How Do I Make an Under Construction Page on Squarespace?

Creating an 'Under Construction' page on Squarespace is a useful way to inform visitors that your website is undergoing maintenance or is in development. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up this page, considering that different users might have varying technical expertise.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Under Construction Page on Squarespace

1. Log In to Your Squarespace Account

• Action: Go to the Squarespace login page and enter your credentials.

2. Choose the Website

• Action: After logging in, navigate to the specific website you want to set up the 'Under Construction' page for.

3. Create a New Page

• Navigation: Go to the main dashboard, then click on "Pages" on the left-hand sidebar.
• Action: Click the "+" icon to add a new page. Choose "Blank Page" or opt for a pre-designed "Coming Soon" template if available under the Not Linked section.

4. Design the 'Under Construction' Page

• Action: Name your page something relevant, like "Under Construction" or "Coming Soon".
• Content: Customize the content of the page. Add text, images, or any additional elements to communicate your message effectively. Use headings like "Website Under Construction" and provide any necessary information such as the estimated time for completion or contact details.
• Styling: Utilize Squarespace’s design tools to ensure the page aligns with your brand’s aesthetics. Modify fonts, colors, and layout to be consistent with your website's look.

5. Set the 'Under Construction' Page as Your Homepage

• Navigation: Go back to the "Pages" panel.
• Action: Find the "Under Construction" page you created, and drag it to the "Main Navigation" section.
• Homepage Setup: Once it's in the main navigation, click the gear icon next to the page name, then select "Set as Homepage". Confirm any prompts that appear.

6. Unlink Other Pages

• Navigation: While still in the "Pages" panel, identify existing pages under the "Main Navigation".
• Action: Drag each existing page into the “Not Linked” section or disable them entirely. This ensures visitors only see the 'Under Construction' page.

7. Adjust Site-Wide Settings (Optional but Recommended)

• Site Titles/SEO: Go to “Settings” > “Site Visibility” to add a short note about the maintenance or construction along with your standard SEO meta descriptions.
• Social Media Links: Ensure your social media links are still visible and operational if you want to keep your audience engaged during this downtime.

8. Testing

• Action: Navigate to your website from an incognito browser or a different device to verify that the 'Under Construction' page is displayed as the homepage.

Additional Considerations

1. Notifications and Updates: - Email List: If you have an email subscriber list, use it to notify your audience about the downtime and expected return. - Social Media: Posting updates on your social media channels keeps your audience informed and engaged.

2. Custom Domain Settings: - If you've connected a custom domain to your Squarespace site, ensure DNS settings point correctly to Squarespace so that visitors are redirected to the 'Under Construction' page, not a default server page.

3. Password Protection (Optional): - Navigation: If you want to restrict access entirely, go to “Settings” > “Site Availability”. - Action: Choose “Password Protected” and set a password. Share this password with team members or developers who need access.

4. Analytics: - Use the built-in or external analytics tools to monitor traffic during this period. This data can help you understand visitor interest and engagement.

Limitations

• SEO Impact: An extended 'Under Construction' period can affect your search engine rankings and organic traffic.
• Visitor Experience: Prolonged displays of an 'Under Construction' message might dissuade visitors. Regular updates or engagement tactics can help mitigate this.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the 'Under Construction' phase of your website on Squarespace, keeping your audience informed and maintaining a professional online presence.