How can I get setup with Publii if my domain is bought through SquareSpace?

[dwoboyle]

Hello folks,
I'm setting up a fiction writing blog with publii since it has all the features I want, but I happened to buy the domain on squarespace since I had some other domains on there after they got transfered from google domains. While I can be fairly tech savvy, though I'm not super familiar with website stuff, I'm not seeing all the information mentioned in the tutorial on the squarespace side of things and am looking for some advice. Is it possible or do I need to transfer it to a different provider?
Thanks!

[carstenfeller]

Hi @dwoboyle

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no personal experience with SquareSpace.

After looking at their website and help/documents section, I don't think you get anything like real FTP/SFTP access to their webspace to upload your own stuff.

This looks like another online website builder similar to wix.com.

I'm afraid you'll have to get an additional web hosting package if you want to keep your domain there and have full control over the DNS settings. Or move the domain again to a trusted provider (that doesn't mean GoDaddy or anything with Newfold Digital Group) that offers you decent performance and easy management options.

[dwoboyle]

Ah, I understand. That's unfortunate.

I was curious though. When I woke up today I had a spark of an idea. The Publii docs mention hosting on GitHub. Is it possible I could set something up to host it there, but then have the domain forward to there? I have a forum where I had to set up the DNS stuff to do that. I'm just not familiar enough with GitHub to know if that's possible.

Thank you!

[candidexmedia]

Hi @dwoboyle!

Transfer your Domain

First, you'll need to find a new domain registrar. I'm partial to Porkbun, but there are many out there. Pick one whose renewal prices and features work for you. Make sure they do domain transfers.

Next, transfer your domain away from Squarespace to your new provider. Here are the docs for Squarespace: https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us/articles/205812338-Transferring-a-domain-away-from-Squarespace

Look up the docs for receiving domain transfers for your new provider.

This process may take a while, but once it's done, you'll have control of your domain, and will be able to point it to the web host of your choice.

Find a new web host

Publii has integrations with a number of hosts — many of which offer generous free plans. I'm partial to Netlify, but any of the other options are solid:

https://getpublii.com/docs/server-configuration.html

Follow the instructions in the Publii docs on connecting to the web server / host of your choice.

Connect your domain to your server

Your new domain registrar service provider should have a space to edit your DNS entries / records. Follow the instructions for your web host on how to set that up. It might take some time to propagate once you've set it up

Transfer complete

You should now be able to access your Publii site when you enter your domain name. Should you wish to switch to another web host, you'll just need to update your DNS records.

[dwoboyle]

I got set up with Porkbun, though it is taking a long time for the domain to transfer.

[candidexmedia]

The Squarespace article does mention that it could take up to 15 business days... Lucikly, everything else shouldn't take as long, and you can get started on the next step while you wait.

Also, I'd recommend enabling WHOIS protection in Porkbun.