Short answer: Yes—you can absolutely keep your domain.
When you move your website or work with a new web designer (like Solid Ground), your domain name doesn’t need to change. It’s yours. But depending on where it’s registered, the process of connecting it to your new website can look a little different.
First, what is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is the company where your domain name (like yourchurch.org or smithplumbing.com) is registered and managed. Some popular ones include:
- NameCheap (our preferred registrar—affordable, reliable, and easy to manage)
- GoDaddy
- Google Domains (now absorbed by Squarespace)
- Squarespace / Wix / Shopify (yes, these platforms sometimes act as registrars too—but more on that in a moment)
When we build or relaunch a website, we’ll help you either log in to your current registrar or transfer the domain if needed.
How your domain gets connected
Once your new site is ready, there are a few common ways we connect the domain:
- Update Nameservers (most common): If you host your new site with Solid Ground, we point the domain’s nameservers to WP Engine’s, which takes over DNS management.
- Update A Record: We can also leave DNS where it is and just change the A record to point to your new website’s server.
- CNAME / Other Records: Sometimes we use a mix of DNS records (A, CNAME, TXT, MX, etc.)—especially when email or special services are involved.
We’ll choose the method that gives you the cleanest setup, minimizes downtime, and keeps email flowing smoothly.
What if my domain was purchased through Squarespace, Wix, or another website builder?
This is where things get a little more nuanced. These all-in-one platforms often act as third-party registrars. That means you can technically keep the domain with them, but it’s usually best to transfer it out to a standalone registrar like NameCheap.
Why?
- You’re no longer using their website builder—so you’re paying extra for something you don’t need.
- Their domain settings are often limited or locked down, making DNS edits frustrating.
- Transferring it to a full registrar gives you more flexibility and fewer headaches going forward.
If you’re unsure, we’ll help you make the call—and handle the transfer if it’s the right move.
What about email?
This is the one area where we tread carefully.
If your domain is currently connected to email (like through Google Workspace or Microsoft 365), we do not touch your email settings lightly.
Changing DNS or nameservers without preserving MX records, SPF, DKIM, or other email-specific records can disrupt delivery. That’s why we always review your email setup before making changes and back up critical records.
If you’re not using custom domain email yet, we can help you set it up as part of your new site package.
Choosing a new domain? We can help.
Sometimes, a project calls for a brand-new domain—maybe for an event, a campaign, or a fresh start. We’re happy to offer ideas and check availability. Solid Ground uses NameCheap because:
- There’s no hidden pricing
- Domains are easy to manage and renew
- Free domain privacy is included (no public contact info spam!)
It’s Your Domain—We Just Help You Use It
We believe in giving clients control—not locking things behind accounts you can’t access. Whether you already have a domain or need help getting one, we’ll make sure it’s securely in your name and pointed where it needs to go.
Have a domain question? Let’s talk.