How To Add A Social Sharing Preview Image In Squarespace
Ever shared a link on social media and been disappointed with the image that pops up? It's a common problem! When you share your website's URL on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn or in messages, these platforms automatically generate a preview featuring an image from your site. If you haven't specified which image to use, it might pull something random, your logo, awkwardly cropped, or a picture from your homepage that doesn't quite capture the essence of the link you're sharing.
That's where social sharing preview images come in. They give you control over the visual representation of your link, making it more appealing and increasing the chances that people will click.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to add a social sharing preview image to your Squarespace website. You'll learn how to set a default image for your entire site, customize images for individual pages, and solve those frustrating Facebook cache issues that can prevent your updates from showing.
What is a Social Sharing Image?
Think of a social sharing image as a mini-advertisement for your link. It's the first thing people see when you share a URL on social media, and it can a play role in whether or not they decide to click. It's a visual cue that tells people what the link is about and why they should be interested.
Why Are Social Sharing Images Important?
Brand Consistency: Using consistent social sharing images helps build brand recognition across different platforms. When people see your image, they'll instantly associate it with your brand.
Increased Click-Through Rate: A compelling and relevant image is much more likely to grab attention and encourage people to click on your link.
Control Over Presentation: Don't leave it up to chance! Social sharing images let you control exactly how your link is presented, ensuring that it aligns with your brand and message.
Setting a Social Sharing Image
Here's how to set a default social sharing image for your entire Squarespace website:
Go to Settings > Social Sharing
You'll see an option to add an image. You can either upload a new image from your computer or select one from your existing Squarespace image library.
Select “Save” and now your chosen image will appear whenever you share a link to any page on your site whether it's your homepage, contact page, or about page for example.
Tips for Choosing the Right Image
What kind of image should you use? Here are a few ideas:
Personal Portrait: If your brand is closely tied to your personality, a headshot can work well.
Logo: A logo is a great choice for brand recognition.
Stock Image: A relevant stock photo can be effective, especially if it visually represents the content of your website.
Custom Graphic: Consider creating a custom image in Canva (or a similar tool). This gives you complete control over the design and allows you to create something that's aligned with your brand.
It’s best to keep the image either square or horizontal to avoid awkward cropping on different platforms.
Setting an Alternative Social Sharing Image for Individual Pages
What if you want a different image for a specific page? Here's how to set an alternative social sharing image for individual pages
Go to Pages > Click the gear icon next to the page > Social Image > Scroll to “Alternative Social Sharing Image (Optional)”
You'll see an option to add an image. You can either upload a new image from your computer or select one from your existing Squarespace image library.
Select “Save” and now, when you share the URL of that specific page, the custom image will appear instead of the default image.
Troubleshooting Facebook's Caching Issues
Now, let's talk about a common headache: Facebook's caching issues. Sometimes, Facebook refuses to display your updated social sharing image. It keeps showing the old version, no matter what you do. What's going on?
The Problem
Facebook uses a caching system to store information about websites. This helps them load content faster, but it can also mean that they don't always show the most up-to-date information. In the case of social sharing images, Facebook might have an old version of your image saved in its cache, and it's not picking up the new one.
The Solution: Using the Facebook Sharing Debugger Tool
Thankfully, there's a tool you can use to force Facebook to update its cache, the Facebook Sharing Debugger.
Copy the URL of the page with the incorrect image.
Go to the Facebook Sharing Debugger tool
Paste the URL into the debugger and click "Debug."
If the image is still incorrect, click the "Scrape Again" button. By using the "Scrape Again" button, you're essentially clearing Facebook's cache for that specific URL and forcing it to grab the newest version of your social sharing image.
Final Thoughts
You now have the knowledge to take control of how your website appears when shared on social media! You've learned how to set a default social sharing image for your entire site, customize images for individual pages, and troubleshoot Facebook's caching issues. With these simple steps, you can make sure your links always look their best and attract more clicks.
