SEO Quick Reference Guide
File Naming + Keywords in Squarespace
Part 1: File Naming for SEO
Every file you upload — images, PDFs, documents — has a filename that search engines can read. Using descriptive, keyword-rich filenames is a simple way to improve your visibility in Google Image Search and regular web search.
The Golden Rules
Use hyphens to separate words (not underscores or spaces)
Keep filenames short but descriptive — aim for 3–5 meaningful words
Include your main keyword naturally
Use lowercase letters only
Avoid generic names like img001.jpg or document-final.pdf
Image File Naming
Before uploading any image, rename it on your computer to reflect what it shows and what the business does.
❌ Bad: IMG_4823.jpg
✅ Good: victoria-interior-designer-living-room.jpg
❌ Bad: photo2.png
✅ Good: handmade-leather-bag-victoria-bc.png
💡 Think of the filename as a tiny label that tells Google exactly what the image contains and who it's for.
PDF & Document File Naming
❌ Bad: services-final-v3.pdf
✅ Good: interior-design-services-victoria-bc.pdf
Quick Checklist Before Uploading a File
Renamed with meaningful keywords?
Words separated by hyphens?
All lowercase?
No spaces or special characters?
Avoids generic names like "image" or "photo"?
Part 2: Using Keywords in Squarespace
Squarespace gives you several built-in places to add keywords. You don't need to stuff keywords everywhere — search engines reward natural, helpful content. Focus on putting the right words in the right spots.
1. Page Title & URL Slug
Each page has a title and a URL slug (the part after your domain, e.g. yoursite.com/about). Both are read by Google.
Page Title: Interior Design Services — Victoria, BC
URL Slug: /interior-design-services-victoria
To edit the slug in Squarespace: Pages → hover page → Settings → URL Slug.
2. SEO Title & Meta Description
This is the text that appears in Google search results — one of the most important places for keywords.
Go to Pages → hover page → Settings → SEO tab
SEO Title: include your main keyword + location (under 60 characters)
Meta Description: a short summary with keywords that makes people want to click (under 155 characters)
Example SEO Title: Interior Designer in Victoria BC | Studio Name Example Meta Description: Award-winning interior design services in Victoria, BC. Residential & commercial spaces. Book a free consultation today.
3. Image Alt Text
Alt text describes your images for Google and for accessibility. Add it every time you upload an image.
Click any image in Squarespace → Edit → Alt Text field
Describe the image naturally and include a keyword where it fits
❌ Bad: image, interior design
✅ Good: Modern minimalist living room designed by Studio Name in Victoria BC
4. Page Headings (H1 & H2)
Headings are weighted more heavily by Google than regular body text.
Each page should have one H1 (main topic) and supporting H2s for subtopics
Include your main keyword in at least one heading per page
H1 Example: Victoria BC Interior Design Services
H2 Example: Residential Design for Homes & Condos
5. Body Content
Write naturally for your human visitors first. Aim to include your main keyword phrase a few times, and use related terms too (e.g. alongside "interior designer Victoria BC" also mention "home staging," "room design," "Vancouver Island," etc.).
💡 Aim for at least 300 words of real text on key service pages.
6. Blog Posts (Bonus SEO)
Each post is a new page Google can index. Focus each post on answering one question your ideal client might search for.
"How to Choose an Interior Designer in Victoria BC"
"Top 5 Home Renovation Trends in BC for 2025"
At a Glance — Where to Put Keywords
File names (images, PDFs)
Page URL slug
SEO Title (Settings → SEO tab)
Meta Description (Settings → SEO tab)
Image Alt Text
Page H1 and H2 headings
Body text (naturally, 3–5 times per page)
Blog post titles and content
