Maximizing Squarespace Local SEO for Your Business [2025]
Introduction - Understanding Squarespace Local SEO
When a customer or client searches for something in Google, their results are often tailored to their geographical location. If you are running a local business, Squarespace local SEO is critical because it helps local customers or clients find you.
In this guide, you will learn why optimizing your Squarespace website for local SEO is one of the most effective marketing strategies you can invest in. As a Squarespace SEO Expert, I will walk you through the exact steps you need to take to optimize your Squarespace website to rank on the first page in your local city. If you get stuck, reach out to a Squarespace SEO expert to get some help!
How Squarespace Local SEO help your business
Squarespace Local SEO can be incredibly powerful. Let’s take a quick look at why!
Targeted approach and Improved Relevance
If you own a local business, optimizing your Squarespace website for local SEO is going to help you directly reach your target customers.
Less competition
Local search is generally less competitive than national search results. Even if you live in a large city, it will be easier to rank on the first page of search results. This means your SEO investment will go a long way and bring you a much higher ROI (return on investment).
Better user experience (location specific)
If your users are searching the web for a local product or service, finding that product or service locally is going to provide an excellent user experience and lead to higher conversions.
Quick Squarespace Local SEO Checklist
If you are brand new to SEO, you’ll want to check out my Squarespace SEO for Beginners guide to make sure your website is generally set up correctly. I also recommend the SEOSpace plugin, a SEO plugin specifically designed for Squarespace. It will audit your website pages and give you a SEO checklist so you know exactly what you need to work on.
Then, to rank your Squarespace website locally, there are additional Squarespace SEO steps you’ll want follow:
Optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing
Use local keywords in your sites meta-data and on-page optimization
Create a location-specific sales page
Include schema markup
Ensure NAP (name, address, phone) consistency
Optimize for your website mobile
Improve your site speed
Get more google reviews (then your competitors)
Create local content (blog)
Build local backlinks and citations
Table of Contents
How to optimize your Squarespace website for local SEO
GMB Listing
Setting up and optimizing a Google My Business (GMB) listing is essential for Squarespace local SEO. You can create or claim your free business on Google. Ensure the profile is complete with accurate business hours, services, and contact information. This step is critical for appearing in Google Maps and local search results, especially for users searching “near me.” To get the most out of your Google My Business listing, regularly update posts and respond to reviews to keep your profile active and credible. This will help potential customers learn about your business directly from Google.
Local Keywords
Local keywords help you target potential customers in your geographic area. Start by identifying keywords that include your location and your services (e.g., “Denver acupuncture clinic”). Use these phrases naturally in your page titles, headings, and content. Local keywords can also be added to meta descriptions and image alt text for extra relevance, increasing the likelihood of your website appearing in relevant local searches.
Location-Specific Pages
Creating dedicated pages for each location you serve improves your site’s relevance in local search results. For example, if you serve multiple neighborhoods or cities, build a unique page for each, detailing services specific to that location. This strategy allows search engines to recognize and rank each page based on its location keywords, making it easier for potential customers to find you in their area.
Site Metadata
Metadata, such as page titles and meta descriptions, is critical for local SEO. Use the built-in Squarespace SEO settings to make sure each page on your site has unique metadata that includes local keywords. Squarespace gives you the option to customize the SEO title and SEO description of every page, post, and product on your website.
If possible, I recommend making your H1 page title and SEO title the same. For instance, instead of a generic title like “Our Services,” use “Acupuncture Services in Denver, CO.” Your metadata will appear in search results, making it a key point of first impression for users deciding whether to click through to your site.
Schema Markup
Adding local business schema markup to your website provides search engines with structured data about your business, like your name, address, and phone number (NAP). Implementing schema markup helps Google better understand your site and increases your chances of appearing in rich search results.
Squarespace automatically includes local Schema markup when you put in your “business information” in the settings area. However, a Squarespace SEO specialist can assist with additional Schema markup for your reviews and FAQs.
NAP Consistency
NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web ensures that your contact information is uniform in all listings, from Google to social media profiles and directories. Search engines trust businesses with consistent information, improving your ranking. Regularly check that your NAP details are accurate across platforms, which builds credibility and enhances local search visibility.
Optimize for Mobile
Optimizing your website for mobile is crucial, as more than half of people now search the internet on smartphones. Google prioritizes websites with good user experience which means a responsive design can improve your local ranking. A well-optimized mobile version of your site will make sure that both mobile and desktop users also have a good user experience. Be sure to include easily navigable menus and clickable phone numbers.
Squarespace has a separate mobile editor—be sure to check every single page in the mobile view and make layout adjustments as needed.
Improve Site Speed
Site speed is a direct ranking factor and impacts user experience. A slow-loading website can drive potential customers away and harm your ranking. The best way to improve your site speed on Squarespace is to compress your images. Additionally, there are extra steps you can take to make Squarespace load faster, such as limiting plugins.. Regularly check your site’s speed using Google’s PageSpeed Insights, as faster sites provide a better user experience, and therefore tend to rank higher in local searches. If you score less then 70% on desktop, take some steps to help your Squarespace website get a good score on Google PageSpeed insights.
Get More Google Reviews
Encourage your customers to leave Google reviews to boost your credibility and local SEO. Google reviews signal to search engines that your business is active and trusted—this is a step you can’t skip. GMB profiles with the most reviews tend to rank in the top 3 of the local map. Additionally, I frequently see websites rank higher when they have more Google reviews than their competitors. Additionally, responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, can increase engagement and show potential clients that you value customer feedback.
Create Local Content (Blog)
Publishing location-based blog content, such as community events or local industry insights, helps increase your relevance in local search results. Regularly adding fresh, relevant content on your Squarespace blog signals to search engines that your site is active and engaged with the local community. This also provides value to your audience and keeps them returning to your site.
Build Local Backlinks
Local backlinks, or links from other local businesses and directories, increase your site’s authority in a specific area. Connect with other local businesses for guest posting opportunities or sponsorships to earn quality backlinks. Registering your site in local directories and joining local business associations can also boost your local SEO ranking, improving visibility among potential customers in your area.
How to measure your local SEO success
You can track your inbound traffic through the built-in analytics dashboard on your Squarespace website. However, I do recommend you setup both Search Console and Google Analytics. These are extremely easy to setup in Squarespace and require no previous technology experience. Both of these free tools will provide much deeper insights into your Squarespace local SEO.
How to setup Search Console in Squarespace >
How to setup Google Analytics in Squarespace >
Example of Search Console analtyics
Track Local Keyword Rankings
Tracking your local keyword rankings helps gauge how visible your business is in local searches. Tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can show where you rank for target local keywords and how this changes over time. Regularly checking these rankings gives insight into which keywords are improving and where adjustments may be needed. To track effectively, focus on location-specific terms, such as “[service] near me” or “Denver [service],” to understand how your business performs for local searches.
Track Inbound Traffic by Geographical Location
Analyzing inbound traffic by location helps you see which areas generate the most website visits. In Google Analytics, navigate to the “Audience” tab and select “Geo” to view traffic by location. This data highlights your strongest regions and can reveal new areas to target with SEO efforts. Regularly reviewing geographic traffic provides insight into the effectiveness of your local SEO and which areas may benefit from targeted content or further optimization.
Click-Through Rates/# of Clicks from Local Search Terms
Monitoring click-through rates (CTR) for local search terms indicates how appealing your site is in search results. Google Search Console provides insights into CTR for specific keywords, helping you identify which terms drive the most clicks and which might need improved meta descriptions or titles. A high CTR shows that users find your listing relevant and engaging, while a low CTR may indicate a need for better call-to-action language or more enticing descriptions.
Track GMB Analytics
Google My Business (GMB) analytics offers valuable insights into customer actions, search queries, and engagement directly on Google. Within GMB’s “Insights” section, you can track how many people view your profile, request directions, call, or visit your website. These insights reveal how well your GMB profile performs and help identify areas for improvement. Regularly analyzing GMB metrics can highlight the effectiveness of local SEO efforts and increase visibility to potential customers nearby.
Track Where People Come From (Conversion Rates from Local Visitors)
Tracking where conversions originate helps you understand how well local SEO drives leads or sales. In Google Analytics, set up conversion goals (such as contact form submissions or purchases) and use the “Audience” and “Geo” reports to track conversion rates by location. This data shows which regions bring in the most engaged traffic, helping you refine your local SEO strategy to focus on high-conversion areas or identify regions needing more tailored outreach.
Common mistakes to avoid
When optimizing for local SEO, it’s easy for small business owners to make mistakes that can impact their website’s performance. Simple oversights, like incomplete business listings or inconsistent information, can reduce search visibility and confuse Google and potential customers. By understanding these common mistakes, you can avoid setbacks and make certain your local SEO efforts are effective, helping you connect with more customers in your area.
Incomplete GMB Profiles: Missing details like hours, services, business description, or images in Google My Business profiles limits visibility and trustworthiness in local search results.
Keyword Stuffing: Overusing local keywords can make content feel unnatural and hurt rankings; aim for a natural flow instead.
Ignoring NAP Consistency: Inconsistent business information across directories confuses search engines and can hurt local rankings. Be sure to match your business name, phone number, and address exactly to what is on your website.
Neglecting Mobile Optimization: A non-responsive website will cause mobile users to have a bad user experience and can reduce local search visibility.
Overlooking Reviews: Failing to encourage and respond to reviews on GMB weakens your local SEO, as reviews build trust and will improve search rankings.
Conclusion
In this guide, we covered essential local SEO strategies for Squarespace websites, including optimizing Google My Business listings, using local keywords, creating location-specific pages, and tracking success through metrics. These steps can help small businesses improve their visibility in local searches, drive more local traffic, and connect with customers nearby. Taking the time to implement these techniques can set your business apart, enhancing both online presence and customer reach. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your local SEO efforts pay off. Be sure to install the SEOSpace Squarespace SEO plugin and reach out for SEO help from a specialized Squarespace SEO specialist if you get stuck
FAQ Section
Can you get good SEO with Squarespace?
Yes, you can achieve good SEO with Squarespace by following best practices like Squarespace geo-targeting and local search optimization. While Squarespace doesn’t have as many SEO customization options as some other platforms, it supports essential features like metadata editing, keyword integration, and mobile optimization, which are all foundational to strong SEO.
How do I add local SEO?
Adding local SEO to your website involves creating location-specific content, optimizing your Google My Business profile, and incorporating local keywords. Squarespace local search optimization can also include adding schema markup, maintaining NAP consistency, and using Squarespace geo-targeting to increase your site’s visibility in local searches.
Can you do local SEO without a website?
Yes, it’s possible to perform local SEO without a website by leveraging tools like Google My Business, social media platforms, and online directories. However, a website enhances credibility and improves control over local SEO tactics, like Squarespace local search optimization, which can increase your visibility in specific geographic areas.
How much does Squarespace SEO cost?
The cost of Squarespace SEO can vary depending on whether you’re handling it yourself or hiring an expert. Basic tools are included in all Squarespace plans, but hiring a professional for Squarespace geo-targeting or local SEO optimization services can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity and scope of the work.
