1. Using a Subdomain to Host Your Pixieset Gallery

Since Pixieset offers its own website builder, utilizing a subdomain is a straightforward and effective method to integrate your Pixieset galleries with your main Squarespace site.

Steps to Set Up a Subdomain:

1. Choose Your Subdomain:

   • Decide on a subdomain name, such as gallery.yourdomain.com or photos.yourdomain.com.

2. Access Your Domain Settings:

   • Log in to your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) where your main domain is managed.

3. Create a CNAME Record:

   • Navigate to the DNS management section.

   • Add a new CNAME record with the following details:

     • Name/Alias: The chosen subdomain (e.g., gallery).

     • Target/Points to: yourusername.pixieset.com (replace yourusername with your actual Pixieset username).

     • TTL: Default or as recommended by your registrar.

4. Configure in Pixieset:

   • Log in to your Pixieset account.

   • Go to Settings > Domains.

   • Add your custom subdomain and follow the verification steps as prompted.

5. Link from Squarespace:

   • On your Squarespace site, add a navigation link or button that directs visitors to your new Pixieset subdomain (e.g., gallery.yourdomain.com).

Benefits:

• Seamless Branding: Maintains a consistent domain structure.

• Ease of Navigation: Visitors can easily navigate between your main site and gallery.

Source: https://help.pixieset.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003790972-Setting-up-a-Custom-Domain-for-your-Client-Gallery

2. Direct Linking to Pixieset Galleries

If embedding isn't an option, directly linking to your Pixieset galleries from your Squarespace site remains an effective integration method.

Steps to Implement Direct Linking:

1. Copy Your Pixieset Gallery URL:

   • Log in to Pixieset and navigate to the specific gallery you want to link.

   • Copy the shareable URL of the gallery.

2. Add Links in Squarespace:

   • Buttons:

     • In the Squarespace editor, add a Button Block.

     • Set the button's link to your Pixieset gallery URL.

   • Text Links:

     • Highlight the desired text and use the link option to attach your Pixieset gallery URL.

3. Organize Navigation:

   • Consider adding a dedicated "Gallery" section in your main navigation menu that links directly to your Pixieset galleries.

Benefits:

• Simplicity: Easy to set up without technical complexities.

• Performance: Avoids potential site load delays that might occur with embedding.

3. Utilizing Image Links with Custom Graphics

Enhance the visual appeal of your Squarespace site by using custom graphics that link to your Pixieset galleries.

Steps to Create Image Links:

1. Design Custom Buttons or Graphics:

   • Use graphic design tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or Illustrator to create visually appealing buttons or banners.

2. Upload to Squarespace:

   • In the Squarespace editor, add an Image Block where you want the graphic to appear.

3. Link the Image:

   • After uploading, select the image and set its link to your Pixieset gallery URL.

4. Position Strategically:

   • Place these image links in prominent areas such as the homepage, portfolio sections, or sidebar to attract visitor clicks.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Aesthetics: Custom graphics can better match your website's branding and style.

• User Engagement: Visually appealing links can increase click-through rates.

Additional Considerations

• Consistency in Branding:

  • Ensure that your Pixieset galleries and Squarespace site share consistent branding elements like colors, fonts, and logos to provide a unified user experience.

• SEO Implications:

  • While direct linking is straightforward, embedding (if it were possible) could potentially benefit SEO by keeping users on your main site. However, without embed options, focus on optimizing both your Squarespace and Pixieset sites individually for search engines.

• Mobile Responsiveness:

  • Ensure that links and subdomains function well on mobile devices. Test the navigation flow to maintain a seamless experience across all screen sizes.

• Navigation Flow:

  • Clearly guide your visitors on how to move between your main site and Pixieset galleries to avoid confusion. Consider adding breadcrumbs or clear call-to-actions.

Conclusion

Given that Pixieset does not offer embed codes for galleries, utilizing a subdomain or direct linking remains the most effective methods to integrate Pixieset with your Squarespace website. These approaches ensure that you can showcase your photography professionally while maintaining the structural and aesthetic integrity of your main site.

If you require further customization or have specific integration needs, consider reaching out to Pixieset's support team or exploring third-party tools that might facilitate a more seamless connection between the two platforms.