Another Google Service Falls - Squarespace Acquires Google Domains

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Google Domains



The post-COVID aftershocks are still in full swing. This time, the victim is Google Domains. It is always like walking on eggshells to cling on to anything Google that is not Search or Android. Google Domains used to be a quick way for anyone to not only purchase a domain but also build a website using various options, including Blogger and Google Sites.

In a surprise announcement on Friday, June 16th, Squarespace announced the takeover of Google Domains, including approximately 10 million domains. The transaction is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2023.

Squarespace also commits to honor existing customer pricing for at least 12 months. While this may not seem like a significant announcement considering a domain is typically registered for at least a year, it aims to ensure a seamless transfer of domains by leveraging Google's infrastructure.

The purchase will also see Squarespace becoming the exclusive partner for anyone looking to purchase a domain alongside Google Workspace domain. For existing customers, Squarespace says it will provide billing and support for Google Workspace customers who have already purchased domains through Google Domains. However, these customers will likely be forced to transition to Squarespace's billing once their subscription renewal arrives.

Squarespace is already huge in the Websites and Domains space. This addition would make it a formidable competitor to the likes of GoDaddy. This transition also means one less competitor in the Domains space.

ThoughtsUnboxed understands that Google's decision may have to do with trimming the fat. However, this may have far greater consequences down the road. With one less competitor, customers may face increased pricing. Moreover, Google Domains provided Google with a wealth of customer information related to the owners of those domains. It also kept the owner identity hidden by default. It remains uncertain if this would be a paid service moving forward. Meanwhile, Squarespace may be betting hard to compete with WordPress on the Websites front by providing more site-building tools and options. Recently, it included the ability to add a "Members Area" aka Subscription Service or Paywall to new and existing sites on its platform.

Sources:

Squarespace Annoucement


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