Change a Squarespace URL without losing visitors
A page’s URL slug is the address part after your domain. Changing it can break bookmarks, search-result links and printed QR codes. Before changing an established Squarespace address, record the old path, choose the replacement and prepare an appropriate redirect. A clearer page title does not always require a different URL.
Before you start
- Copy the complete current address and identify links pointing to it.
- Check that the proposed new address is not already used.
- Decide whether the move is permanent and whether a URL change is actually needed.
What to do
Define one equivalent destination
Match the old page to the new page that answers the same customer need. If an old /lunch page becomes /menu, the replacement should actually contain that menu. Sending every retired page to the homepage can leave visitors confused even when they avoid an error screen.
Record the page change
Update the intended page slug only after you have a copy of the old path. Keep unrelated slugs unchanged. Check navigation labels separately: a menu can say Our services while pointing to a stable /services address, so wording improvements need not create unnecessary address changes.
Add the appropriate URL mapping
Squarespace’s URL Mappings supports permanent redirects using a source path, destination and 301 status. Its basic pattern is /old-page -> /new-page 301. Use the actual approved paths, follow current mapping rules and avoid creating a loop that sends the destination back to the source.
Test old and new routes
Open the new address directly, then open the old one in a fresh browser tab. Confirm the final page is correct. Update links you control to the new address rather than relying on redirects forever, including buttons, PDFs and links in commonly reused email templates.
What to check
- The replacement page is relevant and publicly accessible.
- The old URL reaches the intended new page without looping.
- Important internal links now use the new address.
Sources and further reading
Platform features can change. Check the provider’s current guidance before changing a live service.