How to Create a Cover Page in Squarespace

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Creating a customized cover page in Squarespace is an effective way to showcase important information, promote events, or serve as a temporary landing page while your site is under construction. Cover pages are standalone pages that can help direct visitors to specific actions without the distractions of a full website layout. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a customized cover page in Squarespace, including tips for design and functionality.

Quick Fix

How to Create a Cover Page in Squarespace:

1. Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the Pages panel.
2. Click the + icon and select Cover Page.
3. Name your page and access settings to customize the URL and SEO description.
4. Choose a layout and customize content (logo, text, images).
5. Add a call to action and style your page.
6. Save changes and publish your cover page.

What is a Cover Page?

A cover page in Squarespace is a single-page layout that typically includes minimal navigation and focuses on a specific message or call to action. It can be used for various purposes, such as:

• Promoting Events: Announce upcoming events or launches.

• Lead Generation: Create opt-in pages for newsletters or freebies.

• "Coming Soon" Pages: Inform visitors that your site is under construction.

• Directing Traffic: Guide users to specific sections of your website.

Steps to Create a Customized Cover Page in Squarespace

Step 1: Log into Your Squarespace Account

1. Access Your Dashboard: Go to squarespace.com and log in to your account.

2. Select Your Site: Choose the website where you want to create the cover page.

Step 2: Navigate to the Pages Panel

Open the Pages Section: In the left sidebar, click on Pages. This will display all existing pages on your site.

Step 3: Add a New Cover Page

1. Click the Plus Sign (+): In the Pages panel, look for the plus sign (+) next to the Not Linked section or Main Navigation.

2. Select Cover Page: From the dropdown menu, choose Cover Page. This will allow you to create a new cover page.

Step 4: Name Your Cover Page

1. Enter a Title: After selecting the cover page option, enter a name for your page. This title will help you identify it in the Pages panel.

2. Page Settings: Click the gear icon next to your new page to access page settings. Here, you can set the navigation title, URL slug, and SEO description.

Step 5: Choose a Layout

1. Change Layout: Click on Change Layout to explore different layout options. Squarespace offers various templates designed for cover pages.

2. Preview Layouts: Hover over the layouts to preview how they will look. Once you find one you like, click on it to select.

Step 6: Customize Your Cover Page Content

1. Add Branding: Click on Branding & Text to upload your logo and add a headline. Ensure your logo is high-resolution for the best appearance.

2. Insert Body Text: Add concise and impactful body text that communicates your message clearly.

3. Add Images or Videos: Use the Media section to upload images or videos. Ensure images are optimized for web use, ideally at least 2500 x 1500 pixels.

4. Add a Call to Action: Include buttons or links that direct visitors to take specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter or visiting another page on your site.

Step 7: Style Your Cover Page

1. Adjust Fonts and Colors: Click on Style to customize fonts, colors, and other design elements. Ensure that these styles align with your overall branding.

2. Remove Header and Footer: To create a more streamlined cover page, you may want to remove the header and footer. Go to the Advanced tab in the page settings and add the following CSS code:

<style type="text/css">header,
  footer { display: none; }
  section { padding-top: 0 !important; }
</style>

Step 8: Save and Publish Your Cover Page

1. Save Changes: After customizing your cover page, click Save to apply all changes.

2. Publish the Page: If you're ready to make the cover page live, ensure it is set to Public in the page settings.

Step 9: Preview Your Cover Page

1. Check the Design: Use the preview option to see how your cover page looks on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).

2. Test Links and Functionality: Ensure that all buttons and links work correctly and that the page conveys your intended message.

Best Practices for Creating a Customized Cover Page

• Keep It Simple: Focus on a single message or call to action. Avoid cluttering the page with too much information.

• Use High-Quality Visuals: Invest in professional images or graphics that represent your brand well.

• Test User Experience: Before publishing, test the page with real users to gather feedback on design and functionality.

• Optimize for SEO: Even though cover pages are often temporary, ensure they have relevant SEO descriptions and titles to help with indexing.

Conclusion

Creating a customized cover page in Squarespace is a powerful way to communicate specific messages and drive user engagement. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can design an effective cover page that aligns with your brand and meets your business goals. Whether you’re promoting an event, collecting leads, or simply showcasing a “coming soon” message, a well-designed cover page can significantly enhance your site’s user experience.