EPISODE SUMMARY

Plan Your Squarespace Website Like a Pro: Building a Solid Foundation

Have you ever built a house of cards? Imagine if, instead of haphazardly stacking them, you had a blueprint – a plan for where each card goes! Your website needs a blueprint too, and this guide will show you how to create one for Squarespace.

Why Website Structure Matters

Website structure is the invisible framework that holds your entire Squarespace site together. It determines how users navigate your site, find the information they need, and ultimately convert into fans or customers. A well-organized structure not only keeps visitors happy but also helps search engines understand your website, boosting your ranking.

Defining Your Website's Blueprint

Before you dive into Squarespace and start creating pages, take a step back and ask yourself five key questions:

1. Who is your ideal customer? Understanding your target audience is crucial because it will guide the entire website experience.

2. What makes you special? What sets your website apart from the competition?

3. What action do you want visitors to take? Do you want them to sign up for your email list, buy a product, or book a consultation?

4. What kind of content will resonate with your audience? This could be blog posts, videos, tutorials, or quizzes.

5. Are you selling anything? If so, a user-friendly e-commerce section is essential.

Essential Squarespace Pages

• Homepage: This is your website's first impression, so make it clear, concise, and instantly tell users who you are and what you do.

• About Page: Connect with your audience on a personal level by sharing your story and expertise.

• Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to reach out with your email address, phone number (optional), and a clear contact form.

Bonus Pages to Consider:

• Blog: A content hub to establish yourself as an expert, share valuable information, and keep visitors engaged.

• Portfolio: Showcase your work as case studies, highlighting your skills and expertise.

• FAQ Page: Answer frequently asked questions to provide a quick resource for visitors.

Remember, these are just starting points. The specific pages you choose will depend on your website goals and target audience.

Craft a Visual Sitemap

Now that you've identified your essential pages, it's time to create a visual representation of your website structure, like a sketch. This will help you see how pages connect and identify potential gaps in your website flow.

Here are a couple of ways to create a visual sitemap:

• Sticky Notes: Grab a stack and write down the title of each page on a separate note. Physically move them around to see how they relate and group together.

• Figma: This online tool allows you to create a digital sitemap with movable objects.

Remember: Squarespace only allows three levels of website hierarchy (e.g., Homepage > Blog > Specific Blog Post), so plan accordingly.

Squarespace Website Structure Best Practices

• Simplicity is Key: A clear and concise structure with easy-to-navigate menus is essential for a positive user experience.

• Know Your Audience & Goals: Understanding who you're trying to reach and what you want your website to achieve will guide your website structure and prioritize what content is most important.

• Internal Linking: Connect relevant pages within your website to keep users engaged and guide them to the information they need.

• Manageable Navigation: Aim for five to seven primary navigation links with dropdowns for additional pages.

By following these tips and focusing on user experience, you can create a Squarespace website that informs, engages, and inspires your audience.