Setting Up Squarespace Product Categories and Navigation
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to create and manage product categories in Squarespace
- Learn to set up and customise navigation menus for an online store
- Recognise the importance of product hierarchy and user-friendly navigation to enhance customer browsing experience
Introduction
Good organisation makes the difference between a store that converts and one that frustrates customers. When visitors can find what they need quickly, they're more likely to buy. This chapter shows you how to set up product categories and navigation menus in Squarespace that actually work for your customers.
We'll cover creating clear categories, adding subcategories when needed, and building navigation that guides customers smoothly through your store. These basics form the foundation of a well-structured online shop.
Lessons
Creating Your Product Categories
Start with your main product groups. Think about how customers naturally think about your products rather than how you organise them in your warehouse.
Step 1: Log into your Squarespace account and go to Commerce in the main menu.
Step 2: Click Products, then select Categories from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Click the plus icon to add a new category. Give it a clear, descriptive name that customers will understand immediately.
Step 4: Add a category description if it helps clarify what belongs here. This also helps with search engine optimisation.
Step 5: Save your category.
Repeat these steps for each main category you need. Most stores work well with 3-7 main categories.
This is the bit most people miss: keep category names simple and customer-focused. "Men's Shoes" works better than "Footwear Solutions for Males."
Adding Subcategories
Subcategories help when you have lots of products within a main category. They're particularly useful for stores with varied inventory.
Step 1: Go to Commerce > Products > Categories.
Step 2: Click on the main category where you want to add subcategories.
Step 3: Click "Add Subcategory" and give it a specific name.
Step 4: Add products to this subcategory by editing individual products and assigning them to the right category.
Step 5: Save your changes.
Consider the customer's shopping path. If someone wants running shoes, they might look under "Shoes" then "Running" rather than searching through everything.
Customising Navigation Menus
Your navigation menu is how customers move around your store. Make it work for them, not against them.
Step 1: Go to Pages in your main menu.
Step 2: Find your main navigation area and click the plus icon to add a new link.
Step 3: Choose "Category" from the link type options.
Step 4: Select which category you want to link to.
Step 5: Arrange your menu items in logical order by dragging them up or down.
Step 6: For subcategories, drag them slightly to the right under their parent category to create a dropdown menu.
Put your most popular categories first. If 80% of your sales come from one category, make sure it's easy to find.
Test your navigation by thinking like a customer. Can you get to any product in three clicks or fewer?
Practice
Create at least three main categories for your store based on your product range. Add one subcategory to your largest category. Then build a navigation menu that includes these categories in order of importance to your customers.
Try browsing your own store as if you're a first-time visitor. Note any points where you feel confused or need to think too hard about where to click next.
FAQs
How many categories should I create?
Start with 3-7 main categories. Too few and customers can't narrow their search. Too many and they feel overwhelmed.
Can I change category names later?
Yes, you can edit category names anytime. However, if you've already launched your store, be aware that changing URLs might affect any bookmarks customers have saved.
Should I use subcategories for a small store?
Only if they genuinely help customers find products faster. For stores with fewer than 50 products, subcategories often add unnecessary complexity.
How do I know if my navigation is working?
Watch your website analytics for high bounce rates on category pages or use Squarespace's built-in analytics to see where customers drop off.
Jargon Buster
Product Categories: Groups of similar products that help customers find what they want more easily.
Navigation Menus: The clickable links that guide visitors around your website.
Subcategories: Smaller groups within main categories that help organise large product ranges.
Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page.
Wrap-up
Well-organised categories and clear navigation form the backbone of any successful online store. Start simple, test with real customers, and refine based on how people actually use your store.
Next, you'll want to optimise your product pages themselves. Good navigation gets customers to the right area, but compelling product pages make the sale.
Roll your sleeves up and get your categories sorted. Your customers will thank you with their purchases.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership