URL Slugs on Squarespace
TL;DR:
- Squarespace creates URL slugs from page titles, but you can edit them manually
- Keep slugs lowercase and avoid special characters except dashes
- Use 301 redirects when changing slugs to prevent broken links
- Edit slugs through page settings in the Pages panel
- Some URL slugs are reserved by Squarespace and can't be used
A URL slug is the end part of your web address that identifies a specific page. When you create a page called "About Us," Squarespace automatically creates the slug /about-us, making your full URL https://yourdomain.com/about-us.
Finding Your Page's URL Slug
You can check a page's slug in several ways:
Full Preview Mode shows the slug in your browser's address bar after your domain name.
Private browsing lets you see how the URL appears to visitors.
Page settings is the most direct method. This is where you'll go to make changes anyway.
How to Edit URL Slugs
Here's how to change a slug:
- Open the Pages panel
- Hover over your page and click the settings icon
- Find the URL slug field and make your changes
- Click Save
Formatting Rules
Squarespace has specific requirements for URL slugs:
- All slugs convert to lowercase automatically
- Length must be between 3 and 250 characters
- Only dashes are allowed as special characters
- No spaces, symbols, or other punctuation
Avoiding Problems
Duplicate slugs aren't allowed. Each page needs a unique slug.
Reserved slugs like /cart, /account, and /checkout are off-limits. Squarespace uses these for built-in functions.
Preventing Broken Links
This is the bit most people miss. When you change a URL slug, the old link stops working. Visitors who click old bookmarks or links will hit a dead end.
Set up a 301 redirect from the old URL to the new one. This keeps everything working smoothly and helps your SEO.
Update any internal links on your site that point to the old URL.
Always preview your page after making changes to make sure everything works properly.
FAQs
Can I customize URL slugs for better SEO?
Yes. Edit the auto-generated slugs to make them more descriptive and SEO-friendly.
What happens if I change a URL slug without setting up redirects?
You'll create broken links. Anyone using the old URL will get a 404 error page.
What should I avoid in URL slugs?
Don't use uppercase letters, special characters (except dashes), or make them too long. Keep them simple and readable.
Jargon Buster
URL Slug – The part of your web address that identifies a specific page
301 Redirect – A way to automatically send visitors from an old URL to a new one
Reserved URL Slugs – Web addresses that Squarespace uses for specific functions like checkout and account pages
Wrap-up
Good URL slugs make your site easier to navigate and better for search engines. Keep them short, relevant, and easy to read. When you need to change a slug, always set up proper redirects to avoid breaking existing links.
Want to learn more about optimizing your Squarespace site? Check out our comprehensive courses at Pixelhaze Academy.