How to Enable and Manage Blog Comments
TL;DR:
- Comments appear on individual blog posts, not your main blog page
- Enable anonymous comments so visitors don't need to register
- Use threaded comments to let visitors reply to each other
- Turn on comment likes and flagging for better moderation
- Consider Disqus if you need more features than basic text comments
Blog comments help create conversation around your content. Squarespace makes it straightforward to set up and manage comments, though the features are fairly basic compared to dedicated comment systems.
Setting Up Comments
Comments are enabled by default on Squarespace blogs. Visitors see the comment form at the bottom of individual blog posts, but not on your main blog page or blog summary pages.
The comment section appears below your post content. The exact position depends on your template, but it's typically after the post text and any tags or categories.
How Visitors Leave Comments
When someone wants to comment on your blog post, they need to:
- Click through to the individual post page
- Scroll to the bottom of the post
- Fill in the comment form
- Click "Post Comment"
By default, Squarespace only supports plain text and basic Markdown in comments. This means no rich formatting, embedded images, or clickable links unless you use Markdown syntax.
Anonymous Comments
Most visitors won't want to create an account just to leave a comment. Enable anonymous comments in your blog settings so people can comment without registering.
With anonymous comments enabled, visitors need to provide:
- A name (required)
- Email address (optional but recommended)
- Website URL (optional)
The email won't be displayed publicly, but it helps with moderation and notifications.
Comment Features
Threaded Replies
Turn on threaded comments to let visitors reply directly to each other's comments. This creates proper conversations instead of just a long list of individual comments.
Squarespace limits reply threads to six levels deep to keep things readable.
Likes and Flagging
Enable comment likes so visitors can show appreciation for good comments. This helps surface the most useful or interesting responses.
Comment flagging lets registered users report inappropriate content. When multiple people flag the same comment, it can be automatically hidden pending your review.
Comment Sorting
Visitors can sort comments by:
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- Most liked
- Least liked
Set your preferred default sort order in the comment settings.
Moderation Options
Squarespace includes basic auto-moderation features. You can automatically moderate comments that:
- Contain certain keywords
- Include multiple links
- Get flagged by several users
Comments awaiting moderation won't appear publicly until you approve them.
Limitations to Know About
Squarespace's comment system is functional but basic. You can't:
- Let visitors upload images directly
- Create user profiles or accounts
- Use advanced formatting options
- Integrate with social media logins
If you need more features, consider integrating Disqus or another third-party comment system.
FAQs
Can visitors include links in their comments?
Yes, but only using Markdown syntax. They can't just paste a URL and have it become clickable automatically.
Do I get notified when someone comments?
Yes, you'll receive email notifications for new comments if you enable them in your settings.
Can I require approval for all comments?
Yes, you can set comments to require manual approval before they appear publicly.
Will comments affect my site's loading speed?
Comments are loaded after the main page content, so they shouldn't significantly impact your site's performance.
Jargon Buster
Markdown – A simple way to add formatting to plain text using symbols like asterisks for bold and dashes for lists.
Threading – When replies are visually connected to the original comment, creating conversation branches.
Auto-moderation – Automatic filtering of comments based on rules you set, like blocking certain words or requiring approval for comments with links.
Wrap-up
Blog comments can boost engagement, but they need some setup and ongoing moderation. Start with anonymous comments enabled and basic moderation features turned on. You can always adjust the settings based on how your audience behaves and what level of conversation you want to encourage.
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