Squarespace SEO Essentials
A No-BS Guide for Non-Techies
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into the magical world of Squarespace SEO. But don’t worry—this isn’t some tech bro crash course. We’re keeping it chill, digestible, and jargon-free—like two friends chatting over coffee. Or wine. No judgment.
What Even Is SEO (And Why Should You Care)?
SEO = Search Engine Optimization. It’s the behind-the-scenes magic that helps your website show up when someone Googles the stuff you offer.
Let’s be real: the most beautiful website in the world is totally useless if nobody can find it.
Think about your own Googling habits. When you’re looking for something, you probably click one of the first 3–5 results, right? Be honest—when was the last time you went to page 2?
That’s why SEO matters. It’s not about “gaming the system.” It’s about helping people who are already searching for you to actually find you.
Squarespace + SEO = A Match Made in (Tech) Heaven
Here’s the good news: Squarespace already handles a bunch of the technical SEO stuff for you. It’s built to be Google-friendly straight out of the box.
That means you don’t need to stress over:
✅ Mobile responsiveness (Google loves mobile-friendly sites)
✅ Clean code (Squarespace has squeaky clean markup)
✅ Fast load speeds (generally solid unless you go wild with oversized images)
✅ HTTPS security (that little padlock in the browser bar = handled)
So you’ve already won half the SEO battle just by being on Squarespace. Now let’s talk about what you actually need to do.
The Only SEO Basics You Actually Need to Know
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to nail SEO on Squarespace. Here's the stuff that actually moves the needle:
1. Keywords: Just Talk Like Your Customers Talk
Keywords = the phrases your dream clients type into Google.
How to do it (the chill way):
Think about what your ideal client would literally Google.
Use those exact phrases naturally in your website content.
Don’t stuff or overthink it—Google’s smart, and your readers are smarter.
Quick action steps:
Write down 5–10 search phrases. (e.g. Squarespace website designer Austria, DIY website help)
Plug them into Ubersuggest to check search volume.
Choose 1–2 key phrases per page and use them in your headlines, copy, and image descriptions.
💡 Real-life example: If you're a wedding photographer in Austin, use phrases like “Austin wedding photographer” or “natural light wedding photography Austin TX.”
2. Title Tags & Meta Descriptions: Your Mini Billboards on Google
These are what show up in search results. Basically your one-shot elevator pitch.
Where to add them:
Go to the page
Click “⚙️ Settings”
Then go to the “SEO” tab
Quick tips:
Page Title: Use your main keyword + your biz name (keep it under 60 characters)
Meta Description: Write a juicy 1–2 sentence summary that makes people want to click (under 160 characters)
Seriously, this alone can boost your traffic by 30%+. Don’t skip it.
3. Image SEO: Because Google Can’t See Pics (Yet)
Google can’t “see” your images unless you tell it what they are.
Easy fixes:
Before uploading: Rename your image files with descriptive names
Bad:
IMG_23984.jpgGood:
handmade-ceramic-mug-austria.jpg
After uploading: Add alt text (that little description box for each image).
Just describe the image in plain language (include a keyword if it fits naturally)
This helps with SEO and accessibility. Win-win.
4. Internal Linking: Be a Helpful Human GPS
Internal links = links from one page of your site to another. They help Google (and people) understand how your site fits together.
How to use them like a boss:
Link blog posts to your services
Link services to related services
Use actual phrases (e.g. “view my branding packages” instead of “click here”)
Think of internal links like little SEO hugs. Google loves ‘em.
5. Mobile Optimization: Don’t Look Like a Hot Mess on Phones
Most of your visitors are on mobile. If your site’s all over the place on smaller screens, Google’s gonna side-eye you.
What to do:
Check every page on both desktop and mobile. Borrow a friend’s phone too—it’s shocking how different stuff can look.
6. Create Content That Actually Answers Real Questions
The best SEO strategy? Be helpful. Seriously.
Ideas for non-techie content:
Blog posts answering FAQs in your niche
Detailed service descriptions (no vague fluff)
Add an FAQ section to key pages
Keep your content fresh—update things regularly
💡 One great blog post that solves a real problem will always beat ten keyword-stuffed nonsense posts.
Built-In Squarespace SEO Features You Might Be Sleeping On
Here’s what Squarespace already does for you:
✅ Automatic Sitemap
✅ Structured Data for Events/Products
✅ SEO Settings Checklist (in Settings → SEO)
✅ Google Search Console integration (Settings → Advanced → External Services)
Honestly? These tools are gold. Use them.
Avoid These Common Squarespace SEO Mistakes
⚠️ Don’t let these trip you up:
Text in images – Google can’t read it. Keep important info as actual text.
Ugly URLs – Customize page slugs to be short, clean, and keyword-friendly.
Copy-pasting content across pages – It’s a no from Google.
No local SEO – If you serve a local area, mention your location a lot.
Ignoring mobile view – Test every page, always.
How to Know If Your SEO Is Actually Working
Track your results without needing a PhD:
Connect Google Search Console and Google Analytics
Check your traffic sources monthly (organic search = SEO gold)
Monitor keyword rankings with Ubersuggest or Google Search Console
Give it time—SEO is a long game. Results usually show up in 3–6 months.
Final Truth Bomb About SEO in 2025
Google’s smarter than ever. Old-school hacks and shortcuts? They’re toast.
The best strategy now is simple: Be the most helpful, user-friendly site in your niche.
Give value. Solve problems. Be the site people actually want to click.
TL;DR? Keep It Simple, Keep It Real.
No need to stress. You don’t have to master everything. Just:
Nail your titles and meta descriptions
Use keywords that make sense
Add that damn alt text
Link your pages together
Be helpful with your content
Do those things and you’re already ahead of 90% of folks out there.
Need a Boost? I’ve Got You.
Grab my Free Squarespace SEO Checklist PDF to make sure your site’s working its magic.
It’s everything in this post (plus a few spicy extras) wrapped up in one handy download.
👉 [Download the SEO Checklist]
Still stuck? Feeling like SEO is just a giant mystery wrapped in a riddle wrapped in Squarespace blocks?
I can help. I offer simple, no-fluff SEO tune-ups for Squarespace sites.
Slide into my inbox or check out my services. I’ll help you get found without losing your mind. 😉
