Optimize Squarespace SEO with Keywords

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Find the right keywords for your Squarespace site through research
• Place keywords strategically across your site content
• Track keyword performance and make improvements based on data

Introduction

Getting your Squarespace site noticed starts with using the right keywords. When people search for what you offer, your site needs to speak their language. This chapter shows you how to find those keywords, where to put them, and how to check they're working.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Finding Your Keywords

Before you can use keywords, you need to know which ones matter. Here's how to find them:

Step 1: Pick a keyword research tool

• Google Keyword Planner (free with Google Ads account)
• SEMrush or Ahrefs (paid tools with more features)
• Ubersuggest (free basic version available)

Step 2: Start with seed keywords
Enter basic terms that describe your business or content. If you're a wedding photographer, try "wedding photography" or "wedding photos".

Step 3: Analyse the results
Look for keywords with decent search volume but manageable competition. Aim for a mix of broader terms and specific phrases your audience might use.

Step 4: Check what your competitors rank for
See which keywords similar businesses use successfully. This gives you ideas and shows what's possible in your niche.

This is the bit most people miss: Don't just go for the most popular keywords. Often, more specific phrases with lower competition work better for new sites.

Lesson 2: Placing Keywords on Your Site

Once you've got your keywords, here's where they need to go:

Step 1: Add keywords to page titles
Your page title is the clickable headline in search results. Include your main keyword naturally here.

Step 2: Write compelling meta descriptions
This text appears under your title in search results. Include your keyword and make it enticing enough for people to click.

Step 3: Use keywords in headings
Your H1 (main heading) should include your primary keyword. Use related keywords in H2 and H3 headings throughout your content.

Step 4: Include keywords in your content
Mention your keywords naturally throughout your text. Don't force them in – if it sounds awkward, rewrite it.

Step 5: Add keywords to image alt text
Describe your images using relevant keywords. This helps search engines understand your content better.

Step 6: One primary keyword per page
Each page should focus on one main keyword. This prevents your pages from competing with each other in search results.

Lesson 3: Tracking Your Results

Here's how to see if your keywords are working:

Step 1: Set up tracking
Connect your Squarespace site to Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Both are free and give you valuable data.

Step 2: Monitor your rankings
Check where your pages appear in search results for your target keywords. Use tools like Google Search Console or rank tracking tools.

Step 3: Watch your traffic
See which keywords bring visitors to your site. Focus on improving the ones that show promise.

Step 4: Review and adjust
If keywords aren't performing after a few months, try different ones. SEO takes time, but you should see some movement within 3-6 months.

Roll your sleeves up: Set aside time monthly to review your keyword performance and make tweaks. Small improvements add up over time.

Practice

Pick one page on your Squarespace site and complete this exercise:

1. Research three relevant keywords for that page
2. Rewrite the page title to include your primary keyword
3. Create a new meta description that includes your keyword and encourages clicks
4. Review your page content and naturally work in your keywords where appropriate
5. Check that your main heading includes your primary keyword

FAQs

How many keywords should I target per page?
Focus on one primary keyword per page, with 2-3 related secondary keywords. This keeps your content focused and clear.

Should I use the exact keyword phrase or can I vary it?
Use variations of your keyword naturally. Search engines understand related terms, so "wedding photographer" and "wedding photography" both work.

How long before I see results from my keywords?
SEO takes time. You might see small improvements within 4-6 weeks, but significant changes often take 3-6 months or more.

What if my keywords have high competition?
Start with longer, more specific phrases (like "affordable wedding photographer Manchester" instead of just "wedding photographer"). These often convert better too.

Can I change my keywords later?
Yes, you can update keywords anytime. Just be patient after changes – search engines need time to re-index your content.

Jargon Buster

Keyword Research: Finding the words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for your products or services

Search Volume: How many people search for a particular keyword each month

Keyword Competition: How difficult it is to rank for a specific keyword based on how many other sites are targeting it

Long-tail Keywords: Longer, more specific keyword phrases that usually have lower competition but higher conversion rates

Meta Description: The short description that appears under your page title in search results

Alt Text: Descriptive text added to images that helps search engines understand what the image shows

Wrap-up

You now know how to research keywords, place them effectively on your Squarespace site, and track their performance. Start with one or two pages and gradually apply these techniques across your site. Remember, good keyword use helps search engines understand your content and helps the right people find you.

Ready to take your SEO further? Check out our next chapter on creating content that ranks well in search results.

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