Squarespace 7.0 Index Pages and SEO
TL;DR:
- Squarespace 7.0 Index Pages are collections of individual pages that stack together
- Each section has its own URL and can be indexed separately by search engines
- Hide sub-pages from search engines to prevent duplicate content issues
- Consider upgrading to Squarespace 7.1 for simpler SEO management
Understanding Index Pages in Squarespace 7.0
Squarespace 7.0 Index Pages work differently than you might expect. What looks like one long scrolling page is actually several individual pages stacked together. Each section you scroll through is a separate page with its own URL and settings.
This creates a seamless visual experience for visitors, but it can cause problems for SEO if you're not careful.
The SEO Problem with Index Pages
Here's where things get tricky. Because each section is technically a separate page, search engines can index them individually. This means you might end up with multiple URLs pointing to what appears to be the same content.
When search engines find duplicate or thin content across multiple pages, it can hurt your rankings. The solution is to hide these sub-pages from search engines while keeping the main Index Page visible.
How to Hide Sub-Pages from Search Engines
Here's how to prevent search engines from indexing your Index Page sections:
- Go to your Pages panel
- Find the sub-page you want to hide
- Hover over it and click the gear icon
- Click the SEO tab
- Turn on "Hide this page from search engine results"
Repeat this process for each sub-page within your Index Page. Only the main Index Page should remain visible to search engines.
Why Upgrading to Squarespace 7.1 Makes Sense
Squarespace 7.1 handles content structure much more simply. Instead of dealing with individual pages within Index Pages, you work with sections that don't create separate URLs. This eliminates the SEO headaches that come with 7.0 Index Pages.
If you're still on Squarespace 7.0 and use Index Pages heavily, upgrading to 7.1 will save you time and reduce SEO complications.
FAQs
How do I stop search engines from finding my Index Page sub-pages?
Go to each sub-page's settings, click the SEO tab, and enable "Hide this page from search engine results."
Can Google index each section of my Index Page separately?
Yes, in Squarespace 7.0, each section is a separate page with its own URL. Google can index them individually unless you hide them.
Should I upgrade to Squarespace 7.1?
If you're dealing with complex Index Page structures, yes. Version 7.1 simplifies content management and eliminates these SEO issues.
Jargon Buster
Index Pages: A Squarespace 7.0 feature that stacks multiple pages together to create one long scrolling experience
SEO: Search Engine Optimization – techniques to help your website rank better in search results
Sub-pages: The individual pages that make up sections within a Squarespace 7.0 Index Page
Duplicate content: When search engines find the same or very similar content across multiple URLs
Wrap-up
Managing Index Pages in Squarespace 7.0 requires attention to detail, but it's straightforward once you understand how they work. Hide your sub-pages from search engines to keep your SEO clean, and consider upgrading to 7.1 if you want to simplify your site management.
The key is making sure search engines only see one version of your content, not multiple pages that look similar.
Need help optimizing your Squarespace site? Join Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step guidance and expert support.