Boost Your SEO with Squarespace WebP Image Conversion
Learning Objectives
- Understand how Squarespace uses WebP to optimise images for better website performance
- Recognise which browsers support WebP images on Squarespace
- Learn how to ensure your website images are optimised for all users
Introduction
Squarespace automatically optimises your images using WebP conversion, which can significantly boost your website's SEO and performance. When you upload images to your Squarespace site, the platform creates multiple size versions and converts them to WebP format for supported browsers. This reduces file sizes without compromising quality, leading to faster load times and better user experience.
Lessons
Understanding WebP and Its Benefits
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that offers superior compression compared to traditional formats like JPEG and PNG. It can reduce file sizes by up to 30% while maintaining the same visual quality.
Step 1: Upload your images to Squarespace as you normally would
Step 2: The platform automatically creates WebP versions behind the scenes
Step 3: Compatible browsers receive the optimised WebP files
Identifying Supported Browsers
Most modern browsers support WebP, including:
- Google Chrome (all versions since 2010)
- Mozilla Firefox (version 65 onwards)
- Microsoft Edge (version 18 onwards)
- Safari (version 14 onwards)
- Opera (all versions since 2010)
Step 1: Check your website analytics to see which browsers your visitors use
Step 2: Test your site on different browsers to confirm images display correctly
Step 3: Pay special attention to mobile browsers, which often have varying support levels
Managing Fallback Options
Squarespace keeps your original image format as a backup for browsers that don't support WebP. This means every visitor sees your images, regardless of their browser.
Step 1: Optimise your original uploads before adding them to Squarespace
Step 2: Test image loading on older browsers or devices
Step 3: Monitor your site's performance metrics to track improvements
Monitoring Your Image Performance
Track how WebP conversion affects your site's performance using built-in tools and external resources.
Step 1: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site's loading speed
Step 2: Monitor your Squarespace analytics for bounce rate improvements
Step 3: Check Core Web Vitals in Google Search Console
Remember This 🌟
WebP conversion happens automatically on Squarespace, but the quality of your results depends on the images you upload. Always use high-resolution, well-composed original files for the best outcomes.
Practice
Test your current Squarespace site across different browsers and devices. Use your browser's developer tools to inspect which image formats are being served. Note any differences in loading times or image quality between browsers.
Create a simple comparison by:
- Opening your site in Chrome and Firefox
- Using developer tools to check the Network tab
- Looking for .webp extensions in the image requests
- Testing the same pages on an older browser if available
FAQs
Does Squarespace support automatic WebP conversion for all images?
Yes, Squarespace automatically converts uploaded images to WebP for supported browsers. This includes images in galleries, blog posts, and background images.
What happens for browsers that don't support WebP?
Squarespace serves the original image format as a fallback, ensuring all visitors can view your content properly.
Can I disable the automatic WebP conversion?
No, WebP conversion is built into Squarespace's image optimisation system and cannot be turned off. This ensures optimal performance for all sites on the platform.
Do I need to upload images in WebP format myself?
No, you can upload standard JPEG or PNG files. Squarespace handles the WebP conversion automatically.
Jargon Buster
WebP: A modern image format that provides better compression than JPEG or PNG while maintaining quality
Fallback: A backup option used when the preferred choice isn't available or supported
Compression: The process of reducing file size while preserving as much quality as possible
Core Web Vitals: Google's metrics for measuring user experience, including loading speed
Wrap-up
Squarespace's automatic WebP conversion is a powerful feature that works behind the scenes to improve your site's performance. By understanding how it works and ensuring you upload quality original images, you can maximise the SEO benefits of faster loading times.
Your next step is to audit your current images and test your site's performance across different browsers. Pay attention to your site's loading speed metrics and user engagement data to see the positive impact of WebP optimisation.
Join Pixelhaze Academy to learn more advanced techniques for optimising your Squarespace website's performance.