How to Add a Main Navigation to Your Squarespace Website
Hello guys, your website’s main navigation is like a map, guiding visitors to the most important sections of your website. A well-organized, visually appealing navigation bar can make a huge difference in how people experience your content. If you're using Squarespace, setting up a main navigation is super easy, and you can customize it to fit your brand. Let’s walk through the steps to create a navigation menu that works for you.
Step 1: Create All Necessary Pages
Before you dive into the navigation setup, make sure you’ve created all the pages you’ll want to include in your menu. Here’s how:
Go to the Pages section in your Squarespace editor.
Click the + icon to add new pages like Home, About, Services, Blog, or Contact.
Organize your pages under the Main Navigation section by dragging and dropping them into the desired order.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep your navigation simple—stick to 5–7 menu items for clarity and ease of use.
Step 2: Edit the Header Section
Once your pages are ready, it’s time to set up the navigation menu itself:
Hover over your header in the editor and click Edit Section.
You’ll see various options for customizing your navigation under the Layout tab.
Squarespace offers several layout styles for your navigation—centered, aligned to the left or right, or split navigation. Choose the one that best fits your design aesthetic.
Step 3: Add Elements to Your Header
Your navigation isn’t just for pages—you can enhance it with additional elements to improve functionality.
In the Edit Section menu, click Add Elements.
From here, you can include:
Buttons: Add a “Get Started” or “Contact Us” button to guide users to important actions.
Log In/Sign Up Links: Great for membership sites or stores.
Shopping Basket: A must-have for eCommerce websites.
Position these elements within your header and adjust their size or style to align with your branding.
Step 4: Preview and Test Your Navigation
Once everything is in place, it’s time to see how your navigation looks and works:
Use the Preview option to check your site on both desktop and mobile views.
Test each menu item to ensure all links are functional.
💡 Mobile-Friendly Tip: Squarespace automatically creates a responsive design, but double-check how your navigation collapses into a mobile menu.
Bonus Tips for an Effective Navigation Menu
Keep It Consistent: Your navigation should appear on all pages for a seamless user experience.
Highlight Key Actions: Use buttons or bold styles for essential links, like “Book Now” or “Shop.”
Use Descriptive Labels: Instead of “Services,” try “What We Offer” to make your menu more engaging.
Conclusion
Adding and customizing a main navigation bar on your Squarespace website is a simple but impactful way to enhance your site’s usability and design. By organizing your pages thoughtfully, tweaking the layout, and incorporating helpful elements, you can create a navigation experience that feels intuitive and professional.
Did you enjoy today’s article? Make sure to get in contact below if you have any questions, and if you have a project you need a hand with that is also an option, so I implore you to book a call and we can find out a bit more about how I can help.
