Squarespace Language and Region Settings
TL;DR:
- Change your site's built-in text language including date, time, and currency formats
- Squarespace supports multiple languages with version 7.1 offering more options than 7.0
- Add multilingual capabilities using Weglot integration on version 7.1
- Set measurement standards (Imperial or Metric) and time zones based on your location
- Regional settings help display information correctly for your target audience
Overview of Language Settings
Squarespace lets you adjust the language settings for your site based on where your audience is located. You'll find these options in the 'Site Languages' panel on version 7.1 or the 'Language & region' panel on version 7.0.
Choosing Site Language and Region
Pick your preferred language from the dropdown menu. Squarespace supports these languages:
All versions:
- English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Version 7.1 only:
- Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Japanese, Norwegian, Swedish
Below the language selection, you'll see a preview of how dates, times, and currencies will appear. This makes sure all the built-in site text matches your chosen language's formatting standards.
Adding Multilingual Capabilities
If you're targeting visitors who speak different languages, version 7.1 supports Weglot integration. This adds a language switcher to your site, letting visitors translate your content into their preferred language.
Note that this feature isn't available on version 7.0, so you'll need to upgrade if multilingual support is important for your site.
Understanding Regional Settings
Setting Measurement Standards
If you're running an online shop that sells physical products, getting the measurement standards right matters. You can choose between:
- Imperial: pounds, inches, feet
- Metric: kilograms, centimeters, meters
Pick the system your customers are most familiar with. This reduces confusion and makes the shopping experience smoother.
Country and Time Zone Configurations
Squarespace initially sets your country and time zone based on your IP address when you first create your site. You can change these settings manually at any time.
This is particularly useful if you're serving customers in different time zones or if you've moved to a new location since setting up your site. Getting the time zone right helps with things like event scheduling and email send times.
FAQs
Can I switch my Squarespace site's language after setting it up?
Yes, you can change the site language whenever you need to. This is helpful if your audience changes or if you want to target a different market.
How does adding a language switcher help my site?
It makes your content accessible to people who speak different languages, which can increase engagement and help you reach a wider audience.
What's the benefit of setting measurement standards?
Using the right measurement system prevents confusion for your customers, especially when they're buying physical products. It creates a better user experience overall.
Do language settings affect my site's SEO?
The language settings mainly affect built-in text like dates and form labels. For SEO purposes, you'll still need to write your actual content in your target language.
Jargon Buster
Site Language: The default language settings that control how built-in text appears on your website, including dates, times, and system messages.
Multilingual: Supporting multiple languages to serve visitors who speak different languages.
Weglot: A third-party translation service that integrates with Squarespace 7.1 to provide automatic translation capabilities.
Measurement Standard: The units used to express size, weight, and distance on your site (Imperial vs Metric).
Wrap-up
Getting your language and region settings right makes your site more welcoming to your target audience. It shows attention to detail and helps visitors feel like your site was built with them in mind.
The key is matching your settings to your audience's expectations. If you're selling to customers in multiple countries, take time to consider which language and regional formats will work best for the majority of your visitors.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace customization? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step tutorials and expert guidance.