Should I Buy a Domain Through Squarespace for My Nonprofit Website?

If you're building a website for your nonprofit, one of the first questions you'll face is where to buy your domain. Should you keep things simple and purchase a domain directly through Squarespace, or is it better to use a third-party provider like GoDaddy or Namecheap?

As a web designer who works with mission-driven organizations, I help clients navigate decisions like this every day. Here’s what I recommend based on real-world experience.

The Pros of Buying Your Domain Through Squarespace

1. All-in-One Convenience: When you purchase your domain directly through Squarespace, everything stays under one roof. Your website, hosting, and domain management are all accessible in a single dashboard, which can be a huge help for small teams without a dedicated IT person.

2. Easy Setup: Squarespace automatically connects your domain to your website—no need to tinker with DNS settings or figure out confusing records. For nonprofit teams that want a smooth, beginner-friendly setup, this can be a huge plus.

3. Free Domain for the First Year: If you purchase an annual plan, Squarespace offers one free domain for the first year. This can help reduce startup costs if your nonprofit is just getting off the ground.

The Cons (and When to Consider a Third-Party Registrar)

1. Slightly Higher Renewal Costs: Squarespace domain renewals typically cost around $20–$25 per year, which is higher than some registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap.

2. Less Flexibility for Future Changes: If you ever decide to move your nonprofit’s website to a different platform (like WordPress), transferring a domain away from Squarespace can add an extra step. It’s totally doable—but not as seamless as working with an independent domain registrar from the start.

3. Limited Advanced Features: If your nonprofit has more complex needs—like managing multiple domains, custom email routing, or DNS-level control—you may prefer the tools and settings available through providers like Cloudflare.

My Recommendation for LA Nonprofits

If your nonprofit is building its first website and you’re using Squarespace, purchasing your domain directly through the platform can make setup much simpler. It reduces the chances of technical issues and helps you launch faster—especially if your team is small or wearing multiple hats.

However, if your organization already has an IT lead or you’re planning for a more complex setup, buying your domain elsewhere might give you more long-term control and lower yearly costs.

Pro Tip: Prioritize a Clear, Memorable Domain Name

No matter where you purchase your domain, choose one that’s short, easy to spell, and clearly reflects your nonprofit’s mission. Here in LA, I often help nonprofits explore both .org and .com versions, or location-specific domains like .care or .foundation.

Need Help Setting Up Your Nonprofit’s Website?

I specialize in designing modern, mission-aligned websites for nonprofits and service-based organizations across Los Angeles and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to redesign an existing site, I can help guide you through every step—from domain setup to launch day.

👉 Let’s connect and talk about your nonprofit’s website goals.