7 Tips for Using Squarespace to Build your Blog

Mar 27

Mar 27 7 Tips for Using Squarespace to Build your Blog

1. Experiment with Different Templates

Before you start adding a lot of content, it's best to decide on your Squarespace template. There are lots of choices, based on what type of website you will be offering.

Squarespace has a ton of different templates to choose from. Here's the kicker: You can try them out without permanently changing your design! The site lets you see what your blog would look like if you switched. I used this approach to try a few different designs before I settled on one.

2. Use a Form Block for Surveys and Contests

I was pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it easy to create user feedback forms. I wanted to run a contest, in which visitors could enter information about the contest. I defined a simple Form block that just required a few fields. I get an email each time a user submits the form.

3. Create a Basic Author for Guest Posts

Sometimes you will want someone else to write a post on your blog. Do this by creating this person as a "Basic Author." Then, their bio can be displayed on the blog sidebar.

4. Register your Amazon Associates ID

Of all the features I tried, this one really surprised me. If you use Amazon Associates advertising, Squarespace makes it really easy to include your Amazon "tag" in ads. You enter your Amazon Associates text in: Settings/Advanced/External Services

You only have to register your Amazon ID with Squarespace once. After you do this, use the Amazon Block to display specific product ads. Here's how it works: First, create an Amazon block. Then, search for the specific product. In the screenshot below, I searched for "Diet," then selected the product shown.

I found it best to NOT show the image, since it is really huge. Instead, I select the "Show Price" and "Add Buy button." After viewing the ad, I saw that the title was too long, so I removed the title as well.

The Ad below is what results.

$21.77

NatureWise

Buy on Amazon

5. Use the Code Block to Display "Native" Amazon Ads

Sometimes, you need to just enter some code or script to run. For example, for displaying an Amazon "Native" ad, I need to run a short script, which is provided by Amazon. Instead of using the Amazon block, select the "code" block, and copy your Amazon script into the block.

6. Regularly Review Your Analytics

Do not miss this feature! Squarespace supplies some great, albeit basic, analytics at no extra charge. If you are serious about groing your blog, you will want to check out all the analytics.

It is fun to see how your blog is doing. You can see graphs or charts. My favorite option is to see the "Popular Content." That way, I can see why people are visiting my site.

7. Don't be Shy: Use Squarespace Customer Service Email

I picked Squarespace based on their reputation for outstanding customer service. I am pretty new to creating websites, so I was pretty sure I would need some help. And in fact, I have emailed their support desk on numerous occasions.