Optimising Your Squarespace Store for International Markets
TL;DR:
- Change site language in the Language and region settings for international audiences
- Register a local domain (.com.au, .de) to enhance regional credibility
- Adjust your store's default currency to suit your main customer base
- Create an 'imprint' page for legal compliance in EU countries
- Manage tax settings effectively through the Taxes panel in Squarespace
Taking your Squarespace store global means adapting to different regions, languages, and legal requirements. Here's how to set up your store properly for international markets.
Adapting Your Website Language
Start by changing your site's built-in text through the Language and region settings. This affects things like "Add to Cart" buttons, checkout text, and other system-generated content.
- Go to Settings > Language & Region and select your preferred language
- Use Squarespace's multilingual options to create versions of your site in different languages
- Remember that this only changes system text, not your actual content
Keep your primary audience in mind when choosing the default language. If most customers speak English but you want to serve Spanish speakers too, English might stay as your default with Spanish as an additional option.
Choosing a Local Domain
Using a region-specific domain like .com.au for Australia or .de for Germany helps build trust with local customers and can improve your search rankings in those regions.
- Check Squarespace's list of supported top-level domains for availability
- Register, transfer, or connect your chosen domain through your account settings
- Factor in the additional cost when planning your budget
Local domains signal to customers that you understand their market and are committed to serving them properly.
Setting up the Store's Currency
Your store's currency depends on your payment processor's bank account currency. If Squarespace doesn't support that currency, it defaults to USD, but you can change this manually.
- Navigate to Commerce > Payments and review your currency settings
- Select your desired currency from the available options
- This affects how prices display and how transactions process
Currency conversion fees can add up if your payment provider and store currency don't match, so factor this into your pricing strategy.
Legal Compliance: The Imprint Page
EU countries, particularly Germany, require an 'imprint' page that displays your business information transparently. This isn't optional if you're targeting these markets.
Your imprint page should include:
- Business registration details
- Contact information including physical address
- Regulatory body information
- VAT number if applicable
Check local requirements for your specific target countries, as the exact information needed varies by region.
Adjusting Tax Settings
Set different tax rates for different countries through the Taxes panel. This gets complex quickly, especially for Canadian businesses that need provincial rates too.
- Access Commerce > Taxes and add rates for each country you serve
- Include province-specific taxes for Canada
- Consider enabling tax-inclusive pricing to show final prices upfront
Tax-inclusive pricing reduces checkout surprises and can improve conversion rates, especially in regions where customers expect to see final prices immediately.
FAQs
Can I use a local domain with Squarespace Commerce if I'm based outside the US?
Yes, Squarespace supports many regional TLDs. Check their current list for availability in your target regions.
How can I change my store's currency in Squarespace Commerce?
After setting up your payment processor, go to Commerce > Payments to select from available currency options.
What do I need to know about providing an imprint page?
It's legally required in many European countries. Include your business details, contact information, and registration details. Requirements vary by country.
Do I need to collect VAT for EU sales?
This depends on your sales volume and location. Check current EU VAT rules or consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Jargon Buster
Imprint Page: A legally required page in some countries showing transparent business contact and registration details.
TLD (Top-Level Domain): The suffix of a domain name like .com, .co.uk, or .de that often indicates geographic or organizational focus.
Taxes Panel: The Squarespace feature where you set up and manage tax rules for different countries or regions.
Tax-Inclusive Pricing: Displaying prices that already include tax, rather than adding tax at checkout.
Wrap-up
Setting up international sales involves more than just accepting different currencies. You need to adapt to local business practices, legal requirements, and customer expectations. Each market has its own quirks, from mandatory imprint pages in Germany to provincial tax rates in Canada.
Start with one or two target markets rather than trying to serve everyone at once. Get those right, then expand gradually. This approach lets you learn what works without overwhelming yourself with complexity.
The effort pays off through increased trust, better search rankings in local markets, and fewer abandoned carts due to unexpected costs or confusing checkout processes.
Ready to expand your Squarespace store globally? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed tutorials and ongoing support as you grow your international presence.