Squarespace Sections and Content Blocks

Learning Objectives

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

1. Add and customise sections on your Squarespace site
2. Insert and adjust various content blocks within sections
3. Rearrange sections to improve your website's flow and visual appeal

Introduction

Sections and content blocks are the building blocks of your Squarespace website. Think of sections as containers that hold your content, and content blocks as the actual pieces of content that go inside them. Getting comfortable with these tools will help you create a well-organised, professional-looking website without needing any technical skills.

This chapter covers everything you need to know about adding sections, filling them with content blocks, and arranging them to create an effective website structure.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Adding and Customising Sections

Sections give your pages structure and help organise your content. Here's how to add and customise them:

Adding a new section:

1. Log into your Squarespace account and open the page editor
2. Click on an insert point (the + symbol) where you want to add your section
3. Select "Section" from the menu that appears
4. Choose from the available layout options – these vary depending on your template

Customising your section:

1. Click on the section to select it
2. Use the section toolbar to adjust background colours, images, or videos
3. Modify spacing using the padding controls
4. Adjust the section width if your template allows it

This is the bit most people miss: Always check your section on different screen sizes using the preview mode. What looks great on desktop might need adjusting for mobile.

Lesson 2: Working with Content Blocks

Content blocks are the individual pieces of content you add to your sections. These include text, images, galleries, forms, and more.

Adding content blocks:

1. Inside your section, click on an insert point
2. Choose your content block type from the menu (text, image, gallery, etc.)
3. Add your content to the block
4. Use the block's toolbar to customise formatting and styling

Common content block types:

• Text blocks: For headings, paragraphs, and formatted text
• Image blocks: For single images with optional captions
• Gallery blocks: For multiple images in various layouts
• Button blocks: For calls-to-action and links
• Form blocks: For contact forms and data collection

Formatting text blocks:
Use the text editor toolbar to format your content. Stick to your template's built-in styles for headings and body text to maintain consistency across your site.

Lesson 3: Rearranging Sections for Better Flow

The order of your sections affects how visitors experience your website. Here's how to rearrange them:

Moving sections:

1. In the page editor, hover over the section you want to move
2. Click and hold the move handle (appears on the left side)
3. Drag the section to its new position
4. Release to place it

Tips for section order:

• Put your most important content near the top
• Create a logical flow from introduction to action
• Test different arrangements to see what works best

Roll your sleeves up and try moving sections around. You can always undo changes if something doesn't work.

Practice

Create a practice page with these elements:

1. Add three different sections to a page
2. Include at least three different types of content blocks (text, image, and one other)
3. Customise each section with different background colours or spacing
4. Rearrange the sections in different orders
5. Preview your page on desktop and mobile to check how it looks

Here's the quick version: Add sections, fill them with content blocks, then move them around until the flow feels right.

FAQs

How do I delete a section I don't need?
Select the section and click the trash can icon in the section toolbar. The section and all its content will be removed.

Can I copy sections between pages?
Yes, you can duplicate sections within the same page using the duplicate icon in the section toolbar. To copy between pages, you'll need to recreate the section manually.

Why do my sections look different on mobile?
Squarespace automatically adjusts sections for mobile devices. Some customisations like side-by-side layouts will stack vertically on smaller screens.

How many content blocks can I add to one section?
This depends on your template and section type. Most sections can hold multiple blocks, but some layout sections have specific limits.

Can I change the section layout after adding content?
You can modify section settings, but changing the fundamental layout type isn't always possible. It's often easier to create a new section with the layout you want.

Jargon Buster

Sections: Layout containers that hold your content blocks and help structure your pages

Content Blocks: Individual pieces of content like text, images, or forms that you add to sections

Insert Point: The + symbol that appears when you hover over areas where you can add new content

Section Toolbar: The editing controls that appear when you select a section

Preview Mode: A feature that shows how your site will look on different devices before you publish changes

Padding: The space inside a section between its edges and the content

Wrap-up

Sections and content blocks are fundamental to creating an effective Squarespace website. Start with simple layouts and gradually experiment with more complex arrangements as you get comfortable with the tools.

The key is to keep your content organised and your site easy to navigate. Focus on creating a logical flow from one section to the next, and always check how your pages look on different devices.

Next, you'll learn about customising your site's design and styling to make it truly your own.

Ready to build your Squarespace website? Get started with our comprehensive courses at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership