Squarespace and Wix Start Sending Expired Domains to GoDaddy Auctions

In a significant development within the domain name industry, two leading website builder platforms, Squarespace and Wix, have begun auctioning their expired domain inventories through GoDaddy Auctions. This strategic move marks a new chapter for both companies as they seek to monetize their domain assets more effectively.

Background of Squarespace and Wix

Squarespace and Wix are two of the most popular site-building platforms available today. They enable users to create websites easily, often without needing extensive technical knowledge. As of now, Squarespace has emerged as a major player in the domain registration market. The company acquired Google Domains in September 2023, positioning itself as the fifth-largest domain registrar in terms of .com domains under management.

As of March 2025, Squarespace managed over 8 million .com domains. This impressive figure includes domains registered through Google Domains and those created by customers who utilized Squarespace’s website-building services. On the other hand, Wix, which is also a top registrar, oversees approximately 3 million .com domains, primarily registered by individuals intending to create websites.

The Transition to GoDaddy Auctions

Before this recent development, the only way to capture expiring domains from Squarespace and Wix was to wait for them to go through a pending delete process. This process often meant that potential buyers had to be patient and vigilant, as expiring domains could only be acquired after they were officially deleted from the registrar’s inventory.

However, with the collaboration between Squarespace, Wix, and GoDaddy Auctions, the landscape of expired domain acquisition has changed. This partnership allows users to bid on expired domains directly, providing a more streamlined and efficient process for domain investors and buyers.

Why This Change Matters

The decision to auction expired domains through GoDaddy is particularly noteworthy for several reasons:

• Increased Revenue Streams: By auctioning expired domains, Squarespace and Wix can create additional revenue streams. This is especially relevant now that private equity investors own Squarespace, making financial performance a priority.
• Enhanced User Experience: Allowing users to bid on expired domains directly improves the overall user experience. It provides a more transparent and accessible way for individuals and businesses to acquire valuable domain names.
• Market Dynamics: The auctioning of expired domains can lead to increased competition among buyers, potentially driving up the prices of desirable domain names. This can benefit both the registrars and the sellers.

Impact on the Domain Name Industry

This collaboration is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the domain name industry. As more registrars recognize the potential for monetizing expired domains, we may see similar partnerships emerging. The traditional methods of acquiring expiring domains could become less common as the auction model gains traction.

Moreover, this shift may encourage more domain investors to participate in auctions, leading to a more dynamic marketplace. As buyers become more aware of the opportunities presented by expired domains, the demand for such domains may increase, further shaping the industry’s landscape.

Conclusion

The decision by Squarespace and Wix to send their expired domains to GoDaddy Auctions marks a significant evolution in the domain name registration and auctioning process. This partnership not only opens up new revenue opportunities for both companies but also enhances the user experience for domain buyers. As the industry adapts to these changes, it will be interesting to observe how other registrars respond and whether this auction model becomes the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Note: The domain name industry is constantly evolving, and developments such as these can significantly impact how domains are bought and sold.