Table of Contents
- Building a Squarespace Portfolio Website That Actually Works
- Start with the Right Template
- Show Your Work Properly
- Portfolio Pages
- Gallery Sections
- Image Blocks
- Add Your Story
- Protect Client Work
- Turn Visitors into Clients
- Make It Findable
- Common Questions
- Can I include a bio or CV on my portfolio site?
- How can I restrict access to certain content?
- Can I collect leads and invoice clients through my Squarespace portfolio?
- Key Terms Explained
- Final Thoughts
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Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace
portfolio management
website design
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AI summary
To create an effective Squarespace portfolio, choose a simple template, organize work into distinct portfolio and gallery sections, include a clear bio, protect sensitive client work, and use forms to capture leads. Ensure images are optimized for SEO with descriptive alt text and filenames. A successful portfolio not only showcases work but also facilitates client engagement and trust.
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Building a Squarespace Portfolio Website That Actually Works
Setting up a portfolio website on Squarespace isn't just about throwing up your best work and calling it done. You need to think about how visitors will move through your site, what they're looking for, and how to turn browsers into clients.
Start with the Right Template
Pick a portfolio template from Squarespace's template library. Don't get caught up in fancy animations or trendy layouts. Focus on templates that put your work front and center without getting in the way.
Look for templates with clean gallery layouts and plenty of white space. Your work should be the star, not the template design.
The Artists and Photographers Squarespace community forum is worth checking out for real-world advice from other creatives who've been through this process.
Show Your Work Properly
Portfolio Pages
Portfolio pages are your best friend for organizing different types of work. You can create separate sections for photography, graphic design, illustration, or whatever categories make sense for your business.
Each portfolio page lets you customize the layout to suit different project types. Product shots might work better in a grid, while campaign work might need more breathing room.
Gallery Sections
Gallery sections work well for grouping related images together. You can add descriptions to each image and link them to case studies or external sites.
The key is keeping each gallery focused. Don't mix wedding photography with corporate headshots in the same gallery just because they're both photos.
Image Blocks
For highlighting standout pieces, image blocks give you more control over how individual images appear on your pages. You can adjust sizing, add captions, and position them exactly where you want them.
Use these sparingly for your absolute best work, not as a catch-all for everything.
Add Your Story
Include a proper bio using text blocks. Break it up with headers so people can scan through quickly. Most visitors want to know three things: what you do, who you've worked with, and why they should hire you.
You can embed a PDF of your CV if you need something more formal, but remember that search engines can't read PDF content as easily as regular text. For better SEO, stick with text blocks for your main bio content.
Protect Client Work
Some of your best work might be under NDA or too sensitive to show publicly. Set up password-protected pages for exclusive content that only certain clients or prospects can see.
This is particularly useful for agencies or designers working with high-profile clients who need discretion.
Turn Visitors into Clients
Add form blocks to capture inquiries and manage your client pipeline. Don't just ask for name and email. Include questions about project timelines, budgets, and specific requirements to qualify leads properly.
You can also use Squarespace's built-in tools to manage invoices and project timelines, keeping everything in one place.
Make It Findable
Add alt text to every image. This helps search engines understand your content and makes your site accessible to screen readers. Don't just write "photo of building" - be specific: "Modern glass office building with steel framework, shot at sunset".
Use descriptive filenames for your images before uploading them. "luxury-hotel-interior-design-london.jpg" is much better than "IMG_2847.jpg".
Common Questions
Can I include a bio or CV on my portfolio site?
Yes, and you should. Use text blocks to create detailed sections about your background and achievements. Structure it with clear headers so visitors can find what they're looking for quickly.
How can I restrict access to certain content?
Create password-protected pages for client-specific or sensitive work. This keeps confidential projects private while still letting you showcase the work to relevant prospects.
Can I collect leads and invoice clients through my Squarespace portfolio?
Absolutely. Set up forms to capture inquiries and use Squarespace's commerce features to manage invoicing and project timelines. It's not as robust as dedicated project management software, but it works well for smaller operations.
Key Terms Explained
Gallery Sections: Areas for displaying collections of images, perfect for grouping work by project type or theme.
Image Blocks: Tools for adding single images to your pages with full control over sizing and positioning.
Text Blocks: For adding written content like bios or project descriptions, with formatting options to structure information clearly.
Form Blocks: Custom forms for your site, essential for lead generation and client contact.
Alt Text: Descriptive text that tells search engines and screen readers what's in your images. Crucial for both SEO and accessibility.
Final Thoughts
A good portfolio website does more than display your work. It tells your story, builds trust with potential clients, and makes it easy for people to hire you.
Focus on clear navigation, fast loading times, and mobile-friendly layouts. Your best work deserves a website that shows it off properly and actually brings you business.