Beginner’s Guide to Squarespace SEO: Everything You Need to Know

July 25, 2024 Pattamon Dezest

So you've got a stunning Squarespace site, but you’re wondering why your beautifully designed Squarespace site isn’t showing up on Google. Frustrating, right? You might be thinking, "Is Squarespace even good for SEO? You’re not alone! Many creative business owners hit this wall, wondering if Squarespace is holding them back or if there’s some secret sauce to SEO that they’re missing.

Here's the real deal: SEO success isn't just about the platform you use but It's about making sure your awesome content gets seen by the right people. It depends on how well you optimize your site and your content. And yes, Squarespace can totally work for SEO if you know how to play the game.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential SEO tips for your Squarespace site. Let’s dive in!

What is SEO?

Now, what exactly is SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In simple terms, It's a way to help your website appear when people search for things. When someone types a query related to your business into the search bar, you want your website to appear on the first page of results. Why? Because people rarely look beyond the first few results. If your site isn’t there, you’re missing out on a ton of potential traffic and potential clients. You can read Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO to learn more about the basics of SEO.

Understanding User Intent

THE IMPORTANT OF USER INTENT

First things first, let’s talk about user intent. User intent is basically the purpose behind a user’s search query. Understanding this can significantly boost your SEO strategy because it helps you align your content with what your audience is actually looking for.

Imagine you're a business coach. Potential clients might search for "how to start an online business" or "business coaching for entrepreneurs." These queries show a clear intent that users are looking for guidance and services on how to start and grow their businesses. By tailoring your content to meet these needs, you can attract more relevant traffic and convert visitors into clients.

HOW TO IDENTIFY USER INTENT

Now, to identify user intent you need to start with keyword research. Tools like Google Trends, Ahrefs, and Semrush can help you discover what terms your audience is using. Paying attention to social media conversations and forum discussions can give you insights into the language and questions your potential clients use. This allows you to create content that specifically targets their needs and concerns.

Keyword Research

IDENTIFYING KEYWORDS

Keyword research is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. Long-tail keywords, which are longer and more specific phrases, are extremely valuable because they often show a higher level of user intent with less competition.

For example, instead of trying to rank for a broad term like "business coaching," aim for more specific phrases like "business coaching for online entrepreneurs". This long-tail keyword not only attracts more qualified traffic but also help you stand out in a crowded market.

I recommend keyword research tools like Ubersuggest (perfect for beginners). You can start by typing in keywords that are relevant to your topics or services. Look for the keywords that have a high monthly search volume and low competition. This will give you a better chance to rank on Google.

Strategic Keyword Placement

Once you have your keywords, it’s important to place them strategically throughout your content. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Site Title Include relevant keywords to your site title. Keep it concise, ideally under 60 characters. To edit your site title, go to Edit Site Header and then Site Title & Logo.

Site Description: This site description will be shown underneath your site title on search results. It’s your homepage’s meta description. To add your site description, go to the Marketing tab and SEO Appearance.

Page Titles and Headings: Include your primary keyword in the title and use variations in your headings (H1, H2, H3).
Meta Descriptions: Add compelling meta descriptions that include your main keywords naturally to each page of your website. These provide a brief summary of your page content. Aim for around 70-150 characters to make sure that they aren’t cut off in search results. To add meta descriptions, click on the gear icon next to the page you want to edit, and click SEO.

First Paragraph: Mention your primary keyword within the first 100 words of your post.
Throughout the Content: Sprinkle keywords throughout your content, but make sure they fit naturally into your copy.

Avoiding Keyword Stuffing: While keywords are essential, overloading your content with them (known as keyword stuffing) can do more harm than good. Google’s algorithms are smart enough to recognize and penalize this tactic. Focus instead on creating high-quality, engaging content that naturally includes your keywords.

Optimized URLs: Your page URLs should be descriptive and keyword-rich. Separate words using dashes and avoid using filling words. For example, instead of using a URL like https://beecreativedesign.com/blog/xyz=abc123&cat=5, opt for something like https://beecreativedesign.com/blog/squrespace-seo-tips
Image File Name

Descriptive File Names: Rename image files with descriptive names before uploading them. Add your target keyword at the beginning of the name and use hyphens between words.
Alt Text: Use alt text to describe what the image is about, include your business name and keywords where appropriate.

Content Structuring for SEO

USE OF HEADINGS

Proper use of headings (H1, H2, H3) not only improves readability but also helps search engines understand the structure of your content. You should have only one H1 for each page, usually it’s your main title, and subheadings should be H2 or H3 tags. This hierarchy helps both visitors and search engines navigate your content more efficiently.

CREATING LONG-FORM CONTENT

Google favors in-depth, comprehensive content that provides real value to users. Aim for blog posts that are around 2,000 words. This length allows you to cover a topic thoroughly and include various subtopics, making your content more useful and engaging.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LINKING

Linking to other relevant content on your site (internal linking) helps search engines understand the connection between your pages and keeps visitors on your site longer. Make sure to also link your site to high-authority websites (external linking) to add value and credibility to your content.

Essential SEO Tools

SCHEMA MARKUP

Schema markup helps search engines understand the context of your content and improve your site’s visibility in search results with rich snippets such as star ratings and price details. Below is an example of rich snippets.

Side Note: Squarespace automatically adds schema markup for your blog posts, products or your business information. However, you can manually add a custom schema. For example, if you’re a therapist offering services, you might use the “LocalBusiness” schema to highlight your business details.

Before adding any custom schema, I recommend you use Google’s Rich Results Test tool to test your page whether your Schema code is working. If everything looks fine without any errors, then you won’t need to add any schema.

Here’s a straightforward way to start adding schema markup to your Squarespace site:

Generate the Markup Code: Use an online tool like Google's Structured Data Markup Helper You can input your content and this tool will automatically create the necessary markup code.

Add the Schema Code to Squarespace: Once you have your schema code, you can add it to your Squarespace website. The process is slightly different for pages, blog posts, and products.
- Adding Schema to Squarespace pages and blog posts
- Adding Schema to Squarespace products

Google Search Console

If you're serious about your Squarespace SEO, Google Search Console is your new best friend. This free tool from Google lets you monitor your website’s performance and gain insights into how search engines view your site.

Start by adding and verifying your Squarespace site in Google Search Console. Once you're in, you can see which keywords people are using to find you, check how your pages are performing, and identify any issues like crawling errors or security problems.

Creating a Google Business Profile

For small business owners, especially those that are local-based, setting up a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a must. It’s a free and easy way to improve your online presence, making it easier for potential clients to find and connect with you.

Start by claiming or creating your profile, then fill it out with detailed information about your business, including your address, phone number, website, and business hours. Don’t forget to add photos and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews. This not only boosts your visibility in local searches but also builds credibility and trust with potential customers.

Don’t forget to pin it to Pinterest!

Optimizing for User Experience

MOBILE OPTIMIZATION: WHERE FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

Let’s talk about the essentials that often get overlooked but make a huge difference in how your site performs, mobile optimization These days, everyone is on their phones, so if your Squarespace site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out big time. Plus, Google loves mobile-friendly sites, so this can give your SEO a nice boost. Luckily, Squarespace offers a built-in mobile optimization feature. You can optimize the mobile version of your site by selecting Mobile View editor and making sure that your site looks good on any device.

SITE SPEED

Nobody likes a slow website. In fact, most people will bounce if a page takes more than a few seconds to load. Site speed is important not just for keeping your visitors happy but also for your SEO. Google considers site speed as a ranking factor, so a faster site can mean better visibility in search results. Make sure your site loads quickly by minimizing custom code and optimizing images for faster loading time. Compress images using tools like TinyPNG or Image Compressor to ensure fast loading time without sacrificing quality.

TIPS: I recommend using free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your site speed. Simply enter your website URL into one of these tools, and you'll get insights on how fast your site loads and specific suggestions to make it even faster.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) ensures that any data transferred between your site and your users is encrypted and safe. You know that little padlock icon in the browser bar? That’s SSL in action. Not only does it protect sensitive information, but it also builds trust with your visitors. Google also favors secure sites, so having SSL can give your SEO a little nudge in the right direction. Squarespace provides free SSL certificates. Make sure your site is secure by enabling SSL in your site settings.

CUSTOM 404 PAGE: A SECOND CHANCE TO IMPRESS

Even with the best intentions, visitors might still encounter a 404 error on your site. A custom 404 page is your chance to turn a potential dead-end into an opportunity. Instead of the default error message, design a 404 page that reflects your brand’s personality. Include a friendly message, helpful navigation links, and perhaps even a search bar or a call to action. This not only helps visitors find what they’re looking for but also keeps them engaged on your site.

FIXING BROKEN LINKS

Nothing frustrates visitors more than clicking on a link only to land on a “Page Not Found” error. Broken links not only create a poor user experience but also hurt your SEO. Google sees broken links as a sign that a site might be neglected, which can negatively impact your ranking.

Regularly check your site for broken links and fix them promptly. If you change the URL of a page, set up a 301 redirect to guide visitors from the old URL to the new one. Go to your Squarespace dashboard and search for URL Mappings. This simple step helps maintain the flow of traffic and keeps both your visitors and search engines happy.

Keeping Your Content Fresh and Engaging

REGULAR CONTENT UPDATES

Keeping your site updated is super important. It’s not just about adding new posts, go back to older posts, update them with fresh insights, and tweak them for new keywords. This keeps your site relevant and engaging, showing both your audience and search engines that you're active and up-to-date.

BOOSTING USER INTERACTION

Encouraging comments and engaging with your readers can make a big difference. It’s about building a community and keeping your site lively. Plus, interacting with your audience can add fresh content and different perspectives. It’s a simple, effective way to keep your site interactive.

To turn on comments in Squarespace, follow these steps:

Go to your Squarespace dashboard and select the post where you want to enable comments.
Click on the three dots next to the post and settings
In the settings menu, navigate to the "Options"
Toggle the Comments section to enable comments.

Final Thoughts

Remember, SEO is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Keep refining your content, monitor your site's performance, and stay updated with the latest SEO trends. And don't forget that a well-designed website is the foundation of good SEO. After all, search engines love websites that offer a great user experience. By following these tips, you can create a vibrant, professional online presence that attracts and retains visitors. If you're ready to take your Squarespace site to the next level, start implementing these strategies today!

FAQs Related to Squarespace SEO

1. Is Squarespace Good for SEO?

Absolutely, Squarespace can be great for SEO! While it might not be as flexible as some other platforms, it offers plenty of built-in SEO tools from customizable meta tags to clean URL structures. Just remember, SEO is also about content and consistency, keep things fresh and relevant!

2. How Do I Add SEO Keywords to My Squarespace Website?

Adding SEO keywords to your Squarespace site is easier than it sounds! Simply add your keywords into your page titles, descriptions, and even in your image alt texts. Think about the terms your audience is searching for and use those naturally in your content. Make sure that your site is clear and relevant to both people and search engines.

3. Can You Rank High on Google with a Squarespace Website?

Yes, you can totally rank high on Google with a Squarespace site! The secret sauce? Focus on creating quality content and include strategically your main keywords throughout your site. Make sure your site is mobile-optimized, and don't forget to set up Google Search Console to keep track of your progress.

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Welcome to my corner of the web! I’m Pat, a passionate Squarespace website designer dedicated to helping creative entrepreneurs confidently launch their websites and book more clients. My goal is to empower you to create a digital presence that not only captivates your ideal clients but also converts visitors into loyal customers. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing site or start from scratch, I'm here to guide you every step of the way

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