How to Create a Content Index on Squarespace Blogs

Creating a Content Index on Squarespace

TL;DR:

• Use the Archive block for a simple text-based content index
• Use the Summary block for a visual index with images and excerpts
• Organise your blog posts with categories and tags before building the index
• Both options automatically update when you publish new content
• You need an existing blog page to create any type of content index

Before you start, make sure your blog posts are properly organised. Use categories for broad topics (like "Recipes" or "Travel") and tags for specific details (like "vegetarian" or "budget-friendly"). This organisation makes your index more useful and helps visitors find what they're looking for.

You'll need a blog page already set up on your site. If you don't have one, add a blog page first through the Pages panel.

Setting Up Your Index Page

Create a new blank page in your Pages panel. Click the '+' button, then select 'Blank Page'. Give it a clear name like "Blog Index" or "All Posts".

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Add a new section to this page where you'll place your index block.

Text-Based Index with Archive Block

The Archive block creates a clean, text-only list of your blog posts. Here's how to set it up:

1. Add an Archive block to your new page
2. In the block settings, connect it to your blog page
3. Under Display settings, choose 'Index' from the Layout options
4. Select how you want posts grouped (by month, year, category, or tag)
5. Enable 'Break Into Multiple Columns' if you have lots of content

This gives you a straightforward list that's easy to scan. The grouping options help visitors navigate by time period or topic.

Visual Index with Summary Block

For a more engaging index with images and post previews:

1. Add a Summary block to your page
2. Connect it to your blog page in the block settings
3. Choose your preferred layout (Grid, List, Wall, or Carousel)
4. Customise what information appears (excerpts, images, dates)
5. Set how many posts to display per page

The Summary block works well for blogs with strong visual content or when you want to showcase post excerpts.

Keeping Your Index Organised

Both block types automatically update when you publish new posts. The key is maintaining good organisation from the start:

• Be consistent with your categories and tags
• Use descriptive post titles
• Add featured images to posts if using a visual index
• Review and update your organisation system as your blog grows

FAQs

Can I create multiple indexes for different topics?
Yes, you can create separate index pages for different categories or tags. Just filter the Archive or Summary block to show only specific categories when setting it up.

Will my index work with Squarespace 7.0?
These instructions apply to Squarespace 7.1. If you're using 7.0, you'll find similar blocks but the interface and some options differ.

Can I customise how the index looks?
Yes, both Archive and Summary blocks have design options. You can adjust fonts, colours, and spacing through the block settings and your site's design panel.

What happens if I don't use categories or tags?
Your index will still work, but it won't be as organised. Posts will appear in chronological order without logical grouping, making it harder for visitors to find specific content.

Jargon Buster

Archive Block – A Squarespace block that creates text-based lists of blog posts, organised by date, category, or tag

Summary Block – A Squarespace block that displays blog posts with images, excerpts, and custom layouts in grid or list formats

Categories – Broad topic labels you assign to blog posts to group related content together

Tags – Specific descriptive labels that help identify particular aspects or themes within your blog posts

Wrap-up

A well-organised content index makes your blog much more useful for visitors. Whether you choose a simple text list or a visual grid, the key is setting up your categories and tags properly from the beginning. Both options update automatically, so once you've got your index set up, it takes care of itself.

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The time you spend organising your content upfront pays off in better user experience and easier navigation. Your visitors will thank you for making it simple to find what they're looking for.

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