44,000 domains from Google Domains (so far) — WordPress gains

WordPress.com will pay for up to one million domain transfers.

On August 1, WordPress.com disclosed that it is offering free transfers for anyone who had their domains at Google Domains. WordPress creator Matt Mullenweg told Reglike today that 44,000 free transfers have occurred so far.

In June, Google disclosed it was selling its domains business to Squarespace for $180 million. WordPress.com wants to capture part of those domains, in part since it doesn’t like the idea of a rival and proprietary web builder getting more market share.

So, it’s offering to foot the bill for up to one million domain transfers ahead of the transition to Squarespace. Domain transfers include one-year renewals and typically cost registrants regarding the same as a renewal or fresh registration.

WordPress promises to keep prices in check following people move domains to its registrar and that its prices will be the same or lower than Google Domains. It states it will only increase prices if wholesale prices go up.

Squarespace has only promised to honor Google Domain’s prices for a year. Squarespace typically charges $20 a year for domains; Google charges $12 for most domains.

Former Google Domains client Marc Mojica took advantage of the offer to transfer 206 domains to WordPress. He saved at least $2,472 at Google Domains’ current prices.

Google Domains has regarding 10 million domains under management. The deal with Squarespace is expected to close by the end of the year.