5 Common Mistakes Small Business Owners Make on Their Squarespace Websites (And How to Fix Them)

Building a website with Squarespace is a great choice for small business owners—it’s user-friendly, visually appealing, and packed with helpful features. However, without the right expertise, it’s easy to make mistakes that hurt your site's effectiveness. Here are five common mistakes business owners make on their Squarespace websites and how to fix them:

1. Ignoring Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
   Many small business owners assume that simply launching a website means people will find it. However, without proper SEO, your site may not rank well in search results. To fix this, optimize page titles, meta descriptions, and images, use relevant keywords, and take advantage of Squarespace’s built-in SEO tools to improve visibility.

2. Using a Cluttered or Confusing Layout
   A poorly organized website can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Avoid overwhelming users with too much text, excessive menu options, or inconsistent design elements. Instead, focus on a clean, well-structured layout with clear headings, logical navigation, and whitespace to enhance readability.

3. Not Optimizing for Mobile Devices
   Since more than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, an unoptimized mobile experience can cost you potential customers. Squarespace templates are mobile-responsive, but you should always preview your site on different screen sizes to ensure text, buttons, and images are easy to interact with.

4. Slow Load Times Due to Large Images or Excessive Features
   A slow website leads to higher bounce rates. Many business owners upload high-resolution images without compressing them, or they add too many unnecessary animations and plugins. Use Squarespace’s image compression tools, limit heavy scripts, and streamline your design to keep your site running fast.

5. Lack of Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
   Your website should guide visitors toward a specific action—whether that’s booking an appointment, purchasing a product, or contacting you. Many business owners fail to include clear, compelling CTAs. Fix this by strategically placing buttons or links that encourage users to take the next step in their customer journey.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help your Squarespace website function better, attract more visitors, and convert them into loyal customers. If you're unsure how to fix these issues or want a professionally designed website that gets results, working with a Squarespace web designer can make all the difference!