If you’re building your brand with Squarespace, you might wonder, “Can Squarespace host my emails, too?” It’s a common question for anyone wanting a seamless, professional online presence. Managing everything in one place sounds ideal, but email hosting on Squarespace works a bit differently.
In this article, you’ll discover how email hosting works with Squarespace, what your options are, and step-by-step guidance to set up a professional email address. Let’s simplify your digital workflow together!
How Squarespace Hosts Emails: Everything You Need to Know
When building your business website, having a professional custom email address (such as [email protected]) adds credibility and helps boost your brand image. Many website owners use Squarespace for its gorgeous templates and ease of use. But what about email—does Squarespace host emails, and how can you set up custom email addresses for your domain? Let’s break it all down in easy terms.
Does Squarespace Host Emails?
Squarespace does not directly host custom email inboxes. This means you cannot log into a Squarespace dashboard to read and send emails like you could with stand-alone email hosting platforms.
However, Squarespace offers robust support for setting up business email addresses connected to your domain. They do this in two main ways:
- Email Forwarding: Automatically forward messages from a custom address (like [email protected]) to another email account (such as your Gmail or Outlook).
- Third-Party Email Providers: Integrate your domain with a dedicated email platform, such as Google Workspace (previously G Suite), to send and receive emails professionally.
Let’s look at how each method works, what you need, and what to expect.
Understanding Your Email Options on Squarespace
1. Email Forwarding
What is it?
Email forwarding lets you create an alias (like [email protected]) and automatically redirect all incoming emails to your personal or business inbox elsewhere. The user sending the email only sees your professional address.
How does it work on Squarespace?
– Available if you registered your domain directly through Squarespace.
– Set up forwarding addresses from your Squarespace account.
– Does not let you send emails “from” the custom address directly (unless you set up additional configurations elsewhere).
Pros:
– Quick and included with any Squarespace-purchased domain.
– No extra costs for basic forwarding.
– Simplifies basic contact for small businesses.
Cons:
– Not a full-featured email inbox.
– Limits on sending and replying from your custom address unless you use advanced workarounds.
2. Using Third-Party Email Hosting
Most users who need a professional business email will want full inbox features—sending, receiving, and managing messages on any device. This requires separate email hosting.
The most popular option: Google Workspace
– Formerly known as G Suite, Google Workspace lets you use Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and more—customized to your domain.
– Squarespace partners with Google to make setting this up seamless for their users.
Other reputable choices:
– Microsoft 365 (Outlook)
– Zoho Mail
– Neo email
Pros:
– Use your domain for all emails (send/receive) through popular providers.
– Full access to webmail, mobile apps, and storage.
– Professional features like spam filtering, security, collaboration, and support.
Cons:
– Requires an extra monthly or annual fee per user/mailbox.
How to Set Up Custom Email Addresses with Squarespace
Let’s walk through each method step by step.
1. Setting Up Email Forwarding
If you have a Squarespace-registered domain:
- Log in to your Squarespace account.
- Navigate to the Domains panel.
- Select your domain.
- Find the Email Forwarding option.
- Add a forwarding address (e.g., [email protected]) and specify where emails should be sent (e.g., your personal Gmail).
- Save changes.
That’s it! Any email sent to your custom address will be redirected automatically.
Practical Tip:
If you want to send emails that appear “from” your custom address, you can often configure your existing email service (Gmail, Outlook) to use your domain as a “send-as” address—though this requires additional setup with DNS records or SMTP settings.
2. Setting Up a True Business Inbox (Google Workspace Example)
Most professionals will want more than just forwarding—full inboxes, calendars, documents, and more.
Here’s how to connect Google Workspace with your Squarespace domain:
- Sign Up for Google Workspace
- Visit the Google Workspace website and choose a plan.
- Verify Your Domain Ownership
- Google requires proof you control the domain. Squarespace guides you through this with DNS records.
- Update DNS Records on Squarespace
- Inside your Squarespace domain settings, add the verification and mail exchange (MX) records provided by Google.
- This enables your custom email addresses to work with Gmail.
- Create Email Users
- Inside Google Workspace, add new users (e.g., [email protected]) as needed.
- Access Your New Inbox
- Log in via Gmail or your favorite mail app.
Practical Tip:
Google Workspace setup is easier if your domain was purchased through Squarespace, but it’s possible with non-Squarespace domains by managing their DNS through Squarespace as well.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Inbox Options
Benefits of Each Method
| Feature | Email Forwarding | Google Workspace (or similar) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included | Paid (per user) |
| Send from domain | Limited | Full |
| Inbox access | No (redirects) | Yes (stand-alone inbox) |
| Advanced tools | No | Yes (spam, filters, etc.) |
| Collaboration | No | Yes (calendars, drive, etc.) |
Potential Challenges
- Extra Cost: A robust business mailbox requires a paid subscription (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.).
- Complex DNS Setup: New users may find updating DNS records intimidating. Take it step by step, and use Squarespace’s guides.
- Forwarding Limitations: Simple forwarding may not be enough if you need to send from your branded address or handle multiple mailboxes.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Start with Forwarding: If you’re just beginning and need a quick solution, set up forwarding. Upgrade to full hosting later as you grow.
- Set Up SPF/DKIM/DMARC: These security settings increase deliverability and prevent your email from landing in spam.
- Professional Signature: Add a signature with your business logo and contact details to every outgoing email—this boosts your brand.
- Keep Contact Info Consistent: Ensure your website’s contact forms and public details match your new email addresses.
- Test Everything: Before announcing your new email, test incoming and outgoing messages from all devices.
Cost-Related Tips
- Domain-Only? Email forwarding is free with every Squarespace-purchased domain, but does not provide a mailbox.
- Business Email Hosting: Google Workspace costs start from a per-user per-month fee, typically billed annually.
- Scalability: As your business grows, third-party platforms scale easily—just add new users as needed.
- Budget Option: Some platforms, like Zoho Mail or Neo, offer lower-cost professional mailbox solutions if Gmail or Outlook is outside your budget.
What About Using Existing Personal Email Services?
While you can technically use your personal Gmail or Outlook account for business, it’s not recommended for these reasons:
- Lacks branding: Sending as [email protected] looks less professional.
- Limited features: No separation between personal and work emails.
- Security: Business platforms offer higher security and compliance options.
For most businesses, using a domain-matched professional email is worth the investment early on.
Common Scenarios and What to Choose
Scenario 1: I Just Launched My Site and Need a Simple Contact Email
- Use email forwarding for now (free and simple).
- Upgrade to full mailbox hosting as your needs grow.
Scenario 2: I Need Multiple Team Members to Have Their Own Inboxes
- Set up Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or similar.
- Each team member gets their own address, inbox, and collaboration suite.
Scenario 3: I Want to Reply Using My Professional Email Address
- Set up Google Workspace (or another provider).
- Or, configure your personal Gmail to send “as” your domain (requires technical steps).
Pro Tips for a Smooth Email Hosting Experience
- Register your domain through Squarespace to simplify initial setup and support.
- Keep a backup of DNS settings before making email-related changes.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all email accounts.
- Regularly check your spam and quarantine folders for missing messages.
In Summary
- Squarespace does not host email inboxes directly.
- You can set up email forwarding for free if you registered your domain on Squarespace.
- For a full-featured business email address, integrate your domain with third-party email hosts like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
- Professional email hosting brings added credibility, collaboration, and security, though it requires an extra subscription.
- Assess your needs: forwarding is great for simple setups; full inbox hosting is the gold standard for professionals and teams.
Setting up your custom domain email doesn’t have to be daunting. With a few steps and consideration for your needs and budget, you’ll be communicating like a pro in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to get a business email with Squarespace?
Email forwarding is free with a Squarespace domain. For a fully functional business email (like Google Workspace), expect to pay a monthly fee per user, starting at industry rates.
Can I create multiple email addresses for my Squarespace domain?
You can create multiple forwarding addresses for free. For full inboxes for each address, you’ll need a business email service, which usually charges per user.
Can I send emails “from” my custom Squarespace domain email?
With forwarding, you can only receive emails. To send from your domain, you’ll need to set up a third-party service like Google Workspace or configure your email client to send as your custom address.
Do I have to buy my domain through Squarespace to use these features?
No. While it’s easier if your domain is on Squarespace, you can manage email hosting for domains registered elsewhere. DNS management just takes a few extra steps.
What if I want to switch email providers later?
You can change your email provider anytime. Update your domain’s DNS records with the new provider’s information. After propagation, your email will work through the new platform.
Getting set up with professional email through Squarespace is a straightforward process once you know the basics. Start with what fits your needs now, and remember: growing businesses can easily upgrade to advanced email platforms as new needs arise.