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Killed by Google

The Impact of Google Domains' Move to Squarespace

31st Aug 2023

Negatives of Squarespace

In the ever-evolving landscape of website development, recent events have sparked conversations about the impact of Google Domains' transition to Squarespace. This unexpected move has raised concerns within the website development community, as it may have wider implications for businesses of all sizes. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons behind the skepticism surrounding this change and explore the potential negatives of Squarespace as a website development platform. Additionally, we'll discuss alternative domain hosting options, including Cloudflare, and provide insights into the drawbacks of transferring domains to WordPress despite their generous offers.

Negatives of Squarespace

One of the primary drawbacks associated with Squarespace is its limited customisation options. While it offers a range of visually appealing templates, the extent to which these templates can be personalised is often restricted. This can be particularly problematic for businesses seeking unique branding and a distinct online identity. For agencies like Curly Bracket Media that pride themselves on crafting tailored websites, the constraints of Squarespace can hinder creativity and innovation.

Negatives of Squarespace (Continued)

While Squarespace offers e-commerce functionality, it might not be the most seamless option for businesses aiming to establish a robust online store. The e-commerce tools provided by Squarespace can be limited in terms of features and scalability. For larger businesses looking to expand their online operations, these limitations can pose significant challenges. The sudden acquisition of Google Domains by Squarespace has led to concerns about the long-term stability and viability of the platform. Changes in ownership and management can sometimes result in shifts in priorities and direction, potentially impacting the user experience and support quality. Businesses that rely on their websites for essential operations may be hesitant to entrust their domain hosting to a platform that has undergone such a significant change.

Moving Forward: Cloudflare as an Alternative

Considering the uncertainties associated with Squarespace, businesses in need of domain hosting alternatives should explore Cloudflare. Cloudflare offers robust domain management services, including domain registration, DNS management, and security features. Cloudflare boasts a global network of servers that enhance website speed and performance. This is crucial for providing a seamless user experience and positively impacting SEO rankings. Security is paramount in today's digital landscape. Cloudflare provides robust security features, including DDoS protection and SSL certification, helping safeguard websites and customer data. Cloudflare's infrastructure is designed to accommodate websites of all sizes. As businesses grow, Cloudflare's scalability ensures that the platform can handle increased traffic and demands.

Negatives of Moving Domains to WordPress

While WordPress may seem like an attractive alternative due to its popularity and offer to waive transfer fees, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks. WordPress can be intricate and overwhelming for users without technical expertise. The platform's learning curve might require additional time and resources for businesses to master. WordPress websites can be susceptible to security vulnerabilities if not properly maintained. Plugins and themes need regular updates to prevent potential breaches, so can you really trust a company that has such a widespread issue to be reliable for hosting domains?

Negatives of WordPress (Continued)

Unlike managed platforms, WordPress websites demand ongoing maintenance, including updates, backups, and troubleshooting. This can be time-consuming and divert resources from other business priorities. In the rapidly evolving world of website development, decisions regarding domain hosting can have lasting impacts on businesses. While the transition of Google Domains to Squarespace has raised concerns, it's essential for agencies like Curly Bracket Media to consider the drawbacks of Squarespace, including limitations in customisation, SEO, and e-commerce. Exploring alternatives like Cloudflare can provide businesses with reliable domain hosting services and advanced security features. Despite WordPress's offer to waive transfer fees, its complexity, security concerns, and maintenance demands may not make it the best option for businesses seeking a seamless and efficient website development experience.

Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, making an informed decision about domain hosting requires careful consideration of each platform's pros and cons, aligning with the unique needs and goals of the business.