Is Squarespace Good for SEO? Squarespace SEO Myths Debunked
Introduction
“Is Squarespace good for SEO?” — it’s a question that pops up time and time again in entrepreneur communities, creative business circles, and tech-savvy SEO forums alike.
If you've heard conflicting opinions like “Squarespace is bad for SEO” or “You can’t rank on Google with Squarespace”, you're not alone. With so much outdated or misleading information circulating online, it’s no wonder small business owners feel stuck when choosing a platform that looks beautiful and performs well on search engines.
In this article, we’ll debunk the biggest myths about Squarespace SEO, break down the facts with real data and insights, and help you understand if Squarespace is a smart choice for growing your organic search visibility. Whether you're already on the platform or considering switching to it, we’ll guide you through what works, what doesn't, and how to get the most SEO value from your site.
Spoiler Alert: It’s not about the platform — it’s about how you use it.
Table of Contents
Squarespace SEO Pros & Cons: Quick Comparison
| Strengths (Pros) | Weaknesses (Cons) |
|---|---|
| Built-in mobile-friendly design | Slower page load speed compared to some platforms |
| SSL, clean URLs, and structured templates included by default | Limited control over advanced SEO settings (e.g. schema markup, image optimization) |
| Simple interface for editing meta titles and descriptions | No plugin ecosystem like WordPress (Yoast, RankMath, etc.) |
| Responsive design and easy image integration | Certain templates may not follow SEO best practices (especially on Squarespace 7.0) |
| Great for non-technical users who want clean code and less maintenance | Lack of flexibility with blog post metadata and heading structures |
| Fast setup with integrated SEO checklist | Can’t customize every page type (e.g., tag/category SEO settings) |
This table gives a snapshot of the Squarespace SEO landscape in 2025 and beyond. While it’s not perfect, it’s far from the SEO nightmare that outdated blog posts suggest.
Is Squarespace Good for SEO: Key Takeaways
Squarespace is not inherently bad for SEO. With the right approach, it can rank just as well as other platforms.
Limitations exist, but they’re more about flexibility than core SEO capabilities.
User experience, speed, content quality, and backlinks matter more than your platform.
SEO settings on Squarespace are easy to manage, even without technical knowledge.
If SEO is a growth channel for your business, you’ll benefit from expert configuration and optimization — which is where our certified Squarespace SEO services come in.
Overview: Is Squarespace Good for SEO?
The short answer is yes — Squarespace can absolutely be good for SEO, when approached strategically.
Many of the negative claims around Squarespace SEO are rooted in outdated platform limitations or SEO tactics that aren’t tailored to how Squarespace actually works. The reality is, Squarespace includes all the foundational tools needed to rank in search engines — but success depends on how effectively those tools are used.
Since the release of version 7.1 and the availability of tools like SEOSpace — a plugin built specifically for Squarespace SEO optimization — the platform now competes more seriously with CMSs like WordPress, particularly for small businesses, service providers, and creative entrepreneurs.
So while Squarespace may not offer the same technical flexibility as custom-coded solutions, it’s far from being bad for SEO. In fact, it can be a highly effective platform when paired with the right strategy, content, and expert guidance.
Key Features Comparison
When evaluating whether Squarespace is good for SEO, it's important to look beyond surface-level opinions and examine the platform’s actual capabilities. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of how Squarespace performs across critical SEO features — what it gets right, where it falls short, and how those elements impact your site’s visibility.
| Feature | How Squarespace Performs | SEO Impact |
|---|---|---|
| On-Page SEO Settings | Editable meta titles, descriptions, custom URLs, and image alt text. Blog post metadata is more limited. | Strong for basic optimization. Blog SEO needs workarounds. |
| Mobile Optimization | All templates are responsive by default. | Positive — mobile-friendly design improves rankings. |
| Clean URL Structure | Automatically generates readable, keyword-friendly URLs. | Excellent — helps with indexability and user experience. |
| Page Speed | Slower performance due to bundled code. Image compression needs to be done manually. | Mixed — affects SEO if not properly optimized. |
| SEO Plugin Availability | SEOSpace is the primary plugin available for SEO auditing and insights. | Helpful — fills the gap for on-site scans and issue detection. |
| Structured Data (Schema) | Basic schema included (e.g., local business). Advanced schema requires manual implementation. | Limited — advanced rich results are harder to achieve. |
| Google Integrations | Easy connection to Google Analytics, Search Console, and Bing Webmaster Tools. | Positive — simplifies performance tracking and indexing. |
| Image SEO | Alt text is supported. Image file sizes and formats must be optimized manually. | Neutral — can impact SEO if not carefully managed. |
Here’s how Squarespace stacks up across some of the most important SEO features:
SEO Limitations of Squarespace
Even though Squarespace is SEO-capable, it’s important to recognize where it falls short — especially for those in competitive industries.
Design vs. Function Conflict
Squarespace emphasizes aesthetics, which can conflict with SEO best practices. For example, large H1 fonts may discourage users from using proper heading tags, affecting page structure.
Template Variability
While version 7.1 fixed many inconsistencies, users still on 7.0 may face structural SEO issues due to how certain templates render headings or index pages.
Page Speed Challenges
The platform’s bundled code and limitations around image compression can negatively impact load time, a known Google ranking factor.
Limited Custom Schema
Squarespace’s default schema isn’t editable without custom coding, which limits your ability to fine-tune rich results (e.g., product reviews, events).
Despite these issues, most are manageable with expert support — or by using tools like SEOSpace in combination with SEO best practices.
Optimizing SEO Settings on Squarespace
To get the most out of Squarespace SEO, it’s critical to go beyond the platform defaults. Here’s how to do it right:
Follow the Official SEO Checklist
Squarespace provides a built-in SEO checklist, which is a helpful starting point. But keep in mind — effective SEO often requires a more nuanced strategy than the checklist alone provides.
Create Content with Search Intent in Mind
Whether you're publishing service pages or blog posts, targeting the right keywords is essential. Our post on how to create an SEO strategy breaks down how to plan and structure your content for long-term visibility.
Optimize Meta Tags and Headings
Each page should have:
A compelling, keyword-rich title tag
A clear, readable meta description
Proper heading hierarchy (H1–H3 used intentionally)
Improve Performance and Accessibility
Compress images manually, limit animations, and test your site using tools like PageSpeed Insights. Adding image alt text and clear navigation will improve both SEO and accessibility.
Leverage Plugins and Third-Party Tools
If you're not using SEOSpace which is the leading plugin for Squarespace SEO, consider it — especially if you're looking to identify technical SEO issues or improve your on-page optimization with less guesswork.
Squarespace SEO Tips That Actually Work
Here are proven strategies we use with clients to drive better results on Squarespace:
Use long-form content: Google prefers depth. Aim for blog posts or service pages that exceed 800–1,000 words, well-structured with clear headings and keyword targets.
Fix heading structure: Adjust font sizes in your site styles so you can use H1 and H2 tags properly without hurting the visual design.
Compress before upload: Squarespace doesn’t auto-optimize images very well, so make sure you reduce file sizes beforehand using tools like ImageCompressor.
Set up Google Search Console: Submit your sitemap directly to Google to ensure your site is being indexed properly.
Build internal links: Link related blog posts, service pages, and case studies to build SEO-friendly site architecture.
And remember: SEO isn’t a one-time task — it’s an ongoing process. Even a well-optimized site needs regular updates, fresh content, and performance monitoring to stay competitive.
Why Work With Certified Squarespace SEO Experts
At Meraki Branding, we understand that Squarespace isn’t just a platform — it’s an ecosystem. And to make SEO work within that ecosystem, you need a strategy designed specifically for it.
We are certified by the leading SEO plugin for Squarespace, and have deep experience helping purpose-driven brands grow their visibility, traffic, and conversions through smart, strategic SEO.
What We Offer:
SEO Audits with keyword research, competitor insights, and technical recommendations
On-Page Optimization for key pages, including meta data, structure, and content
Custom SEO Copywriting that balances clarity, emotion, and search intent
Design & Conversion Enhancements to align user experience with business goals
Ongoing SEO Support for businesses that want sustainable, compounding growth
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve an existing site, our Squarespace SEO services are tailored, results-focused, and built with long-term impact in mind.
Get a Free SEO audit for your squarespace website
Is Squarespace Goof for SEO FAQs
Does SEO work on Squarespace?
Yes, SEO absolutely works on Squarespace. The platform includes built-in SEO settings such as mobile optimization, editable meta tags, clean URL structures, and support for image alt text. When properly configured, Squarespace websites can rank well on Google. Many businesses have grown their organic traffic using Squarespace, especially when supported by a clear SEO strategy, keyword optimization, and regular content publishing.
What is the downside of Squarespace?
One of the main Squarespace SEO limitations is flexibility. Compared to platforms like WordPress, Squarespace has fewer options for advanced customization — especially when it comes to schema markup, performance optimization, and plugin variety. Additionally, some older templates in Squarespace 7.0 had structural issues with headings and page layouts. However, with Squarespace 7.1 and tools like SEOSpace, many of these downsides can now be addressed effectively.
Can you rank on Google with Squarespace?
Yes, you can rank on Google with Squarespace — and many sites do. Whether Squarespace is good or bad for SEO depends less on the platform and more on how it’s used. A well-optimized Squarespace website with high-quality content, strategic keywords, proper headings, and backlinks can compete effectively in search rankings. The key is understanding the SEO settings in Squarespace and applying best practices.
What is the best website builder for SEO?
There is no single “best” website builder for SEO — it depends on your goals, technical skills, and business type. WordPress offers more flexibility and plugin support, while Squarespace provides a streamlined, design-forward experience with essential SEO tools built in. For many small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, Squarespace SEO is more than sufficient — especially when paired with expert support and a platform-specific strategy.
Can Squarespace handle high traffic?
Yes, Squarespace can handle high traffic volumes. The platform is hosted on a scalable infrastructure and can support thousands of monthly visitors without performance issues. That said, page speed and performance optimization are important, especially if your site has many large images or animations. Pre-compressing media and minimizing unnecessary scripts can help maintain speed at scale.
Does Squarespace reduce image quality?
By default, Squarespace does compress images to improve load times, but this may occasionally affect quality if large or unoptimized images are uploaded. It’s a good practice to manually compress and resize images before uploading to maintain visual quality without sacrificing performance. Optimizing visuals is a key component of any SEO tips for Squarespace, as it improves both user experience and page speed.
