Is "template" a dirty word?

Web development has come a long way since the internet was created. Sounds of dial up still haunt my dreams. Web developers that build from scratch have some seriously mad skills. They can make amazing things happen. I’ve been learning to code myself this past year and it’s truly amazing what code can do. 

Sometimes, a built from scratch site can be a bit over-complicated. As I said, I’m learning to code on my own, so why is my website in Squarespace? Well, because templates have their advantages, too. Here are a few reasons to give a template some serious consideration.

1 // No Surprises

With a template, you’re able to view the layout and see it in action so you know what you’re getting upfront. Plus, it will help you visualize the content and graphics that you need to create to make the site your own.

2 // Built-In Functionality

When you’re using a template, you know that all of the basics will be included. Responsive site, check. Blog sidebar, check. Call to action buttons, check. Some elements are template-specific, but again, you’ll know up-front what is included. 

3 // Simplicity

Templates are built with simplicity in mind. If you need to edit copy, change graphics or add products, it’s all very easy when using a template. Plus, everything will be consistent across the website and it will be easy for your customer to navigate. Win / Win. 

4 // User Experience

Templates take the most common website elements and put them in an organized layout for consistency and good user experience. They are tested by the creators and used by many. So, you know that it’s been built with the user in mind and that it’s a layout that will work. 

5 // Customization

Okay, not everyone will agree with this one. I’m a firm believer that you can make a template your own by using unique content and creating your own style. Sure, you might be able to tell that my site is a Squarespace template. But, I don’t mind one bit. Because I’ve made it my own by creating custom graphics and a style that fits me. Plus, there are always workarounds to customize even more with a little CSS knowledge. 

In my last link love post, I called out an article from Kissmetrics on the importance of simplifying your website. As a user, couldn’t agree more. I want to find something quickly, without flashy things distracting me. If I can’t, I’m leaving. The most important point from this great article:

“Let me say it as simply as possible: A simple website will make you more money. Period.”

— Neil Patel, Kissmetrics

Read the full article for all 13 tips to simplify your website. 

So, is "template" a dirty word?

Perhaps to some, yes. But only you can decide what's right for you and your business. Don't let the template hates get you down. If you’re ready to redesign or build a new website, don’t count out templates. Keeping it simple will be good for you and your customers’ sanity. 

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It's Time to Spring Clean Your Website

The flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising and spring is here. The typical ritual for this time of year includes things like cleaning out your closet, rearranging your furniture, etc. While you're in the "fresh" mindset, it's also a great idea to give your website a little spring lovin'. Here are a few ways to spring clean your website. 

1 // Redirect or Fix Broken Links

Use Google Webmaster Tools or MOZ to run a quick check on your website and get a list of broken links. If they are old pages that you've closed, be sure to redirect them to live pages. Fixing this routinely is good for SEO.

In Squarespace, it's super easy to redirect URLS. Go to Setting -> Advanced -> URL Mappings. Once there, you'll see easy-to-follow instructions for implementation. 

2 // Check Analytics

Well, you should really be doing this monthly... but if you need a reason, why not add it to your spring cleaning list? Here are a few things to review: 

All Pages - Sort by page views to see your most popular pages. Check them out and see if there is a recurring theme or layout that you might be able to use to create more awesome content. Now, reverse sort to see your least popular pages. What can you do to refresh or provide added value to those? Make some updates and re-share! You can find this in Google Analytics under Behavior -> Site Content -> All Pages.

Exit Pages - As expected, these pages are the ones that your viewers are visiting and then leaving your site from. Review the content, add some goodies or a stronger call to action and re-share! You can find this in Google Analytics under Behavior -> Site Content -> Exit Pages.

3 // Review Your Most Important Pages

Is your homepage telling the right story? Are your services converting? Check out the stats on your important pages and do some testing and tweaking. If you're not sure what to change, do a quick survey to your audience or customer base.  

4 // Update Social Profiles

Did you take new photos recently? Make sure you're putting your best face forward everywhere! Update your profile pictures (consistently) on social media and give your bio a lil' refresh while you're there. 

In case you missed it, here are some great tips from Kate, blogger at Tell Me Tuesday, on rocking your Pinterest profile. 

Now, get outside and enjoy the smells and sights of spring!

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Squarespace is Right For You If...

You Want Low Maintenance.

Plain and simple. The awesome Squarespace features that I outline in this post all come back to this point. Squarespace is right for you if you want a website that looks good and is easy to update. It's also right for you if you don't want to worry about all of the backend stuff.

I switched this website to Squarespace last year and I've been so very pleased with it. It's right for me, and here are a bunch of reasons why.

Set Up / Maintenance

Squarespace takes care of hosting (and domains, if you want) forever. No need to purchase server space or handle maintenance. 

You don't need an app for that. E-commerce, blogs, newsletter sign-up etc. Squarespace comes with with many features out of the box, so no need to search for plug-ins. No updating plug-ins or searching the web for help if something goes buggy. And, because it's built in, there is a consistent look and feel on all pages.

There is a dedicated support team. While they won't help to adjust HTML coding, they will look at your website and try to provide a solution to the problem. On other platforms, you'll spend hours searching help forums to find someone with a similar problem or a developer to answer your question. 

The content management system is web-based and very easy to use. You'll be able to access it anywhere and easily make updates.

The price is right. For around $100 (with a domain and the lowest Squarespace package), you are all set for a year. P.S. If you're ready to start on Squarespace now, use discount code GIMME10 at checkout for 10% off. Thanks, Squarespace :) 

Design

Th templates are all very well made and designed for specific functions. You gain access to the full library and can switch easily at any time. When they add new themes, you get them. Plus, It's very easy to test drive a new theme, edit the style guide and preview before pushing anything live. 

All Squarespace templates come out of the box with a responsive design that works well on desktop, tablet and mobile devices. As you add content, the system works automatically to resize and manage multiple sizes for a flawless experience. As users continue to trend towards mobile and tablet, this is huge. Having a mobile friendly website also helps your relationship with good ol' Google.

On top of simple and beautiful themes, you're going to love cover pages. These sleek designs work well as landing pages for product launches, newsletter signups and more. 

Programming level: 1

If you know some basic HTML and CSS, it's easy to add custom code injections on pages and within your styling guide.  

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How to Add Alt Text to Images in Squarespace + Why it Matters

So, what is alt image text anyway? 

Alt image text, or alternative image text is the copy that describes what the image is all about.

Why is alt text important?

1 // It helps with SEO, or search engine optimization.

Search engines have a hard time "reading" images because they are what they are. When a search engine crawls your website, it is reviewing all of the copy content to decide if your site is relevant and authoritative.

But you want images to make your site pretty, right?

Go on and add images but make sure that they all have alt text. The alt text is written in the code and is readable to search engines.

So, I can insert a photo of a cute dog yawning and make the alt text "cute dog yawning, bored with your choice of Netflix movie" so that search engines know what the image is depicting.

See...

2 // It is captured when visitors share your content on social media. 

It's all about sharable content these days. When someone shares your article, they will probably use the share buttons or hover over the image and use the pin it button. With this awesome hidden alt text, the title pre-populates with what you've already written! Sure, people can change the copy when they finalize their share, but it gives them a guide. Plus, if they don't change it, you're guaranteeing that the item has a clear description. When it's out in the social universe, people will know what your content is about. 

How to Add Alt Text to Images in Squarespace

All web platforms are a little bit different, but here is a step by step guide to add alt text to images in Squarespace. I launched this site on Squarespace last year and I've been on cloud nine with the platform. More on that later. 

Use the content block to add an image. 

Upload your file.

Make sure "caption below" is selected, for now. 

Type your caption under the image.

Note: sometimes it shows as all caps. I recommend typing it into a document or notepad and for easy copy / paste formatting. I don't recommend any captions with ALL CAPS! (Unless that's your typical style, of course.)

Change your caption settings back to "do not display caption"

Then click "apply" and you're done! 

When someone shares your content, say on Pinterest, the hidden caption shows up in the description box, like this:

That's it. Follow these quick steps and every image that you add to your Squarespace website will have alt image text that tells search engines what you're posting and shows up as a description when someone shares. 

This is the first of many tutorials that I'll be sharing on the blog. Stay tuned!

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