespace before cancellation
  • Manage the domain through your original registrar

Key Considerations:

  • Decide on domain management before canceling website subscription
  • Domains stay linked to canceled sites until redirected elsewhere
  • Plan ahead to maintain domain ownership if needed
  • Complete any transfers or changes before canceling website service

Best Practices:

  1. Review all custom domains linked to your site
  2. Choose whether to keep or cancel domain registration
  3. Complete necessary domain transfers or changes
  4. Document domain management decisions
  5. Update DNS settings if moving to a new platform

Remember that maintaining domain ownership protects your brand and keeps future website options open, even if you're not currently using the domain.

Related Articles

Previous Articles