Short answer: Yes, a Squarespace website can rank well on Google.
At Saltd Studio, we see it happen all the time. We work with Squarespace and Showit websites that consistently outrank WordPress sites. Today, the platform you use matters far less than how your site is structured, how clear your content is, and how helpful you are to your audience.
If SEO feels overwhelming, this post is meant to simplify things. These are foundational steps that, when implemented consistently, can realistically lead to results in about three to six months.
TL;DR
Squarespace websites can absolutely rank on Google. The key is focusing on clear site structure, intentional page titles and content, and strong local signals like Google Business Profiles and reviews. You do not need complicated SEO tactics to get started. Get the basics right, stay consistent, and prioritize being helpful over gaming the system.
Why Squarespace Can Rank Well on Google
When I first got into SEO over a decade ago, Squarespace was much more rigid. WordPress gave you more control, and at the time, it often performed better for SEO.
That is no longer the case.
Google has gotten smarter, and Squarespace has improved significantly. We now help Squarespace clients outrank WordPress websites on a regular basis. The difference is not the platform. It is the strategy behind the site.
Structure Your Website So Google Can Understand It
One of the biggest SEO issues we see on Squarespace sites is poor content structure.
Each page on your website should have:
- Only one Heading 1
- That H1 should clearly include your main service and the city or location you want to rank in
Example:
Brand Designer in Albuquerque, NM
All other content on the page should support that main idea. Avoid trying to rank one page for multiple services. Clear focus helps Google understand what your page is about and helps users quickly know they are in the right place.
Optimize Page Titles and Meta Descriptions in Squarespace
This is one of the easiest improvements you can make.
In Squarespace:
- Hover over the page name
- Click the gear icon
- Select SEO
For your homepage, go to:
Website → SEO / AI Visibility
Your page title should clearly describe what the page is about. Your meta description should encourage someone to click. These do not need to be clever or long. They need to be clear and accurate.
Build Your Pages With an SEO Strategy in Mind
In most cases, your site should follow this structure:
- Homepage targets your main industry or primary keyword
- One dedicated page for each main service
- Homepage links clearly to those service pages
Your homepage should introduce what you do and guide people deeper into your site. Trying to rank your homepage for every service usually does not work well.
Submit Your Sitemap to Google Search Console
Squarespace automatically generates a sitemap for your website at:
To submit it:
- Set up Google Search Console
- Follow Google’s steps to submit your sitemap
This helps Google crawl your site more efficiently and understand your pages sooner.
Set Up and Fully Optimize Your Google Business Profile
If you are a local business, this step is essential.
Make sure you:
- Create a Google Business Profile
- Link your website
- Fill out every section completely
- Upload real photos of your business or your work
Then ask your customers for detailed reviews, not just star ratings. Reviews that mention your services and experience help build trust and improve visibility.
Use the Squarespace Blog to Answer Real Questions
Blogging still works when it is done intentionally.
Instead of writing posts just for SEO, write about questions your customers actually ask you. A simple habit we recommend is keeping a note on your phone with good client questions. Each one can become a blog post.
You can use ChatGPT to help draft content, but make sure it is not generic. Add your own insights, examples, and expertise so the content feels human and specific.
Do Not Overdo Keywords
Keywords matter, but your main goal should always be to be helpful.
Avoid forcing keywords into every sentence. If something feels awkward or unnatural, it probably is. Google is smart enough to understand context, and keyword stuffing can do more harm than good.
SEO Does Not Have to Mean an Ugly Website
At Saltd Studio, we strongly believe that SEO and good design can work together.
High-quality photos of your business, your work, or you in action help build trust and keep visitors on your site longer. That supports your SEO rather than hurting it.
A website can rank well and still look beautiful.
Key Takeaways
- Squarespace websites can rank well on Google
- The platform matters less than structure and strategy
- Use one clear H1 per page with your service and location
- Optimize page titles and meta descriptions
- Create separate pages for each main service
- Submit your sitemap through Google Search Console
- Fully complete your Google Business Profile
- Encourage detailed customer reviews
- Write content that answers real customer questions
- Focus on being helpful, not gaming the system
