7 Things to NOT Do On Your Squarespace Website
(And What to Do Instead)
Whether you're a new business owner building your first website or you're a few years in and finally prioritizing your digital presence, there are a few common missteps we often see on Squarespace sites that are costing you leads.
Here are 7 things to avoid on your Squarespace website: and what to do instead to make sure your website is actually working for you.
1. Putting More Than One Call-to-Action in Your Navigation
Your top navigation is prime real estate, keep it clean.
Your main call-to-action (CTA), like “Book a Discovery Call” or “Let’s Get Started,” should be the only button in your nav. Everything else (About, Services, Contact) should stay as standard text links.
Make your CTA a button, not just another page in the menu. On Squarespace 7.1, you can do this by going to:
Design > Site Styles > Header Layout > Buttons – then assign your main CTA link as a button in your navigation settings.
Let it stand out. Let it guide.
2. Forgetting SEO Page Titles & Descriptions
Squarespace gives you the tools for SEO, but you’ve got to use them. Your SEO page titles and descriptions help search engines to understand what your site is about, and more importantly, help potential clients click through to it.
Use clear keywords and location-based terms, especially if you offer services locally.
For example:
If you’re an interior designer: “Interior Design Services | Toronto’s Premier Residential Interior Design Team”
If you’re a realtor: “About Jill Smith | London, Ontario Real Estate Agent”
To edit your SEO Page Titles & Descriptions go to: Pages > Click the gear icon > SEO tab.
If you're unsure what keywords to use, working with a Squarespace designer can help you make smart, strategic choices that boost visibility.
3. Leaving Mobile View Untouched
You can't just design for desktop. Over half of web visitors are viewing on their phones.
Use the mobile preview toggle (the little phone icon in the Squarespace site editor) to check your site regularly. Then, take it a step further, pull it up on your actual phone. Scroll through like a customer would. Is the spacing clean? Is the font legible? Are buttons easy to click?
Small tweaks go a long way in making a professional first impression.
4. Adding Unnecessary Animations
Animations might feel fun, but they usually slow your site down, especially on mobile.
Most people click away in seconds. You want your message to load fast, read clearly, and scroll smoothly. Fancy text effects or fade-ins just create friction and annoyance as a viewer.
Instead, focus on strong headings, helpful content, and clean visuals. A great user experience = a subconscious signal that you’re easy to work with.
5. Making Your Navigation Sticky (When It Shouldn’t Be)
A sticky nav that stays glued to the top of the screen might seem helpful, but in most cases, it’s just distracting. It takes up valuable space and makes your site feel cramped.
If you’re determined to keep it sticky, do it strategically:
Shrink it, simplify it, and ditch the logo in the scroll version. But for most service-based businesses? Let it scroll away.
6. Making It All About You
Here’s the tough truth: people don’t really care about you — they care about what you can do for them.
The copy on your homepage, services page, and even contact page should speak directly to your ideal client’s goals, desires, current situation and pain points. Focus on you only in your About section, and even then, you can frame your copy around how your story helps them.
Swap “I” and “we” for language like:
“You’re tired of…”
“Are you looking to…”
“The support you’ve been looking for…”
If you're not sure where to start, working with an agency focussed on strategy-led website copywriting can help.
7. Leaving the Default Favicon
Your favicon is that tiny icon in the browser tab beside your website title (like the envelope on your Gmail tab or the Instagram icon on Instagram). If you're still showing the default black Squarespace cube, it's time to switch it up so your site looks super profesh & customized.
To change it:
Settings > Website Settings > Browser Icon
Upload a 150x150px PNG — ideally an ultra simple icon version of your logo or brand mark.
It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way in making your brand look polished and intentional.
Final Thoughts
Your website should feel like a confident and clear introduction to your biz, not a confusing jumble of random info. And if you’re building on Squarespace, the good news is: it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple changes can make a huge difference in how professional and trustworthy your business appears online.
Want a second set of eyes on your site? Explore our branding & web design services for service-based businesses or book a quick consult. Let’s make your website work harder for you 24/7, so you don’t have to.