5 Things Every Squarespace Homepage Needs (But Most People Forget)

Nov 13

If you’ve ever opened your own website and felt like something was off, even if you couldn’t quite put your finger on it, you’re not alone. The homepage is the most important page of your site, yet it’s also the one where most people make the biggest mistakes.

Here’s the truth: your homepage isn’t just a pretty welcome mat. It’s a first impression, a trust builder, and a guidepost all rolled into one. It needs to invite, inform, and lead, all within a few seconds.

Whether you’re designing your site from scratch or giving it a refresh, here are five essential elements every Squarespace homepage needs (but most people forget):

1. A Clear, Value-Driven Headline

This is the very first thing people see, and often, it’s where they decide whether to stay or leave. Your headline should instantly tell visitors what you do, who you do it for, and why it matters.

It doesn’t need to be clever or complicated. In fact, simple and straightforward always wins.

Instead of: “Welcome to My Website!”
Try:“Branding and web design for creative women ready to elevate their business.”

2. A Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

You’d be surprised how many homepages forget to tell people what to do next.

Your visitors shouldn’t have to guess where to click. Guide them with a clear, prominent button that takes them to the next step. Whether that’s booking a call, browsing your templates, or joining your email list, choose one primary CTA and make it obvious.

3. A “Why You” Section (a.k.a. Your Value Proposition)

Most people write about what they offer but forget to explain why they’re the right choice.

This is your chance to connect on a deeper level. What makes your approach different? Why should someone trust you over the dozens of others out there? A few powerful sentences or bullet points about your unique process, values, or results can make all the difference.

4. Social Proof (a.k.a. Trust Builders)

We’re all a little skeptical online, and that’s normal. Adding social proof to your homepage builds credibility fast and helps new visitors feel safe choosing you.

This can be:

Short client testimonials
Logos of brands you’ve worked with
Stats (like number of clients served or projects completed)
Links to press features or awards

Even one glowing testimonial near your CTA can dramatically increase conversions.

5. A Quick Peek Into What’s Next

One of the biggest mistakes people make is leaving visitors at a dead end. They scroll through the homepage, they’re interested… and then? Nothing.

Your homepage should act like a map that shows them where to go next. This could be a “Start Here” guide, featured services, a peek into your portfolio, or links to your most popular resources.

Think of it as holding their hand and saying, “Here’s what to do next.” When you make navigation effortless, people are far more likely to stick around.

Bonus Tip: Keep It Simple

It’s tempting to throw everything you have on your homepage, but less is more. Each section should have a purpose and lead visitors closer to taking action. Clutter and confusion are conversion killers.

If you focus on these five essentials, you’ll already be ahead of 90% of websites out there.

Final Thoughts

Your homepage isn’t just a digital storefront. It’s the first chapter of your brand story. When you pair beautiful design with clear messaging, trust-building elements, and intentional direction, you create an experience that draws people in and invites them to stay.

So if you’ve been wondering why your website isn’t converting as well as it could, start here. Tweak these five elements, and watch how quickly the difference shows.