Top SEO tips for Squarespace websites
Optimizing a Squarespace website for search engines can be a little different from other platforms, but it offers built-in SEO features that can be maximized with the right strategy. Here are some of the top SEO tips for Squarespace websites:
1. Descriptive Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Squarespace automatically generates page titles, but you should customize them to reflect targeted keywords. Tip: Customize these under Page Settings > SEO in Squarespace.
2. Optimize URLs
Use short and keyword-focused URLs. By default, Squarespace generates URLs from page titles, but you can edit them to be more SEO-friendly.
Avoid using numbers or special characters in the URLs.
Example: Use yourwebsite.com/services instead of yourwebsite.com/page123.
3. Use Heading Tags Strategically
H1 tags for the main title of each page and if possible only one H1 tag per page. This helps trusty Google understand what is important about your page.
Tip: You can style text as headers by selecting the appropriate heading level in the text editor.
4. Optimize Images
Make sure your images are web resolution before uploading them to keep your site speed fast.
Add descriptive filenames to images before uploading them as well, and use alt text with relevant keywords to improve accessibility.
Tip: Squarespace allows you to easily edit the alt text of images within the Image Editor.
5. Mobile Optimization
Ensure your site is mobile-responsive. Squarespace templates are mobile-friendly by default, but you should regularly test to ensure the site is functioning well.
Google places a strong emphasis on mobile-first indexing, meaning your site’s mobile performance directly affects rankings.
6. Add a Blog
Blogging is a great way to increase fresh content on your site. Each blog post allows you to target different keywords and create more pages for Google to index. I know we are all stretched thin as business owners but this is a big one.
Focus on delivering high-quality, valuable content.
7. Setup a Google Business Account/Profile
A Google Business Profile significantly boosts your visibility in local search results. When people search for businesses near them (e.g., “restaurants near me”), your business is more likely to appear in Google’s Local Search
Your Google Business Profile also improves your ranking for localized searches & increasing traffic to your website
10. Optimize for Local SEO
If you run a local business, optimize for local searches by including your business name, address, and phone number in the footer.
Add your business to Google My Business and embed a Google Map on your Squarespace website.
Adding a location page can also be great for local searching. This does not have to be visible in the main navigation but allows Google to push you to other local searchers.
11. Enable SSL
SSL certificates are a Google ranking factor and also boost user trust. Squarespace includes free SSL, so make sure it's enabled in Settings > Advanced > SSL.
12. Create a Sitemap and Use Google Search Console
Squarespace automatically generates an XML sitemap that you can submit to Google Search Console. This helps search engines crawl your site efficiently.
Squarespace automatically generates an XML sitemap for your site at yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. Submit this sitemap to Google Search Console to make sure your pages are indexed. HOW DO I DO THIS?
Tip: Access your sitemap by adding /sitemap.xml to your domain (e.g., yourwebsite.com/sitemap.xml).
13. Internal Links & Backlinks
Internal linking helps Google understand the structure of your site
Backlinks (to reputable sources) also build credibility and increase traffic.
14. Social Media Integration
Having a strong social presence can drive traffic to your website. Squarespace has built-in social media integration tools, which allow you to link your recent posts which also let’s google know new content has been added.
