Fix Duplicate Meta Descriptions in Squarespace
Duplicate meta descriptions confuse search engines and hurt your SEO. Here's how to find them and fix them properly in Squarespace.
TL;DR:
- Duplicate meta descriptions harm SEO by confusing search engines about your content
- Use Google Search Console or SEOSpace to identify which pages have duplicates
- Write unique, compelling descriptions for each affected page
- Edit meta descriptions through each page's SEO settings in Squarespace
- Keep descriptions under 160 characters so they display fully in search results
Find Your Duplicate Meta Descriptions
Start by identifying which pages have duplicate meta descriptions. Google Search Console works well for this – check the "Enhancements" section for duplicate content issues. SEOSpace is another solid option that scans your entire site and flags problem pages.
Both tools will show you exactly which pages share the same meta descriptions, so you know what needs fixing.
Write Unique Descriptions for Each Page
Once you know which pages need work, write a unique meta description for each one. Focus on what makes that specific page valuable to visitors.
Here's how to update them in Squarespace:
- Go to your page editor
- Click the gear icon for page settings
- Select the SEO tab
- Add your new meta description in the description field
- Save your changes
Make each description specific to that page's content. Generic descriptions like "Welcome to our website" don't help anyone understand what they'll find on that particular page.
Pixelhaze Tip: Keep meta descriptions under 160 characters. Search engines cut off longer descriptions, which means visitors miss your key message.
Make Your Descriptions Work Harder
Good meta descriptions do more than summarise content – they encourage clicks. Think of them as mini advertisements for your pages.
Include your target keyword naturally, but focus on being helpful rather than stuffing keywords. If someone searches for "wedding photography Manchester" and your page covers exactly that, mention both the service and location clearly.
Avoid duplicate phrases across pages. If you run a bakery, don't use "delicious baked goods" in every description. Be specific about what each page offers.
FAQs
How can I find duplicate meta descriptions on my Squarespace site?
Use Google Search Console (free) or SEOSpace. Both tools scan your site and highlight pages with identical meta descriptions.
Will fixing my meta descriptions improve my search rankings?
Yes, but it's not instant. Unique, relevant meta descriptions help search engines understand your content better and can improve click-through rates from search results.
Can I use SEO tools other than SEOSpace?
Absolutely. Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, and Semrush all identify duplicate meta descriptions. Google Search Console is free and works well for most sites.
Jargon Buster
Meta Descriptions: The short text that appears under your page title in search results. Think of it as a preview of what visitors will find on your page.
SEOSpace: A tool that analyses websites for SEO issues, including duplicate content problems.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): The practice of improving your website so it appears higher in search results for relevant searches.
Wrap-up
Fixing duplicate meta descriptions takes time, but it's worth doing properly. Each page on your site serves a different purpose, so each meta description should reflect that.
Start with your most important pages – homepage, main service pages, popular blog posts. Then work through the rest systematically. Your future self will thank you when your search rankings improve.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace SEO? Join our community of website owners who are serious about getting results: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership