Enhance Your SEO with Structured Data on Squarespace

Using Structured Data to Boost Your SEO

TL;DR:

• Structured data helps search engines understand your content better
• Squarespace automatically adds structured data for blog posts and products
• Use Google's Structured Data Markup Helper for creating custom markup
• Merkle's Schema Generator works well for adding JSON-LD to Squarespace
• Always test your markup with Google's Rich Results Test tool before publishing

Structured data is code that tells search engines what your content actually means. Instead of guessing whether your page is about a recipe, event, or product review, search engines can read the structured data and understand exactly what you're offering.

This understanding can lead to rich snippets in search results – those enhanced listings that show star ratings, prices, or event dates right in Google's results page.

How Squarespace Handles Structured Data

Squarespace does most of the work for you. The platform automatically generates structured data for:

• Blog posts (as articles)
• Products in your store
• Events
• Basic business information

You don't need to do anything special to get this basic structured data. It's built into how Squarespace works.

Adding Custom Structured Data

Sometimes you need more specific markup. Maybe you're writing recipe posts, local business content, or detailed product reviews that need extra context.

Here's how to add custom structured data:

Using Google's Structured Data Markup Helper:

1. Go to Google's Structured Data Markup Helper
2. Choose your content type (recipe, review, event, etc.)
3. Paste your page URL or HTML
4. Tag the relevant parts of your content
5. Generate the markup code

For Squarespace specifically:

1. Use Merkle's Schema Generator – it creates clean JSON-LD code
2. Fill in the details for your content type
3. Copy the generated JSON-LD code
4. Add it to your page header or site-wide in Settings > Advanced > Code Injection

Testing Your Structured Data

Before you publish, test your markup:

1. Go to Google's Rich Results Test tool
2. Enter your page URL or paste your code
3. Check for errors or warnings
4. Fix any issues before going live

Google's tool will show you exactly what's wrong if there are problems. Common issues include missing required fields or incorrect formatting.

Common Structured Data Types

Articles and Blog Posts: Squarespace handles this automatically, but you can enhance it with author information, publication dates, and article sections.

Products: Your Squarespace store already includes product markup, but you might want to add review data or detailed specifications.

Local Business: Essential if you have a physical location. Include opening hours, contact details, and location data.

Events: Squarespace covers basic event data, but you might want to add ticket information or detailed venue data.

Recipes: Requires custom markup including ingredients, cooking time, and nutritional information.

Keeping Your Data Current

Your structured data needs updating when your content changes. If you change business hours, update prices, or modify event details, remember to update the corresponding structured data.

Set a reminder to review your structured data every few months. Check that it still matches your actual content and that Google's tools aren't showing any new errors.

FAQs

Can I add structured data without coding knowledge?
Yes. Tools like Google's Structured Data Markup Helper and Merkle's Schema Generator create the code for you. You just need to copy and paste it into Squarespace.

Will structured data guarantee rich snippets?
No. Google decides whether to show rich snippets based on many factors. Proper structured data makes you eligible, but doesn't guarantee enhanced results.

How do I know if my structured data is working?
Use Google Search Console to monitor your structured data. It shows which pages have valid markup and highlights any errors.

Should I add structured data to every page?
Focus on your most important pages first. Product pages, key blog posts, and your main business pages will give you the biggest impact.

Jargon Buster

Structured Data: Code that explains what your content means to search engines, making it easier for them to understand and display your pages.

JSON-LD: A format for structured data that's easy to add to websites. It looks like a block of code wrapped in script tags.

Rich Snippets: Enhanced search results that show extra information like star ratings, prices, or images directly in Google's results.

Schema.org: The standard vocabulary for structured data that all major search engines understand.

Wrap-up

Structured data gives your content a better chance of standing out in search results. Squarespace handles the basics, but adding custom structured data for your specific content types can make a real difference.

Start with your most important pages and work your way through your site. Test everything before it goes live, and keep your data current as your content evolves.

Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace SEO? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step courses and expert guidance.