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If you’re hosting your website on Flywheel and your domain’s DNS is managed through Squarespace, pointing a subdomain (like app.yourdomain.com) to your Flywheel site is a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps and SEO considerations to ensure a smooth setup.

Step 1: Get the Necessary DNS Records from Flywheel

Flywheel provides specific DNS records that you’ll need to configure in Squarespace. Here’s how to access them:

1. Log into your Flywheel dashboard.
2. Select the site you want to connect.
3. Go to the Domains tab.
4. You will see DNS records for your subdomain, such as the A record (which contains the IP address) and possibly a CNAME record.

Example DNS Records from Flywheel:

• A Record: Points to Flywheel’s IP address (e.g., 151.101.66.159).
• CNAME Record: For subdomains like www.app, points to app.yourdomain.com.

Step 2: Access DNS Settings in Squarespace

Now that you have the DNS records from Flywheel, log into your Squarespace account to update your DNS settings:

1. Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the Domains settings.
2. Select the domain you wish to update (e.g., yourdomain.com).
3. Click on DNS Settings to add or edit the necessary records.

Step 3: Add the Flywheel DNS Records in Squarespace

Using the DNS records from Flywheel, add them to your domain settings on Squarespace:

• A Record:
  • Host/Label: app (or your subdomain name).
  • Points to: The IP address provided by Flywheel (e.g., 151.101.66.159).
• CNAME Record (Optional):
  • Host/Label: www.app (or similar subdomain).
  • Points to: app.yourdomain.com.

Make sure to save your changes. It may take up to 48 hours for the DNS changes to propagate across the web.

Step 4: Verify the Subdomain Connection

Once your DNS changes have propagated, go back to Flywheel and confirm that your subdomain is correctly pointed:

1. In your Flywheel dashboard, go to the Domains tab.
2. Verify that the subdomain (e.g., app.yourdomain.com) is properly connected and active.

SEO Considerations for Subdomains

Using a subdomain like app.yourdomain.com can offer SEO advantages, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Separate SEO Authority: Google treats subdomains as separate entities from the main domain. This means your subdomain will build its own SEO authority, which can be advantageous if the content differs significantly from the main site.
2. Consistent Branding: Ensure that your subdomain’s content is relevant and aligns with the rest of your brand to avoid confusing users or search engines.
3. Avoid Duplicate Content: Make sure the content on your subdomain isn’t duplicated on the main domain. Duplicate content can hurt SEO rankings.
4. SSL Certificates: Ensure your subdomain is secured with SSL (HTTPS). Flywheel provides free SSL certificates, so enable it to boost both security and SEO rankings.

Need Help? Hire Us at CirclesWP!

If you’re unsure about how to set up your DNS settings or want expert help with your website, CirclesWP is here for you. We specialize in full-service WordPress management, from hosting and DNS setup to custom design and SEO optimization.

Contact us today and let us handle all the technical details so you can focus on growing your business.