Solving DNS Issues with WWW for Domains Hosted on Squarespace
Transitioning a domain from one hosting platform to another can be a complex process, especially when dealing with DNS configurations. Recently, a client encountered a common but tricky issue while moving their domain from Squarespace to WordPress. Although the main domain setup was straightforward, ensuring the “www” prefix worked seamlessly required a bit more finesse. Here’s how we resolved the DNS issue and ensured that the client’s website was accessible with “www” in the URL.
The Initial Challenge
The client registered their domain through Squarespace and decided to move to WordPress for better flexibility and features. Setting up the primary domain with an A record pointing to the new server’s IP address was simple and worked flawlessly. However, the client needed the website to be accessible using “www,” as all their marketing materials, including ads, business cards, and stored addresses, prominently featured “www.” This necessitated either using “www” directly or implementing a redirect.
The Common Approach
Typically, the solution to this involves creating a CNAME record. In most DNS setups, you can create a CNAME record with “www” in the name field and “@” in the data field. This configuration implies that “www.website.com” points to the main A record for “website.com.”
The Issue with Squarespace and GoDaddy
While this approach works with many domain registrars, it failed in this instance due to differences in how GoDaddy and Squarespace handle DNS records. Having primarily worked with GoDaddy for domain needs, the nuance here was initially overlooked. GoDaddy uses the “@” symbol as a shorthand to refer to the main domain name per the A record. However, in this case, using “@” in the CNAME did not resolve the “www” correctly.
The Solution
After considerable troubleshooting, the solution was surprisingly simple: the CNAME record needed to include the full domain name instead of the “@” symbol. Here’s the configuration that worked:
- Record Type: CNAME
- Name: www
- Data:
website.com(the full main domain name)
By explicitly entering the main domain name in the CNAME record’s data field, we ensured that “www.website.com” pointed correctly to the main domain’s A record.
Key Takeaways
- Understand DNS Variances: Different registrars have their peculiarities in handling DNS records. It is crucial to understand these differences to avoid common pitfalls.
- Explicit Entries: When in doubt, use explicit domain names in your DNS entries rather than relying on shorthand symbols or assumptions.
- Testing and Validation: Always test DNS changes thoroughly. Use tools like
digornslookupto verify that DNS changes propagate as expected. - Communication is Key: Keep clients informed of potential issues and solutions to manage expectations and ensure smooth transitions.
Migrating domains between platforms like Squarespace and WordPress can be daunting, especially with DNS complexities. However, understanding the nuances and configurations of your DNS provider can make the process smoother and more efficient. Always remember to validate your settings and test thoroughly to avoid disruptions to your online presence.