Squarespace is an excellent platform. The content management system is easy to use, the templates are wonderful, and it has a comprehensive set of features, such as e-commerce functionality.
But the thing is, the aspects of optimizing a Squarespace website are not always as straightforward. To know more, check out this Squarespace review.
In this post, we will talk about the steps that you can take so you can optimize the performance of your Squarespace site:
Optimize your domain name
If you have not bought a domain yet, then think of the following possibilities:
● Make use of words that will perfectly describe your domain name.
● Register it for years in advance. This will help boost your rankings on the search since a lot of sites are only short-lived.
● Pick a country-level domain. For instance, if you live in the UK, you can opt for .co.uk.
Insert your keywords strategically
Squarespace provides you with fields to insert your keywords. Also, because Squarespace mentions that they are already “optimized” for search engines, then it is already an advantage for you.
So, if the industry you are in is not competitive, then there is a high chance of showing up on your keywords and keyword-related phrases.
Also, ensure that you insert your keywords on the page title, headers, and subheaders. There should be enough keywords sprinkled around your content, as well.
Doing so increases the chances of your web page to rank for relevant keywords.
Simplify your URLs
Google recommends that your URL structure should be kept simple. So, you might want to consider simplifying your URLs.
To increase readability, utilize hyphens between words. Removing any unnecessary words makes your URLs shorter and easier to read.
It will also be easier to share your URLs on social networks, especially on those that have a character limit such as Twitter.
Start a blog
You can also add a blog to your Squarespace website. Blogging regularly allows search engines to see that your website is active.
Even if you are not a blogger or own a small business, adding a blog page in your site and regularly updating it when relevant content can have a positive impact on your SEO efforts. Not to mention that it allows you to build your brand.
Reduce loading speed
If you have been reading a lot about SEO lately, then you are probably aware that fast-loading sites are preferred over slow-loading ones. This also explains why websites with fast loading speed are prioritized when it comes to search results.
So, if you are a user of Squarespace, you know that your options are limited, simply because of the fact that it is a hosted solution. You have very little control over code and templates, and virtually none when it comes to servers.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to ensure that your site has a fast loading speed. For instance, if you are using a lot of HD images, then it can significantly slow your website down. Ideally, try to keep your image size under 5MB.
Localize your website
If you are targeting an international market, then it is highly likely that you want to reach more people. That’s why it is also vital to have your site translated.
There are various translation services in the market. Some of them can be too expensive or would take too long to implement.
You can use a tool called GTranslate, which automatically translates all your site pages without any limitations to the word count. Not only you will be able to translate, but you could also localize the content of your site based on their needs.
Enable SSL
Back in 2014, Google announced that they want to see HTTPS everywhere. Meaning sites, with an SSL, or a Secured Socket Layer, will be prioritized over non-secure ones on search engine results. That’s precisely why you need one.
When an SSL is enabled, the custom URL of a site will usually start with an HTTPS. Meaning, every visitor could access every page of your website through secured connections.
Search engines consider SSL vital and will likely penalize a site that does not have them enabled.
If you are a bit unsure whether you enabled your SSL or not, you can check with the SSL panel and check if it is placed on a Secure setting.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. The tips above are not only applied in Squarespace websites but for virtually every web host.
Depending on your industry, it can be challenging to rank for your target keywords. But that should not stop you from optimizing your Squarespace website. That’s because search engine optimization is what can help your website to be visible online.
If you follow the tips listed above, it will be easy for you to optimize your Squarespace site.
