Squarespace Buys Google Domains for $180 million
This makes Squarespace one of the largest domain registrars in the world.
If you’re a website owner, marketer, or just someone who dabbles in online real estate, this news might have caught your attention. But what does it actually mean for you?
The Acquisition: What Went Down?
Squarespace announced that it is taking over Google Domains, a move that shifts millions of domain registrations from Google’s hands into the world of no-code website design. While financial terms were not immediately disclosed, the deal marks a significant shift in the domain registration space.
For years, Google Domains was known for its straightforward pricing, free privacy protection, and seamless integration with Google services. But now, with Squarespace at the helm, we’re likely to see some changes—both good and, well, uncertain.
Why Did Squarespace Buy Google Domains?
Squarespace has been evolving beyond just a website builder. With this acquisition, they’re doubling down on being a one-stop shop for digital presence. By owning a domain registrar, Squarespace strengthens its ecosystem, making it easier for users to register domains and build websites without needing third-party integrations.
This move could also be a strategic play against competitors like Wix, Shopify, and WordPress, ensuring that more users stay within the Squarespace ecosystem from domain registration to site maintenance.
What This Means for Current Google Domains Users
If you currently have a domain with Google Domains, you’re probably wondering what’s next. Here are some key takeaways:
No Immediate Changes: Your domain remains active, and for now, there are no disruptions in service.
Potential Pricing Adjustments: Google Domains was known for its affordable, transparent pricing. It remains to be seen if Squarespace will maintain these rates or introduce new pricing models.
Integration with Squarespace: Expect deeper integrations with Squarespace products, which is great if you’re already using it for website hosting.
Uncertainty for Non-Squarespace Users: If you use Google Domains but host your site on WordPress, Shopify, or another platform, you might have concerns about future support and domain management options.
The Bigger Picture
This acquisition reflects a growing trend: website builders aren’t just about design anymore. They’re expanding into hosting, domains, and e-commerce to create all-in-one solutions. For Squarespace, this is a power move that positions them more aggressively in the market.
For users, the key takeaway is to stay informed. If you’re a Google Domains customer, keep an eye on updates from Squarespace regarding pricing, renewals, and feature changes. And if you’re in the market for a new domain, this news might make you reconsider where you register it.
Final Thoughts
While some may see this as a convenience play, others might worry about monopolization in the website-building space. Will Squarespace maintain Google Domains’ simplicity and pricing, or will it push users deeper into its own ecosystem? Time will tell.