How to Add SEO Keywords to Squarespace

Optimizing Squarespace for Search Engines

Nothing’s more frustrating than investing time and effort into your website, only to remain invisible online.

Gaining exposure for your site is challenging without consistent marketing efforts. With the vast ocean of websites out there, a staggering 90% receive zero Google traffic.

To climb the search engine ranks, it’s crucial to tailor your web pages with keywords your target audience is actively seeking.

Where should these keywords go? Let’s dive in.

• Focus on incorporating the main keyword in the page title, introduction, and SEO description for maximum visibility.
• Optimize images by using relevant keywords in file names and alt-text to improve SEO and accessibility.
• Ensure internal linking with keyword-rich anchor text to bolster site structure and SEO value.
• Maintain a natural keyword density within the content to avoid keyword stuffing, aiming for 1-2%.
• Enhance page load speed by optimizing images and minimizing custom code to improve both SEO and user experience.

Thankfully, embedding keywords into a Squarespace site is straightforward.

This tutorial will walk you through the process of embedding SEO keywords into Squarespace, enabling your website to emerge in search queries.

Optimal Keyword Count per Page

You might ponder the ideal number of keywords for each page.

Typically, it’s best to concentrate on a single primary keyword per page. This approach allows you to fully leverage optimization tools to signal to search engines the primary focus of your page.

Mixing multiple keywords on one page can dilute your content’s focus, leading to subpar rankings across multiple search terms.

Considering that 75% of users don’t venture beyond the first page of search results, a single, well-ranked keyword offers better traffic prospects than multiple lower-ranked ones.

This doesn’t mean you’re restricted to one keyword per page.

Incorporating synonyms or related terms is also beneficial. For instance, a page might simultaneously rank well for “nutrition guide,” “healthy meal plan,” and “balanced diet strategy” because these phrases share a common search intent.

Employing synonyms and related keywords can boost your primary keyword ranking, a technique known as leveraging semantically related keywords.

Another key point:

Avoid using the same keyword across multiple pages. Given the vast content online, search engines prioritize in-depth, quality content over sheer volume. They prefer a comprehensive single page on a topic over multiple superficial ones.

Keyword duplication across pages can lead to “keyword cannibalization,” preventing any of the pages from ranking effectively.

Therefore, select a distinct keyword for each page. If you have pages with overlapping content, consider merging them or removing the less effective one.

Location	Impact	Notes
Page Title	High	Include main keyword near the beginning.
Headings (H1, H2, H3)	Medium	Use keywords naturally in headings.
Image Alt-Text	Medium	Describe images with relevant keywords.
SEO Description	High	Summarize content with 1-2 keywords.
Introduction	High	Incorporate the main keyword early on.
Body Text	High	Maintain a natural 1-2% keyword density.
URL	High	Keep URLs short and keyword-rich.

Embedding Keywords in Squarespace

1. Incorporate the primary keyword in the page title

Though not always visible, the page title is a crucial on-page element, second only to the content itself.

The page title is the first thing users notice in search results, and search engines heavily rely on it to discern the page’s subject.

Therefore, ensure your page title includes the main keyword, ideally at the start.

This placement aids users in quickly identifying relevant results (as we read from left to right) and signals to search engines the primary focus of your content.

2. Weave keywords into headings

Incorporating keywords and their variants in headings aids both search engines and readers in understanding your content better.

Although headings are not direct ranking factors, they outline your page’s structure for search engines, enhancing the likelihood of ranking for your chosen keyword.

Headings also enable readers to swiftly grasp the essence of your content.

Feel free to embed keywords in any heading level (H1, H2, H3), provided it feels natural and makes sense.

3. Embed Keywords in Image Descriptions

While search engines can’t directly “view” images, they interpret visual content through descriptions and adjacent text.

Image filenames, captions, and alt-text are prime spots for keyword integration.

In Squarespace, assigning filenames and captions to images is straightforward.

Upon image upload, you’ll find a Filename field beneath the image, adhering to Google’s guidelines which recommend simple, content-relevant filenames composed of letters, numbers, and hyphens.

Alt-text, which stands for ‘alternative text’, provides a concise image description, aiding search engines and individuals with visual impairments in understanding the image content.

In Squarespace, alt-text is cleverly masked as an image caption. To add, simply insert a caption, then opt to hide it via settings. Lacking a caption, Squarespace defaults to using the image filename as alt-text.

Compose alt-text in a natural tone, avoiding excessive keyword use, and skip phrases like “image of”. For instance, use “cat” instead of “image of a cat” for a cat photo.

Pro-tip: For product images, including the product or serial number might help the image surface in searches for those specific codes.

4. Incorporate the Main Keyword in the Introduction

The opening paragraphs typically set the stage for the page, where logically, your keyword should appear, indicating the page’s theme to search engines.

This is usually achieved through natural writing. Overstuffing keywords might repel readers.

The introduction’s primary goal is to captivate your audience. Failing to engage visitors could negatively impact your page’s search ranking.

5. Distribute Keywords Throughout the Page Content

A key area for keyword placement in Squarespace is the main body text.

SEO specialists often suggest maintaining a keyword density of 1-2% to avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization, known as “keyword stuffing”, while ensuring search engines can identify your page’s focus.

Utilize free tools to check keyword density, ensuring your content hits this sweet spot.

Beyond the primary keyword, consider using synonyms and related terms, discoverable through keyword research tools or by examining content that ranks well for your target keyword.

Typically, focusing on a singular topic naturally incorporates the keyword at an adequate frequency without forced inclusion.

While keywords might seem to limit creativity, plan your keywords in advance and write your initial draft freely. During revisions, you can then strategically insert targeted keywords and phrases.

6. Integrate Keywords into the Final 200 Words

Just as the introduction should hint at the topic, search engines anticipate a reference to the keyword in your conclusion.

Include your main keyword or its variants in the closing paragraphs, perhaps with a simple summary or a call-to-action inviting further discussion on the topic.

7. Feature the Keyword in a Concise URL

This is my preferred method for incorporating keywords into Squarespace due to its simplicity.

Given search engines’ preference for succinct URLs, they present an ideal opportunity for precise keyword inclusion. Default Squarespace URLs, generated from page titles, can be cumbersome.

To customize a URL in Squarespace, navigate to the Pages menu, hover over a page, select the gear icon, and modify the URL Slug section.

For blog entries, access the URL slug under the Option tab by clicking Edit.

Pro-tip: Altering the URL of an existing page necessitates setting up redirects to prevent users from encountering dead links.

8. Embed Keywords in SEO Descriptions

After finalizing your page, craft an SEO description (or meta description) to concisely summarize your content, appearing in search results and on social platforms.

Think of the SEO description as your page’s advertisement copy, displayed beneath your page title in search results. Including keywords here can highlight them in bold during searches, drawing more clicks.

Incorporate 1-2 keywords naturally within your SEO description, avoiding overstuffing to prevent it from being disregarded by search engines.

While keywords in your SEO description don’t directly affect your rank, a compelling meta description can improve your click-through rate, indirectly boosting your ranking.

If your page isn’t actively promoted on social media, you might delay optimizing the SEO description until the page gains traction and visibility.

9. Establish Internal Links Using Keywords

Linking between your site’s pages using keywords is essential for a comprehensive link-building strategy.

Beyond placing keywords strategically on a page, search engines evaluate how other pages within your site reference your content, clarifying the keyword’s relevance to your page.

Initiate internal linking yourself by connecting relevant content across your site. For instance, link to your “keto diet for beginners” page when mentioning the topic in a related article about keto recipes, using the exact keyword as the anchor text.

Making this a regular practice enhances your site’s overall SEO health, benefiting all pages.

10. Incorporate Keywords into Your Site Title

Don’t overlook embedding your primary keyword in your Squarespace site title, a critical element even if it’s not visible due to a logo.

To modify your site title in Squarespace, navigate to Design from the home menu, then select Logo and Title.

Using Search Keywords Analytics for Monitoring SEO Performance

With these strategies implemented, it’s time to track the impact on your page rankings.

Squarespace offers an integrated keyword analytics feature, accessible by linking your site with Google Search Console.

This tool provides insights into various metrics, including the keywords your site ranks for, average position, impressions, clicks, and click-through rate, guiding your ongoing SEO refinement.

Focus initially on search keywords and average positions. As your pages climb to the first page of search results, fine-tune your page titles and meta descriptions to increase clicks, driving more traffic and aiming for the top rankings.

Expectations for SEO Results Timeline

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Immediate results are rare as it takes time for search engines to index and rank your pages.

Accelerate this process by submitting your sitemap or requesting indexing, but typically, achieving a first-page rank can take between 2 to 6 months.

Optimizing Page Load Speed for SEO

One of the key factors influencing both user experience and SEO on your Squarespace site is the page load speed. Fast-loading pages not only rank better in search results but also provide a more satisfying experience for your visitors, reducing bounce rates and encouraging longer site engagements.

Why Speed Matters

In today’s digital age, users expect quick access to information and services. Search engines like Google acknowledge this by prioritizing faster websites in their rankings. A sluggish site can harm your visibility online and deter potential customers.

Assessing Your Site’s Speed

Begin with diagnosing your site’s current performance. Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights offer valuable insights into your site’s load times and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.

Optimizing Images

High-resolution images can drastically slow down your site. Ensure all images are optimized for the web by compressing them without significantly compromising quality. Squarespace automatically generates responsive image versions, but initial file size still matters.

Minimizing Custom Code

While custom CSS and JavaScript can enhance your site’s functionality and aesthetics, excessive code can hinder performance. Audit your custom code, removing unnecessary scripts and optimizing what remains.

Leveraging Squarespace’s Built-In Features

Squarespace is designed with speed in mind, offering built-in features such as automatic image scaling and mobile optimization. Familiarize yourself with these features to ensure you’re making the most of Squarespace’s performance capabilities.

Conclusion

Optimizing your Squarespace site’s load speed is a critical step in enhancing your SEO and improving the overall user experience. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your site not only attracts visitors but retains them.