ThinkInsideTheSquare
Ever wondered how to make your DIY website pop, turn your online presence into a client magnet, or transform your side hustle into a full-fledged business? You're in the right place! I'm Becca, content creator for InsideTheSquare.co. I've turned my career around, transforming myself from an unknown Squarespace designer into the worlds go-to expert on all things Squarespace in just a few short years.Every Thursday, I'm dishing out actionable advice, insider tips, and game-changing strategies that I've learned from years of hands-on experience in web design, digital marketing, and business growth.Whether you're a solopreneur juggling it all, a...
AI Isn't Killing Creativity. But Is It Making Us Lazy? [107]
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AI can write our emails, help us design websites, automate repetitive tasks, and solve problems in seconds. But is all that efficiency making us more creative, or just giving us new ways to avoid doing the creative work?
After Squarespace Circle Day in New York City, I sat down with six creative professionals to talk about AI, creativity, and the pressure to produce more.
And wow, did they have some thoughts.
We're talking about the temptation to automate everything, what happens when we outsource our creative...
How to Redesign Your Squarespace Website Without Losing SEO Rankings [106]
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I redesigned my website.
Again.
Yes, this is the second time this year. Apparently some people buy sports cars during a midlife crisis; I apparently rebuild websites.
But this time, I went much further than swapping a font and moving a few sections around. I changed the structure of Inside the Square, retired hundreds of old pages, created new content, changed what I want the site to be known for, and rebuilt the entire thing around where the business is going next.
And while...
[105] Good Design Advice That Makes Bad Websites
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Some of the worst website design decisions start with perfectly good advice.
Keep everything above the fold. Make your content scannable. Keep your layouts consistent. Make your buttons stand out. Add more interactivity.
Sound familiar?
In episode 105 of Think Inside the Square, Becca takes a closer look at five common design principles that can make a website less effective when they're treated like rules instead of guidelines.
From overcrowded hero sections to repetitive layouts and animations that compete with the content, we're talking about...
How to Choose the Right Squarespace Features Before You Design
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In this episode of Think Inside the Square, I’m talking about one of the biggest shifts in the way I approach Squarespace projects: start with what the website needs to do, then decide how it should look.
We’ll look at why the names Squarespace gives its features don’t have to determine how you use them, how collections can become surprisingly flexible content systems, and why starting with the platform’s existing structure can save you from hundreds of unnecessary lines of custom JavaScript.
I’l...
[103] How to Talk to Squarespace Clients About Using AI
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AI has become an essential part of my workflow as a Squarespace designer. So when I came back from maternity leave, I added a new question to every potential client call: How comfortable are you with me using AI as part of this project?
In this episode of Think Inside the Square, we're talking about the awkward part of using AI professionally: disclosure. What should your Squarespace clients know? Do you need to tell them every time AI helps you write CSS or troubleshoot JavaScript? And what happens...
[102] How to Finish AI-Built Websites: A New Service for Web Designers
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Your next web design client might already have an AI-built website.
AI can help someone get surprisingly far into a website project. They can create layouts, generate copy, choose images, and build something they're genuinely excited about.
And then they hit the part where the website actually has to work.
In this episode of Think Inside the Square, I'm talking about what I think is an emerging service opportunity for web designers: taking an AI-built website and getting it across the finish line.
<...[101] Squarespace Member Areas Review: Should You Build a Membership Site on Squarespace?
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I built a Squarespace membership site, even though I’m definitely not a fan of Squarespace Member Areas. 😂
In this episode, I’m sharing why Squarespace was still the right choice for this particular project, plus the parts of the member experience that continue to drive me bananas: the avalanche of signup emails, the limited control over the account interface, and the surprising lack of search for paywalled content.
We’ll also talk about the bigger question I think matters more than Can Squarespace do this?
That...
[100] When the Answers Get Easier, What Makes You Valuable?
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For years, Inside the Square was built around answers.
Someone had a specific Squarespace problem. They searched for a solution. I made a tutorial that helped them solve it.
That model worked incredibly well, until the way people found those answers started to change.
Squarespace can now handle many customizations that once required code. AI can generate code, layouts, copy, ideas, and technical answers in seconds. But just because the answer is easier to get doesn't mean the decision is easier to make.
And...
[99] Does AI-Generated Content Hurt SEO? The answer for Squarespace users, and well, everyone.
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Will Google penalize your Squarespace website because you used AI to write your content or code? Not automatically, but what you actually publish still matters. In this episode of Think Inside the Square, I’m breaking down what Google currently says about AI-generated content, how to review AI-written copy before adding it to your Squarespace site, and why AI-generated CSS and JavaScript deserve an extra layer of scrutiny. We’ll also talk about the SEO features Squarespace already handles for you, AI-powered search, llms.txt, and the three questions I ask before publ...
[98] Why I Stopped Selling Digital Products on Squarespace
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If I teach people about Squarespace, why don't I sell my digital products on Squarespace? It's a fair question — especially considering digital products have been at the center of my business for years.
I actually did start on Squarespace. In this episode, I walk through why I eventually moved my digital products somewhere else: the customer experience after purchase, the amount of support and follow-up the system created, and the costs that started adding up as my sales volume grew.
We'll talk about expired download links, the three-email me...
[97] Can Squarespace Do That? How to Analyze What's Possible in an AI Design
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A client sends you a link to a website they generated with AI and asks if you can "just" build it in Squarespace. That one word is doing an enormous amount of work. In this episode, Becca breaks down what actually happens when an AI-generated design lands in your inbox — why AI tools design for how something looks rather than how it gets built, and why they're not thinking about Fluid Engine, page sections, content blocks, or the fact that mobile isn't just a smaller version of desktop. You'll learn the three-category sy...
[96] Before You Cancel Squarespace: What It Really Takes to Host a Site Yourself
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In the middle of 2026, Squarespace raised prices, adjusted the increase a few days later, and set off a wave of "I'm leaving" posts across Reddit and the Squarespace forum. One comment kept coming up: I'll have AI build my site and host it somewhere cheaper. For some sites, that's a reasonable call. In this episode I walk through what you'd be taking over yourself if you did it, and who I think should go anyway.
You'll learn the difference between a website builder and a website platform, why AI can...
[95] Saved Sections: The Squarespace Shortcut I Use on Every Site
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In this episode I walk through the three sections saved to my Squarespace account, so they're one click away on any site I work on, and the three sections I build into every client site's template page, ready to duplicate and restyle.
You'll learn the difference between fluid engine, list, and gallery sections, including where Squarespace moved list and gallery after retiring the old menu name, why a blank gallery section saves you from deleting demo content every single time, and the mini footer and mini header setup I build...
[94] When Squarespace Adds a Feature: Should You Remove Your Custom Code?
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Squarespace keeps absorbing the things designers used to hand-code.So when a feature ships that replaces code already sitting on a live client site, do you rip it out or leave it alone?
In this episode I'm sharing how I decided if the code should stay or go.
I also cover the customizations I have no intention of giving up, and the small branded details I call Disneyfying a website.
Full show notes: insidethesquare.co/podcast/94
00:00 — Squarespace added the feature. Do you remove yo...
[93] Vibe Coding for Squarespace
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Everyone thinks vibe coding means handing AI the wheel and walking away. I've got a countdown timer that proves exactly why that's wrong, and what happened when I wasn't specific enough while vibe coding it live on YouTube.
In this episode, I get into what separates a designer who vibe codes well from someone who just generates AI slop, why "diagnose more, prompt less" is becoming my new rule, and how knowing Squarespace inside and out is the actual unlock, not the AI itself.
Chapter Markers<...
[92] Update on Squarespace Updates: July 2026
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Squarespace never stops changing, and in this episode I'm breaking down five recent updates, two I love, two I'm not thrilled about, and one that might not affect me but could matter for you. Recorded from my porch this week (long story), with an assist from Adobe Podcast's audio enhancement tool.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: 5 Squarespace updates you need to know
00:27 – Why I'm recording from the porch today
01:16 – Automatic customer tagging in Squarespace Campaigns
02:00 – New: individual page sections on product pages
03:16 – Squarespace raised prices again (here's wha...
[91] Five Things I Judge About Every Website I See 👀
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Season two of Think Inside the Square continues! With two decades of web design experience—ten of them focused entirely on Squarespace—I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact five-point checklist I use whenever I review a website.
We'll be covering how to audit your homepage copy, optimize your site for mobile visitors using Fluid Engine, declutter your typography, and structure your buttons for maximum impact. Whether your site has been live for years or you're preparing for a new la...
[90] Welcome to Season Two: All Squarespace, All The Time.
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Season two of Think Inside the Square is here! In this kickoff episode, I'm sharing what's changing, what you can expect from the season, and why we're focusing entirely on Squarespace.
We'll be covering website design, customization, platform updates, AI tools for Squarespace users, launch strategies, and practical tips to help you build a website you're proud of. Whether you're creating your own website or designing sites for clients, this season is packed with actionable advice you can put to work right away.
In this episode:
Why...89: SEO Crash to AI Comeback: How I'm Rebuilding My Squarespace Business
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If you've ever watched your website traffic drop, your strategy stop working, or your momentum disappear, this episode is for you.
In this episode of ThinkInsideTheSquare, I'm sharing exactly what happened when I lost 80% of my website traffic overnight and how I’ve spent the last six months rebuilding my business in a smarter, more sustainable way.
From SEO struggles to strategy pivots and launching my own AI assistant, you’ll hear what worked, what didn’t, and how I’ve shifted from chasing metrics to creating content that truly...
88: How To Edit Squarespace Responsively
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Did you know more than half of your website visitors are probably on their phones? In this episode, I'm sharing my expert advice on how you can make your Squarespace site look fantastic on every screen size. Hint: It all starts with how you edit.
We're diving into mobile-first design (and why it matters SO much), how to use the mobile preview to customize your small-screen layout, and the top three issues that trip up most Squarespace users (text overwhelm, tiny buttons, and broken layouts).
I'll share my...
87: How to Create & Sell a Custom GPT the Easy Way
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Wondering how to turn your expertise into an AI tool that helps others and generates income? In this episode of Think Inside The Square, I'm sharing the straightforward process I used to create Custom Cody, my Squarespace code AI assistant that's now helping hundreds of users with their website customization questions.
I'll walk you through my entire journey, including the complicated detours and technical rabbit holes that cost me months of development time, before sharing the much simpler approach I discovered. You'll learn exactly how to evaluate your AI idea...
86: From Myspace to AI: How to Keep Your Online Business Relevant in a Changing Digital World
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🔄 Is your online business ready for the NEXT big industry shift? Learn how to spot trends BEFORE they impact your bottom line!
In this episode, I'm sharing my decade of experience weathering digital disruptions. From the decline of Myspace to AI design tools threatening to replace designers, I've seen how quickly things can change—and how to position yourself to thrive regardless.
🔥 What You'll Learn:
Discover 3 powerful sources for spotting trends months before they hit mainstreamLearn which big tech investments signal the future of web design (and what Ado...85: Website 101: Domain, Hosting & CMS Basics
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🏠 Confused about domains, hosting, and CMS? In this episode, I break down exactly what you need to know about domains, hosting, content management systems, and professional email addresses - the essential building blocks with no fluff, just practical information to help you understand what's happening behind the scenes of your Squarespace website.
By the end of this video, you'll understand the difference between domains and hosting, know which CMS is right for your needs, and learn how to create a professional email address that matches your domain.
⭐ Check out m...
84: Building a Thriving Membership Community with Squarespace
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Want to turn your Squarespace website into a thriving membership community where people connect, engage, and happily pay for your expertise?
In this step-by-step tutorial, I break down exactly how to use Squarespace Member Areas to create an exclusive space your audience will love. I'll show you my favorite workarounds for Squarespace's limitations and the third-party tools that take your membership to the next level!
Building a successful membership doesn't require a huge following or complex tech - just Squarespace plus the strategies I'm sharing today. Let's transform y...
83: SEO in the Age of AI: What Actually Works in 2025 with Mariah Magazine
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Have AI-generated articles been pushing your content down in search results? In this episode, I'm talking with SEO expert Mariah Magazine about how the battle between AI and SEO is reshaping visibility for Squarespace website owners.
Discover why your authentic voice might be your greatest SEO advantage and how to stand out in an increasingly AI-dominated landscape. If you've been wondering whether SEO is still worth your time, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How AI co...
82: The Business Owner's Guide to Sustainable Content Creation
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Ever had that "aha!" moment where something clicks and you can't wait to share it? That's exactly what this episode is about! Join Becca Harpain, Squarespace expert and founder of InsideTheSquare.co, as she reveals how those everyday discoveries can become the foundation of engaging content that builds trust with your audience.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why the solutions that seem "obvious" to you are actually gold mines for contentHow to identify and capture content opportunities in your daily workA practical system for turning your expertise into valuable...81: From PhD to CSS: Squarespace Career Advice from Christy Price
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🎨 Ever dreamed of turning your love for web design into a thriving career? Join me for an incredible conversation with Christy Price, a 20-year web design veteran who went from coding in grad school to becoming one of the most respected Squarespace designers in the industry!
In this episode, Christy shares the surprising story of how a random conversation on a ski lift changed her entire career path (and why she's so grateful it did!). You'll discover how she transformed her coding skills into a successful design business, and why she...
80: 5 Website Mistakes That Can Tank Conversion Rates (and how to fix them!)
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In this episode, you'll learn about the five common mistakes that might be secretly sabotaging your website's performance. Whether you're selling products, booking services, or growing an email list, you'll discover why even the most aesthetically pleasing websites can struggle to convert.
Beyond identifying these common pitfalls, we dive deep into practical, code-free solutions that you can implement immediately. Learn why clear copy is so crucial, how to make your typography work for (not against) your message, and why giving visitors too many choices might be hurting your conversion rates.
79: Pushing Past Template Limitations: A Conversation with Ghost Plugins Founder Cody Juhnke
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In this episode of Think Inside the Square, we dive deep into the world of Squarespace plugins and custom development with Cody Juhnke, the creative force behind Ghost Plugins and Pluto Studio. With over 100,000 Squarespace websites using Ghost Plugins, Cody shares invaluable insights about creating unique functionality while maintaining simplicity in website design.
Important Links
📝 Full show notes: insidethesquare.co/podcast/79
🎧 Past episodes: insidethesquare.co/podcast
💌 Join my email list: insidethesquare.co/email 🖼️
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78: Understanding Web Fonts: A Squarespacer's Guide to Web Typography
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In this episode of ThinkInsideTheSquare, we're diving deep into the technical side of web typography while keeping things practical and easy to understand. You'll learn why web fonts are different from regular fonts, what to look for when choosing fonts for your website, and how to ensure your typography is both beautiful and functional.
Key topics covered:
Important Links
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77: How to leverage AI as small business with special guest Phil Pallen
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In this episode of Think Inside the Square, I got a chance to sit down with brand strategist and AI expert Phil Pallen to tackle a question I hear from so many small business owners: how do we harness the power of AI without losing our personal touch? As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent, I know many of us feel caught between wanting to stay competitive and fearing we might compromise our values or authentic customer connections.
Phil, whose expertise has been featured on CNN, Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight...
76: Mobile-First Mindset: Designing for the Thumb Zone
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In this comprehensive guide to mobile-first design, we explore the crucial concept of the "thumb zone" and its impact on mobile user experience. Learn how to optimize your Squarespace website for one-handed mobile browsing, including practical tips for navigation placement, button sizing, and mobile-specific features.
Key topics covered:
Understanding the three zones of thumb reach on mobile devicesOptimizing navigation and button placement for mobile usersUsing Squarespace's Mobile Information Bar effectivelyPractical testing methods for mobile-friendly designTips for button sizing and placementUsing Fluid Engine for mobile-specific layoutsImportant Links
📝 Ful...
75: Adding A Human Touch to Your Squarespace Website
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In this episode of ThinkInsideTheSquare, I'm sharing practical strategies to make your website more human without sacrificing professionalism - from strategic design choices to authentic content creation. Whether you're a solopreneur or running a larger business, you'll discover actionable tips to help your visitors feel seen and understood, plus my favorite resources for finding authentic images that don't scream "corporate catalog."
In this episode, you'll learn. . .
74: 15-Minute Website Improvements That Make a Big Impact
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Ready to transform your website without a complete overhaul? In this episode, we're diving into four powerful 15-minute improvements that can dramatically change how visitors interact with your site. Perfect for busy folks who want to make meaningful changes without spending hours on redesign.
Discover why certain website elements might be working against you (and how to fix them fast)Learn a surprising visual test that instantly reveals conversion problemsExplore how to leverage modern tools for better content clarityMaster the psychology behind effective user navigationImportant Links
📝 Full show not...
73: Newsletter Strategy: Growing Your List With Intent
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Ever notice how some newsletters make you think "Oh yay, they sent a new one!" while others just collect dust in your inbox? In this episode of ThinkinsideTheSquare, I'm sharing my tried-and-true strategies for creating emails your subscribers actually look forward to opening. Whether you're planning your first newsletter launch or wanting to breathe new life into your current email strategy, you'll learn practical tips for building genuine connections with your audience. Let's make your newsletter one of the good ones!
Important Links:
📝 Full show notes: https://ins...
72: 3 Surprising Ways A Digital Product Can Transform Your Business
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In this episode, we're diving deep into the three surprising ways your digital products can transform your business and elevate your expertise. We'll discuss how to:
Showcase your expertise and attract dream clients by turning your knowledge into valuable digital products, just like the website designer who turned her principles workbook into speaking opportunities and a thriving social media following.Bridge the gap between free and premium offerings with digital products that act as stepping stones to your higher-tier services, making your expertise accessible to a wider...71: Blog Organization in Squarespace: How To Use Categories and Tags Like A Pro
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After moving over 400 blog posts to a new domain, I discovered some game-changing strategies for content organization that transformed how I manage my blog. Whether you're just starting out or managing hundreds of posts, the right system makes all the difference.
In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to use Squarespace categories and tags effectively. You'll learn how to create an intuitive blog structure that works for both you and your readers, plus get my exact system for maintaining organization as your content grows.
You'll learn:
...70: Color Psychology in Web Design: Why Banks Choose Blue & Other Industry Secrets
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Ever stared at a website and felt something – trust, excitement, calm – without knowing exactly why? Chances are, color psychology was quietly working its magic. In this episode of Think Inside the Square, we're pulling back the curtain on how color choices can make or break your website's effectiveness.
From the strategic blues of banking websites to the appetite-inducing reds of food delivery apps, every color tells a story and influences behavior. I'm sharing my real-world experiences (including a memorable design mistake with a meditation retreat website!) and breaking down exactly how...
69: Website Strategy Tips: Three Customer Journey Maps You Should Create
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Ever wondered how people actually navigate through your website – not just the pages they visit, but their entire journey from first discovering you to becoming a loyal customer? In this episode, you’ll learn about the customer journey mapping process.
We dive into three practical types of maps you can create today: the First Timer Flow, the Buyer's Journey Map, and the Loyalty Loop. Through real examples and practical tips, you'll learn how to identify where visitors might get stuck and how to guide them smoothly toward becoming happy customers.
<...
68: UX Testing on A Budget: how to get quality feedback on your project
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Want to test how well your website works for visitors without breaking the bank? In this actionable episode of ThinkInsideTheSquare, Squarespace expert Becca Harpain reveals three budget-friendly strategies for gathering valuable user experience feedback. Whether you're launching a new site or updating an existing one, these actionable techniques will help you understand exactly how visitors interact with your content, navigation, and calls-to-action.
Discover how to leverage your existing resources - from social media followers to email subscribers - to get honest, actionable feedback that can transform your website's effectiveness. Perfect...
