Simple Solutions to Common Squarespace Problems
Like any platform, Squarespace comes with its share of challenges.
Whether you're customising your site or troubleshooting technical hiccups, this blog slash guide will walk you through some of the most common Squarespace issues and their quick fixes.
1. Slow page loading
Why it happens:
Slow loading can occur due to large image files, excessive custom code, or too many third-party integrations.
Quick Fixes:
Optimise images: Ensure all images are in JPEG or WebP format and under 500 KB where possible. Use Squarespace’s built-in image editor for resizing.
Limit custom code: Review your custom CSS or JavaScript and remove unnecessary elements.
Review third-party plugins: Disable non-essential integrations and monitor the impact on speed.
2. Your site doesn’t appear on Google
Why it happens:
SEO settings might not be configured correctly, or your site isn’t indexed yet.
Quick Fixes:
Enable search engine visibility: Go to Settings > SEO and ensure "Hide site from search engines" is turned off.
Submit your sitemap: Squarespace automatically generates a sitemap at yoursite.com/sitemap.xml. Submit it to Google Search Console.
Add meta descriptions and keywords: Use the SEO panel to add descriptions to each page, which helps search engines understand your content.
3. Mobile version looks off
Why it happens:
Squarespace automatically optimises sites for mobile, but some customisations can disrupt layouts.
Quick Fixes:
Use responsive design: Stick to Squarespace’s built-in design tools and templates for mobile compatibility.
Preview on mobile: Use the mobile preview mode in the editor to spot issues early.
Avoid fixed-width elements: Ensure elements like banners or custom blocks use percentages instead of fixed pixel widths.
4. Broken links
Why it happens:
Links might break if pages are deleted or URLs change.
Quick Fixes:
Check links regularly: Use a free online link checker or manually verify your links.
Set up 301 redirects: If you’ve moved or renamed a page, set up a redirect in Settings > Advanced > URL Mappings.
5. Contact form emails aren’t sending
Why it happens:
Incorrect email settings or integration errors can cause this issue.
Quick Fixes:
Verify email settings: Ensure the recipient email is correct under Form Settings > Storage.
Check spam/junk folders: Emails from Squarespace forms sometimes end up there.
Integrate email tools: Link your forms to services like Mailchimp or Google Workspace for reliable delivery.
6. Can't save or publish changes
Why it happens:
This could be due to a connectivity issue or a bug in the editor.
Quick Fixes:
Clear your cache: Refresh your browser and clear cache/cookies to resolve session issues.
Check internet connection: Ensure you have a stable connection.
Try a different browser: Squarespace works best with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Avoid older browsers like Internet Explorer.
7. Payment issues in online store
Why it happens:
This might be due to unlinked payment gateways or incorrect product settings.
Quick Fixes:
Verify payment settings: Go to Settings > Payments and ensure gateways like Stripe or PayPal are correctly linked.
Check product setup: Make sure all required fields (e.g., price, stock) are filled out in the product editor.
Test transactions: Place a test order to ensure everything runs smoothly.
8. Images not displaying properly
Why it happens:
Images may not display if they’re uploaded incorrectly or the cache is outdated.
Quick Fixes:
Reupload images: Delete and reupload the affected images. Ensure the file format is supported (JPEG, PNG, GIF).
Update browser cache: Clear your browser cache to view the latest version of your site.
Use Squarespace’s image uploader: Avoid dragging and dropping directly into the browser to prevent upload errors.
Fixing Squarespace issues can seem hard, but many problems have easy solutions. By using these quick fixes, you can keep your site looking good and working well. For ongoing or complicated issues, contact Squarespace support for help.
