10 Essential Squarespace Tips for Small Business Owners in 2024

Why these Squarespace tips matter in 2024

Squarespace remains one of the fastest ways for small businesses to build a professional online presence. In 2024 customers expect fast-loading pages, clear mobile experiences, strong local search visibility, and smooth buying flows. Below you’ll find 10 actionable Squarespace tips focused on design, SEO, commerce, and performance - each with step-by-step actions you can apply today.

Tip 1 - Start with the right template and site structure (Squarespace 7.1)

Why it matters: A good foundation saves time and improves conversions.

Action steps:

• Use Squarespace 7.1 (most sites are on it); it provides a single, flexible template system where content is separated from design.
• Choose a template with the layout closest to your needs (e.g., galleries for creatives, commerce layouts for stores). This reduces heavy restructuring.
• Plan your navigation - prioritize 5–7 top-level pages (Home, Products/Services, About, Contact, Blog/Resources, FAQ).
• Use Sections per page for scannable content - a clear hierarchy helps both users and SEO.

Quick win: Duplicate your homepage (Page -> Settings -> Duplicate) before making big changes so you can revert.

References: Squarespace support on templates and pages: https://support.squarespace.com/

Tip 2 - Make your site fast and mobile-first

Why it matters: Mobile users and Core Web Vitals affect rankings and conversions.

Action steps:

• Use optimized images - upload images at appropriate pixel sizes, enable Squarespace’s built-in image compression, and use square or 3:2 aspect ratios consistently.
• Avoid huge background videos; if you need video, host on Vimeo/YouTube and embed, or use a short optimized video.
• Limit third‑party scripts (widgets, tracking pixels). Add only essential ones via Code Injection.
• Preview and tweak mobile layout in Site Styles and Page Editor - adjust spacing and font sizes for small screens.

Tools to check speed: Google PageSpeed Insights and Chrome DevTools. See Google’s Core Web Vitals guidance: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/essentials/core-web-vitals

Tip 3 - Convert with clearer calls-to-action (CTAs) and layouts

Why it matters: Design choices directly influence whether visitors take action.

Action steps:

• Use a single primary CTA above the fold (e.g., Book Now, Shop All, Get a Quote). Use contrasting color from your palette for the button.
• Reduce choice overload on key pages - keep the product grid, service list or pricing plans simple.
• Add directional cues - whitespace, arrows, or short headlines that lead the eye to the CTA.
• Use social proof nearby CTAs - client logos, star ratings, short testimonials.

Example: On a services page, include a short 3-step process + CTA (Step 1: Book call - Step 2: Get plan - Step 3: Launch) to reduce friction.

Tip 4 - Master Squarespace SEO basics (metadata, slugs, and internal links)

Why it matters: The right on-page SEO helps prospects find you organically.

Action steps:

• Set unique Page Titles and Meta Descriptions for every page (SEO panel on each page). Keep titles ~50–60 characters and descriptions ~120–160 characters.
• Optimize slugs - make them short and keyword-oriented (e.g., /plumbing-services or /handmade-candles).
• Use H1 once per page; use H2/H3 to structure content. Headings help both users and search engines.
• Add descriptive alt text to all images (briefly describe the image and, when appropriate, include a keyword naturally).
• Build internal links between blog posts, product pages, and service pages to pass relevance and guide users.
• Connect your site to Google Search Console and submit a sitemap (Squarespace provides a sitemap at /sitemap.xml).

References: Google’s SEO Starter Guide: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/beginner/seo-starter-guide

Tip 5 - Use Local SEO strategies for brick-and-mortar businesses

Why it matters: Local searches generate highly-intent traffic and footfall.

Action steps:

• Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (business hours, categories, photos). https://www.google.com/business/
• Add LocalBusiness schema (JSON-LD) with your name, address, phone, opening hours and geo coordinates. You can add JSON-LD in Settings -> Advanced -> Code Injection (Header or Footer). Example snippet below.
• Create a clear Contact/Location page with an embedded Google Map, directions, and parking details.
• Encourage reviews and reply promptly - reviews improve visibility and conversions.

Sample LocalBusiness JSON-LD (edit with your info):

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LocalBusiness",
  "name": "Your Business Name",
  "image": "https://example.com/logo.png",
  "telephone": "+1-555-555-5555",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Main St",
    "addressLocality": "City",
    "addressRegion": "State",
    "postalCode": "12345",
    "addressCountry": "US"
  },
  "url": "https://yourdomain.com",
  "openingHoursSpecification": [
    {
      "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
      "dayOfWeek": ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"],
      "opens": "09:00",
      "closes": "17:00"
    }
  ]
}

References: Schema.org LocalBusiness: https://schema.org/LocalBusiness

Tip 6 - Build trust: reviews, policies, and clear contact options

Why it matters: Trust removes friction and increases conversions.

Action steps:

• Add a Testimonials section with verified quotes and photos where possible.
• Add a simple, accessible Contact page with phone, email, contact form, and working hours. Use the Squarespace Form block and link it to email + Google Sheets if needed.
• Publish Privacy Policy, Terms of Service and Returns/Shipping pages if you sell products. Display links in the footer.
• Implement a clear returns and shipping policy for commerce sites - include expected timelines and costs.

Tip 7 - Optimize your Squarespace Commerce setup

Why it matters: Small mistakes in product setup can cost sales.

Action steps:

• Use clear product photography (consistent background and dimensions) and include multiple images per product.
• Write concise, benefit-driven product descriptions and include SKU/variant controls.
• Configure payment options (Squarespace Payments, Stripe, PayPal) and set up tax and shipping correctly (Commerce -> Payments & Commerce settings).
• Enable cart recovery emails and promotions - Squarespace provides abandoned cart recovery in Commerce plans.
• Offer simple discounts and bundles using the built-in Discounts and Promotions tools.

References: Squarespace Commerce guide: https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us/categories/115000081547-Commerce

Tip 8 - Use email marketing and customer segments

Why it matters: Email gives the best ROI for nurturing leads and repeat sales.

Action steps:

• Use Squarespace Email Campaigns (built-in) or connect your preferred provider. Segment lists by product interest, purchase history or location.
• Add a simple, incentive-based signup (e.g., 10% off for new subscribers) near the footer and as a site banner.
• Automate welcome sequences, post-purchase follow-ups, and re-engagement emails.

Reference: Squarespace Email Campaigns: https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us/articles/360056615594-Email-Campaigns

Tip 9 - Track and analyze: Google Analytics 4 + Squarespace Metrics

Why it matters: Measurement tells you what’s working and what needs fixing.

Action steps:

• Install Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and link to Search Console. In Squarespace - Settings -> Advanced -> External Services.
• Use Squarespace Metrics for quick site-level insight (traffic sources, popular pages, product performance).
• Track conversions - set up GA4 events for purchases, form submissions, and newsletter signups.
• Monitor site search (if you use the built-in search) to learn what visitors look for and create content to meet demand.

References: Google Analytics and Search Console docs: https://support.google.com/analytics

Tip 10 - Accessibility and legal compliance

Why it matters: Accessible sites reach more customers and reduce legal risk.

Action steps:

• Add alt text to images, use readable font sizes (16px+ for body), and ensure sufficient color contrast (use tools like WebAIM contrast checker).
• Make forms accessible - label fields clearly, provide error messages and keyboard-focusable elements.
• Have a cookie/consent notice if you target EU users (GDPR) and document data handling in your Privacy Policy.

References: WebAIM accessibility basics: https://webaim.org/

2024 Squarespace checklist (quick)

• Pick a 7.1 template and structure navigation.
• Optimize images and review Core Web Vitals.
• Set unique titles, descriptions and meaningful slugs.
• Add LocalBusiness schema if you serve a local area.
• Enable cart recovery and configure payments correctly.
• Connect GA4 + Search Console and enable Email Campaigns.
• Add accessibility improvements and legal pages.

Helpful tools and integrations

• Google Search Console & PageSpeed Insights - SEO & performance
• Canva or Adobe Express - quick graphic creation
• Google Business Profile - local presence
• Stripe / PayPal - payment processing via Squarespace
• Zapier - connect Squarespace forms to CRMs or Google Sheets

Final notes - iteratively improve

Your Squarespace site is never “done.” Use data from analytics, customer feedback, and speed tests to iterate monthly. Start with the high-impact items above (mobile experience, CTAs, commerce settings, and SEO basics), then move into deeper optimizations like schema markup and email automation.

Further reading and support

• Squarespace Help Center: https://support.squarespace.com/
• Google SEO Starter Guide: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/beginner/seo-starter-guide
• Schema.org: https://schema.org/
• WebAIM accessibility resources: https://webaim.org/