Removing Outdated Squarespace Pages to Boost SEO
TL;DR:
- Outdated content hurts your Squarespace site's SEO performance
- Use analytics and SEO tools to identify low-performing pages
- Update pages that still align with your business goals
- Remove pages that no longer serve a purpose
- Always set up 301 redirects when deleting pages to preserve SEO value
Old, forgotten pages can drag down your entire site's search performance. Here's how to identify which pages are holding you back and what to do about them.
Finding Your Problem Pages
Your website analytics will show you which pages aren't pulling their weight. Look for pages with minimal traffic or poor engagement metrics. Tools like SEOSpace can give you deeper insights into how each page performs from an SEO perspective.
Pay attention to pages that:
- Haven't been updated in months or years
- No longer match your current business focus
- Cover topics you've moved away from
Update or Remove: Making the Call
Once you've found your underperforming pages, you need to decide what happens next.
When to Update Pages
If a page still fits your business but feels outdated, refresh it rather than deleting it:
- Add current, relevant content
- Update keywords and internal links
- Make sure it follows current SEO best practices
When to Remove Pages
Some pages have simply outlived their usefulness. Remove pages that:
- Cover services you no longer offer
- Contain information that's no longer accurate
- Focus on topics completely unrelated to your current business
When you delete a page, always set up a 301 redirect to send visitors to a relevant alternative page. This preserves any SEO value the old page had built up and prevents visitors from hitting a dead end.
Before you delete anything, check for internal links pointing to that page. Update these links to point to your chosen redirect destination instead.
What This Means for Different Squarespace Versions
This approach works for both Squarespace 7.1 and 7.0 sites. The process for setting up redirects is the same across versions – you'll find the URL redirects option in your site settings.
FAQs
How do I find outdated pages on my Squarespace site?
Check your site analytics for pages with low traffic and engagement. SEO tools can show you which pages aren't performing well in search results.
Should I update or remove outdated pages?
Update pages that still relate to your business but need refreshing. Remove pages that no longer serve any purpose or match your current goals.
Why are 301 redirects important when removing pages?
301 redirects preserve the SEO value of deleted pages and send visitors to relevant content instead of a 404 error page.
Jargon Buster
- SEOSpace: An SEO analysis tool that evaluates how well your pages perform in search results
- 301 Redirect: A permanent redirect that sends visitors from an old URL to a new one while preserving SEO value
- Link Equity: The SEO value that gets passed from one page to another through links
Wrap-up
Regularly cleaning up your site's content keeps it focused and relevant. This maintenance work might seem tedious, but it genuinely improves how search engines view your site. The key is being methodical – check your analytics, make informed decisions about each page, and always redirect deleted pages to relevant alternatives.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace SEO? Join Pixelhaze Academy for comprehensive training and ongoing support.