Fix Common Squarespace Link Issues
TL;DR:
- Fix login redirections by replacing internal editing URLs with public URLs
- Resolve "Page not found" errors by updating broken links or setting up redirects
- Test external links in private windows before adding them to your site
- Use the search function to properly link to internal pages
- Check case sensitivity on category and tag links
- Update QR codes when page slugs change
- Manually fix imported links from other platforms
When your Squarespace links stop working, it's usually one of a few common problems. The good news is they're all fixable with the right approach.
Understanding and Resolving Link Errors
When a Link Leads to a Login Screen
This happens when you've accidentally used an internal URL that only works while you're editing your site. Your visitors can't see these URLs and get redirected to a login page instead.
Here's how to fix it:
- Find the URL that's redirecting incorrectly
- Replace it with the public URL from your live site
- Test the link in a private browser window
The key is making sure you're using the URL that any visitor can access, not the one you see while editing.
Addressing the "Page Not Found" Error
A 404 error means the linked page doesn't exist anymore or there's a typo in the link.
Quick fixes:
- Check the link for typos and correct them
- Update the link to point to the current page URL
- Set up URL redirects to guide users from old links to new pages
Managing External and Internal Links
External Web Address Links
Before adding any external link to your site:
- Visit the page you want to link to
- Copy the URL from your browser
- Open a private browser window and paste the URL to test it loads
- Add the verified URL to your site editor
Internal Site Content Links
For links within your own site:
- Open the link editor from where you want to add the link
- Use the search function to find and select the correct internal page
- Test the link in a private window to confirm it works
Special Link Types and Imported Content
Category or Tag Links
Case sensitivity matters here. A tag called "Recipe" is different from "recipe" in Squarespace's system. Make sure the capitalisation matches exactly.
QR Codes and Anchor Links
If you change a page's slug (the part of the URL after your domain), update any QR codes that point to that page. They won't automatically redirect.
For anchor links that jump to specific sections within pages, use Squarespace's built-in anchor link tools rather than trying to create them manually.
Imported Links from Other Platforms
Links imported from WordPress, Blogger, or other platforms often need manual fixes. The URL structure from your old platform probably doesn't match your new Squarespace site structure.
You'll need to go through and update these links individually to point to the correct pages on your new site.
FAQs
How do I stop a link from redirecting to the Squarespace login page?
Replace the internal editing URL with the public URL that visitors can access. Test it in a private browser window to make sure it works.
What should I do if a link leads to a 404 error on my site?
Check for typos first, then verify the target page still exists. If the page moved, update the link or set up a redirect from the old URL to the new one.
Can I prevent the logged-in version of my site from appearing via direct links?
Always use public URLs rather than the URLs you see while editing. When you're logged in, Squarespace shows you preview URLs that don't work for visitors.
Jargon Buster
URL Redirects: Automatic forwarding from old web addresses to new ones, so visitors don't hit dead ends.
Anchor Links: Links that jump to specific sections within the same webpage, like a table of contents.
QR Codes: Those square barcodes people scan with their phones to quickly visit websites.
Built-in Domain: The default Squarespace web address (like yoursite.squarespace.com) before you add a custom domain.
Wrap-up
Most Squarespace link problems come down to using the wrong type of URL or not testing properly. The difference between what you see as the site owner and what visitors see can trip you up if you're not careful.
Always test your links in a private browser window before publishing. This shows you exactly what your visitors will experience and catches most link problems before they become an issue.
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