How to Add and Display Blog Post Excerpts in Squarespace - Complete Guide
Blog excerpts are short previews of your full blog posts that help readers decide which articles to read. Here's everything you need to know about creating and managing them effectively:
Adding Blog Excerpts
To add an excerpt in Version 7.1:
- Go to Pages panel > Blog page > Blog Content
- Hover over a post, click "..." then Settings
- Add your summary in the Excerpt field
- Click Save
For new posts:
- Create a new blog post
- Go to Options tab
- Fill in the Excerpt field
- Save or Publish
For existing posts:
- Open the blog post
- Click Edit
- Go to Options tab
- Add excerpt
- Save changes
Image Excerpts
Some templates support image previews through:
- Featured images in post settings
- Promotion blocks above content
Compatible template families include Brine, Farro, Five, Pacific, Skye, and others with specific display settings.
Highlighted blog excerpt
Troubleshooting Display Issues
If excerpts aren't showing:
- Check section styles
- Verify page settings
- Confirm template compatibility
- Enable excerpt display in site settings
Blog post excerpt
Best Practices for Writing Excerpts
- Summarize the post in 1-2 compelling sentences
- Use the first paragraph with ellipsis (...)
- Ask engaging questions
- Keep it concise but informative
- Focus on the main value proposition
Pink and yellow pickle jars
Customizing "Read More" Links
To modify:
- Font: Edit through Site Styles > Fonts > Assign Styles
- Color: Adjust in section color settings
- Display: Toggle visibility in section settings
Note: Some templates have specific styling options or don't include "Read More" links.
Remember to check your template's specific capabilities and settings for optimal excerpt display and formatting.