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Why 85% of Squarespace Websites Don’t Rank on Google: The SEO Basics You Can’t Ignore
If you’ve ever wondered why your beautifully designed Squarespace website isn’t showing up on Google, you’re not alone. Despite being one of the most popular website builders, 85% of Squarespace sites fail to rank due to overlooked SEO basics. But here’s the good news: it’s not the platform—it’s how the platform is used.
Let’s debunk common myths, explore where Squarespace struggles, and, most importantly, uncover how you can turn your website into an SEO powerhouse.
Don’t forget to pin it.
Debunking Common Squarespace SEO Myths
1. Squarespace's page speed scores will hold you back.
It’s true: Squarespace doesn’t always score highly on page speed audits. However, page speed only accounts for ~3% of Google’s ranking factors (source: First Page Sage).
The real key? Focus on what matters most:
Regularly post high-quality, keyword-rich blog content.
Optimise titles and metadata to include your target keywords.
Show Google you’re an expert in your niche.
2. Squarespace websites don’t rank well on Google.
The most common reason Squarespace sites don’t rank is simple: they’re not connected to Google Search Console.
Without telling Google you’re ready to be ranked, it’s like opening a shop and forgetting to put up an ‘open’ sign.
Actionable tip: Connect your site to Google Search Console ASAP—it’s free, easy, and essential.
3. Squarespace isn’t good for blogging.
Unless you’re publishing hundreds of articles daily, Squarespace provides all the blogging tools you need. From formatting to SEO settings, it’s an excellent platform for creating high-quality content that ranks.
According to the Search Engine Journal, Squarespace’s page speed is improving faster than any other website builder
Why Squarespace Websites Struggle with SEO
While Squarespace is a powerful platform, there are a few common pitfalls:
Default Settings Aren’t Optimised:
Metadata (like page titles and descriptions) is often overlooked. Without it, Google has little idea what your page is about.
Missing Google Search Console Connection:
As mentioned, this step is critical for telling Google your site exists.
Poor Use of Keywords:
Many websites fail to strategically integrate keywords into titles, headers, and copy.
Lack of Regular Content Updates:
Google prioritises fresh, high-quality content. Sites without blogs or regular updates can appear stagnant.
How to Boost Your Squarespace SEO Today
If you’re ready to improve your rankings, here are five steps you can take today:
Connect to Google Search Console:
Optimise Metadata:
Update your page titles and descriptions to include target keywords.
Add Alt Text to Images:
Describe your images using relevant keywords to improve accessibility and SEO.
Improve Mobile Responsiveness:
Check your site’s design on mobile devices and make tweaks or adjustments if needed.
Start Blogging:
Publish regular, high-quality posts to show Google you’re active and relevant.
Why Squarespace is a Great Choice
Despite some misconceptions, Squarespace remains one of the best platforms for creating a professional, visually stunning, and user-friendly website. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible to those without technical expertise, while its powerful features—including built-in SEO tools, integrated blogging capabilities, and mobile-responsive templates—provide a solid foundation for building your online presence.
When used correctly, Squarespace can compete with any other platform in terms of search engine performance. The key lies in understanding and implementing the right strategies to help your site stand out. Connecting your site to Google Search Console, optimising metadata, publishing high-quality content, and ensuring your site is mobile-friendly are all critical steps.
Moreover, Squarespace continually evolves to meet the demands of modern SEO, with improvements in page speed and integrations like SEOSpace, a plugin designed specifically to enhance the platform’s SEO functionality. For wellness practitioners, in particular, Squarespace offers a seamless way to showcase your expertise through beautiful design, robust content tools, and the ability to grow your audience with minimal stress.
Ultimately, it’s not about the platform you choose—it’s about how you use it. With a clear strategy and the right guidance, Squarespace can be the perfect partner to help you achieve your business goals and connect with your ideal clients.
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Sam Ferguson is a website designer and SEO specialist for nutritionists, functional medicine practitioners, and women in wellness. With a unique blend of industry insight and technical expertise, Sam helps clients create impactful websites that attract, engage, and convert. When she’s not designing, you’ll find her sharing practical digital marketing tips to help wellness professionals grow their online presence with confidence.