Optimizing Your Squarespace Images for SEO and Speed

Images are a vital part of any website, especially for visual-focused businesses like photographers, Airbnb hosts, and coaches with strong personal brands. However, large or poorly optimized images can slow down your site and hurt your search engine rankings.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to optimize images on your Squarespace website—for better SEO, faster load times, and a smoother user experience.

Why Image Optimization Matters

  • Improves load speed

    (better for both users and search engines)

  • Boosts SEO

    through alt text and file names

  • Enhances accessibility

    for screen readers

  • Reduces bounce rate

    by creating a smoother experience on mobile
  • 1. Choose the Right File Format
    Best practices:

    • JPG (or JPEG): Great for photos and faster loading
    • PNG: Use for graphics, icons, or images with transparency
    • WebP: Ideal for modern, compressed visuals (not fully supported everywhere, but getting better)

    Squarespace supports:
    JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, and limited support for WebP (depending on browser)
  • 2. Resize Before Uploading
    Uploading full-resolution camera images can massively slow down your site.

    Ideal image sizes for Squarespace:
    • Hero banners: ~2500px wide
    • Gallery images: 1500–2000px wide
    • Thumbnails/icons: 300–800px wide
    Use tools like Canva, Photoshop, or Pixlr to resize before uploading.
  • 3. Compress Images Without Losing Quality
    Compression reduces file size while maintaining clarity.

    Tools to use:
    Smaller file size = faster load = better SEO.
  • 4. Use Descriptive File Names
    Before uploading, rename files from “IMG_0045.jpg” to something descriptive and keyword-rich.

    Examples:
    • ❌ DSC12345.jpg
    • ✅ airbnb-coastal-rental-bedroom.jpg
    • ✅ london-wedding-photographer-portfolio.jpg

    This helps search engines understand what the image is about.
  • 5. Add Alt Text for SEO and Accessibility
    Alt text (“alternative text”) describes images for screen readers and search engines.

    Best practices:
    • Describe the image concisely
    • Include a relevant keyword if natural
    • Don’t keyword stuff
    Example:
    Alt text: "Bohemian bedroom in Lisbon Airbnb rental with exposed brick wall"
    • To add alt text in Squarespace: Click the image block → ⚙️ gear icon → Add text under "Image Alt Text"
  • 6. Use Consistent Aspect Ratios
    Mixing image shapes can lead to messy layouts and cropping issues.

    Tips:
    • Stick with one aspect ratio per section (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9)
    • Use cropping tools in Squarespace or a photo editor to keep consistency
Optimizing images is one of the simplest and most impactful SEO actions you can take on your Squarespace website. It helps your site load faster, improves your rankings, and provides a better experience for every visitor.

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Our Squarespace templates are pre-designed with all these sections included — so you can focus on your message, not your layout.
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