Squarespace 2024 Update: Key Features to Boost Your Website
Squarespace Authorised Trainer, Elwyn Davies unveils Squarespace's 2024 enhancements for better commerce, site design, and AI integration, including the option to hide header's and footers… rejoice!
It's been some time since my last Squarespace update.
So, with a cup of tea in hand, I'm diving into the main Squarespace enhancements for 2024. While we're not seeing anything as groundbreaking as the Fluid Engine launch, there are several handy features that deserve your attention. Here's your Squarespace Spring 2024 rundown...
From commerce to website improvements, domain management, and AI advancements, each feature brings something valuable to the table.
"Although not groundbreaking, Squarespace tweaks and improvements so far in 2024 offer practical, user-friendly tools, streamlining website management to give your Squarespace website a little shot in the arm" - Elwyn Davies
Commerce Enhancements: Elevating Online Selling
The 2024 commerce updates are pivotal for sellers. With features like Subscription Renewal Emails and the ability to secure blogs and videos behind a paywall, Squarespace is enhancing its commerce platform. The SKU IQ extension for syncing inventory is another highlight, seamlessly integrating online and in-store sales.
Subscription Renewal Emails: Sellers can now enable notifications to alert customers about subscription renewals 15 days in advance, including product names, prices, renewal dates, and subscription cadences.
Selling Access to Blogs and Videos: Squarespace introduced Pricing Plans for digital products, allowing users to sell access to blogs and videos behind a paywall.
SKU IQ for Inventory Sync: With the SKU IQ extension, users can sync inventory and orders between their Squarespace site and their point-of-sale system, enhancing the integration with Square for POS functionalities.
Website and Domain Management: Simplified and Streamlined
On the website front, Squarespace introduced tools like enhanced block styling and the ability to hide headers and footers on specific pages. The revamped Domains Dashboard and invoicing availability on the Personal plan are significant for domain management, offering a more centralized and efficient experience.
Enhanced Block Styling Tools and Pinning Feature: New stroke, blend, and blur styling options were added to more blocks. Users can also pin blocks on their page, keeping them visible as visitors scroll.
Header and Footer Visibility Control: Users can now choose to hide the header and footer on specific pages, creating an effect similar to Cover Pages on version 7.1 sites
Improved Domains Dashboard: A new dashboard for managing Squarespace domains was introduced, now offering a centralised place to oversee and manage aspects such as auto-renew settings and DNS records.
Invoicing on the Personal Plan: Squarespace has now included client invoicing as part of the Personal plan, allowing users to create and send invoices directly through Squarespace without transaction fees, catering especially to sellers of specialized or custom merchandise.
“The option to hide headers and footers on individual pages is long overdue, but I am not going to let that dampen the mood! This feature change means that we can created dedicated and isolated landing pages in Squarespace without needing to resort to custom code or workaround hacks.” - Elwyn Davies
AI Enhancements: Personalizing the Digital Experience
Squarespace's AI updates, including Brand Identity for AI outputs and AI content creation in the Squarespace app, underscore a move towards more personalized and high-quality digital content. These features aim to make content creation easier and more cohesive with brand identity.
Squarespace AI Enhancements: Brand Identity for AI Output: To improve the consistency and quality of AI-generated content, Squarespace introduced Brand Identity. Users can define a description of their business and select a writing style for AI-generated content, enhancing personalisation.
AI Content Creation in Squarespace App: The Squarespace app now includes AI capabilities, allowing users to draft content on the go, such as paragraphs, sales pitches, or blurbs about a chosen topic.
Takeaways from the Spring 2024 Squarespace Update:
Commerce tools have been enhanced with subscription renewal notifications, paywall options for digital content, and improved inventory syncing.
Website improvements include new styling options for blocks, the ability to pin blocks, and more control over header and footer visibility.
The Domains Dashboard has been revamped for better management, and invoicing is now available on the Personal plan.
AI capabilities have been expanded to include brand identity customization and on-the-go content creation.
Wrapping up
Squarespace's 2024 updates might not be enough to bring entrenched Wordpress, Wix or Hostinger Website Builder users over to the platform, but many of these are welcome and not insignificant improvements to the platform. For all things Squarespace, including courses, a 20% discount, plugins and templates, check out our dedicated page below.
