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Squarespace SEO Checklist: 15 Things to Do Before You Launch [2026]
Launching a Squarespace site? These are the settings and pages that decide whether Google, and now AI tools, can find you.
Squarespace handles the technical basics for you, like secure hosting, mobile layouts and a sitemap. What it can’t do is choose your keywords, write your page titles or answer your clients’ questions. That part is on you, and it’s what this checklist covers.
Before you write a word
- Do keyword research. Find the exact words your clients search, like “bridal makeup artist Boston” rather than “beauty services,” and how often they search them.
- Map one main keyword to each page. Your homepage, each service page and your location pages should each target something different, so they don’t compete with each other.
- List the questions clients ask. These become FAQ sections and blog posts, and they’re exactly what AI tools look for.
On every page
- Write a unique SEO title. Set it in the page’s settings, under SEO. Lead with the keyword and end with your business name.
- Write a meta description. One or two sentences that say what the page offers and why to click.
- Clean up the URL. Short and readable: /facials, not /services-page-2.
- Use one H1, then clear headings. Your main heading should say what the page is about. Subheadings should read like an outline.
- Answer the main question first. Put the direct answer in the opening lines, then the details.
- Add alt text to images. Describe what’s in the photo, in plain words.
- Link between your pages. Point service pages to related services, your contact page and your best proof.
Site-wide settings
- Fill in your business information in Squarespace, so your name, address and contact details are consistent.
- Connect Google Search Console. Squarespace lets you connect it from the search keywords panel in Analytics, and your sitemap already lives at yoursite.com/sitemap.xml.
- Check your crawler settings. Make sure search engines can index your site, and decide whether to allow AI crawlers. Blocking them keeps you out of AI answers.
- Set up redirects if you’re replacing an old site, so old links and rankings carry over.
- Claim and complete your Google Business Profile, with the same details as your website. It drives most “near me” searches.
Common questions
Is Squarespace good for SEO?
Yes. It covers the technical basics well, like secure hosting, mobile layouts, sitemaps and clean code. Rankings come down to your content, keywords and reputation, which is true on any platform.
Do I need an SEO plugin on Squarespace?
No. Squarespace doesn’t use plugins the way WordPress does. The SEO settings are built in, and the rest is content and structure.
How long until my new Squarespace site shows up on Google?
Often within a few days to a few weeks for your business name. Ranking for competitive searches takes longer and depends on your content and reviews.
