10 Common Squarespace Mistakes Small Business Owners Make and How to Fix Them
If you have ever opened your Squarespace dashboard, stared at it for way too long, clicked one thing, broke three things, and then questioned your entire life path, congratulations. You are a small business owner with a website.
Let’s talk about the mistakes almost everyone makes and how to fix them so your site can finally look like the dreamy, aligned, money‑making brand you actually are.
1. Using the default template and never customizing it
Squarespace templates are intentionally minimal so you can build your brand on top of them. But if you never customize anything, your site ends up looking like every other site built on the same template.
Why this is a problem: Default templates lack brand identity. They also use generic spacing, placeholder fonts, and neutral colors that do not reflect your business. This makes your site feel unfinished and lowers trust.
How to fix it:
Update your Site Styles with your brand fonts, colors, and spacing.
Adjust section padding so your site feels intentional instead of default.
Replace all placeholder blocks with your own content and imagery.
Use consistent heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) to create visual structure.
Goal: A site that feels like your brand, not a starter kit.
2. Uploading giant images that slow your site down
Squarespace can handle large images, but it cannot magically fix a 12‑megabyte photo straight from your iPhone.
Why this is a problem: Large images slow down load times, especially on mobile. Slow sites increase bounce rates and hurt SEO.
How to fix it:
Resize images to 2000–2500px wide before uploading.
Export images at 70–80 percent quality to reduce file size without losing clarity.
Use JPG for photos and PNG only when transparency is needed.
Compress images using tools like TinyJPG or Squoosh.
Goal: Crisp images that load instantly.
3. Hiding your call to action like it is a secret
Your CTA should guide visitors toward the next step. If it is buried at the bottom of your site, people will not find it.
Why this is a problem: Visitors skim. They need direction. If your CTA is hidden, your conversions drop.
How to fix it:
Place your main CTA in the header, hero section, and throughout your pages.
Use button blocks, not text links, for important actions.
Keep your CTA copy short and clear: “Book Now,” “Get Started,” “Contact Me.”
Goal: A site that guides visitors instead of confusing them.
4. Writing long paragraphs no one will read
Your website is not the place for long, dense paragraphs. People skim for clarity.
Why this is a problem: Large blocks of text overwhelm visitors and make your site feel heavy.
How to fix it:
Break content into short paragraphs and scannable sections.
Use bold text to highlight key points.
Add line breaks to create breathing room.
Use lists to simplify complex information.
Goal: Clean, readable content that keeps people engaged.
5. Forgetting to set mobile styles
Your site might look perfect on desktop but chaotic on mobile. Most visitors are on their phones, so mobile design matters.
Why this is a problem: Mobile view uses different spacing, stacking, and image ratios. If you do not check it, your site can look broken.
How to fix it:
Switch to mobile preview for every page.
Adjust mobile spacing in section settings.
Use mobile‑friendly image ratios like 4:5 or 1:1.
Avoid side‑by‑side layouts that collapse awkwardly.
Goal: A site that looks intentional on every device.
6. Using too many fonts
Three or more fonts competing for attention makes your site look messy and unprofessional.
Why this is a problem: Inconsistent typography breaks visual hierarchy and confuses visitors.
How to fix it:
Choose one heading font, one body font, and one optional accent font.
Set your typography in Site Styles so it stays consistent across pages.
Use H1 for page titles, H2 for section titles, and H3 for subheadings.
Goal: Clean, cohesive typography that feels elevated.
7. Not connecting your domain correctly
If your site says “Not Secure” or your domain redirects strangely, visitors lose trust instantly.
Why this is a problem: Incorrect DNS settings break your site’s credibility and SEO.
How to fix it:
Go to Settings → Domains.
Add the correct DNS records from your domain provider.
Wait for verification and ensure SSL is enabled.
Test your domain on both www and non‑www versions.
Goal: A secure, trustworthy site that loads correctly every time.
8. Ignoring SEO completely
Squarespace gives you SEO tools, but it does not do SEO for you.
Why this is a problem: If Google cannot understand your site, it cannot rank it.
How to fix it:
Add page titles and meta descriptions for every page.
Write alt text for all images.
Use keywords your audience actually searches for.
Structure your content with headings for clarity.
Goal: A site that Google can read and rank.
9. Overusing animations
A little movement is cute. Too much movement feels like a carnival ride.
Why this is a problem: Animations slow down your site and distract from your content.
How to fix it:
Use animations sparingly.
Avoid stacking multiple animations in one section.
Keep transitions subtle and purposeful.
Goal: A site that feels modern, not chaotic.
10. Trying to DIY everything forever
At some point, the tutorials, late nights, and endless tweaking stop being worth it.
Why this is a problem: Your time is better spent running your business, not fighting with your website.
How to fix it:
Hire a designer.
Book a VIP day.
Use a professional template that does the heavy lifting.
Goal: A site that works for you, not against you.
Final Thoughts
Squarespace is powerful, but only if you know how to use it. Fixing these mistakes will make your site look cleaner, feel more professional, and convert more clients. And if you are tired of fighting with your website, you do not have to do it alone.
About the Author
Lourin DosSantos Website Designer, Brand Strategist, and Community Leader
Lourin DosSantos is a creative strategist who helps small businesses, beauty professionals, and community organizations show up with clarity and confidence. She focuses on clean design, simple systems, and warm communication to create websites and brands that feel personal and easy to use. Lourin supports clients through website design, brand identity, digital management, and ongoing content support.
She also serves on the Board of Advisors for POAC Succeed and leads Women Who Read Leadership, a Kansas City community for women who want to grow and connect. Her work reflects her commitment to belonging, empowerment, and practical tools that strengthen both individuals and communities.
