7 Effective Ways to Use the Squarespace Summary Block
Text Block. Image Block. Button Block.
Form Block.
Line.
Summary Block??
What the heck is that for?
If you use Squarespace there are probably some blocks that you use all the time, like the text block and image block. It’s pretty easy to understand how to use these blocks. They are definitely the most frequently used blocks and you need them for everyday use on your website.
One block that you may not know much about is the Summary Block. What does it do? It pulls information from collection pages, like your blog, video, event or store pages and allows you to filter the information. Then you can display it as either a grid, wall, list or carousel.
It’s one of the most versatile and useful blocks on the Squarespace platform. And, it’s one of my favourite blocks to use.
Here are just a few ways you can use the Summary Block to add some great features to your website.
Show your Related Posts
Adding a list of related posts to the end of your blog is a great way to keep your visitors on your website. They’ll stay longer and view more pages, helping your SEO.
To filter your blog posts (so that they really are related) you’ll need to add a category to each blog post. You may also want to consider creating a blog template so that you always have the summary block ready to go at the end of each post.
I like using the carousel option to show my posts, so visitors can see more than just the most recent blogs, but you could also use a grid or wall design.
Check out this past post for step by step instructions for adding a related post summary block (as well as a few other ways to add related posts): 3 easy ways to add Related Posts to your Squarespace Blog
Display your Testimonials
Did you know that you can create more than one blog on your website?
With a separate blog created just for your testimonials, you can use a summary block to create a testimonial slider for all your reviews. Having reviews on your website helps to create trust with your visitors. And trust is the first step to getting new clients.
To create your slider, you’ll need a separate blog post for each review. Add the testimonial in the excerpt section of the blog post settings. Then, add your summary block to your page.
Choose carousel in the summary block design options. Then make sure the Excerpt toggle is clicked on. You can choose the number of reviews that show and you also have the option to add a background colour.
Promote your Events
Are you a charity with fundraising events that you need people to know about? A business coach with upcoming speaking events?
Squarespace makes it easy to show information about all these occasions with an events page on your website. You can give these events dates, descriptions, add images and even sell tickets on this page.
But you shouldn’t hide your events away on that one page. The summary block also works with event pages.
You can use it to give a sneak peek of your events on your home page or any other page that gets a lot of visitors. This peek makes sure that people know about your event without having to click on your events page. They can then go to the page for more information.
Show your Most Recent Videos or Classes
Use your summary blocks to show the most recent video or a featured video from your video page.
Video pages are a pretty recent addition to Squarespace. You can use them to create a library of videos (hosted by Vimeo or YouTube, or uploaded video files) that can be categorized and easily browsed by your visitors. So, if you want to add classes, how to videos, testimonial videos, music videos or any other video content you can add your content here.
Video summary block showing the featured image of each class.
Video pages can also be used in member areas, if you want to monetize your classes or videos.
Summary blocks can be used with video pages that both in and out of member areas. So they’re a perfect way to give a preview. When clicked, the link will take your visitor to a sign up page.
Create an Archive Page
Is it getting difficult for your visitors to browse through your many, many blog posts? Then you might want to consider adding an archive page to your website.
An archive page makes it easier for your visitors to find the content that they want to read. This can help them stay on your website longer and stop them from bouncing back to search to locate the info. So, it’s good for your SEO.
You can arrange your archive by category or date. You can even use it to promote certain blogs.
Just add a new page in your Not Linked section and add your summary blocks. Then set the design and content to your preferences and add a link from your blog.
Share your Products
In addition to the events page, video page and blog, the summary block can also pull products from your Squarespace store.
With the summary block you can show a new, featured or sale item on your home page to entice your visitors to your store.
You can also use a summary block on your individual product pages. Use a “related products” summary block to show your visitors other items they might want to add to their carts. This will encourage your visitors to stay longer on your site and possibly purchase more items.
Promote your blog
I couldn’t let this blog post end without talking about the most well-known use for the summary block – promoting your blog.
To do this you simply need to add a summary block to your home page (or any other page of your website). You can choose your most recent posts (the default) or add popular posts. You can even strategically add posts that help explain your services or products.
Sure your blog is linked in your menu, but the summary block showing your images is much more inviting than just words. It give your viewers an idea of what your blog is about, and entices them to visit.
And if they visit your blog from your home page, you’ve just reduced your bounce rate and helped your SEO.
