Create Visually Stunning Images and Videos with Squarespace
We’ve all heard the age-old phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words”, and in today’s digital climate, a killer video can leave a lasting impression. Today, let's explore how you can create and develop stunning image and video features on Squarespace to make your website visually stunning and unforgettable.
A Picture-Perfect Start
Choosing the Right Images
First things first – the images. Your choice of photos and icons set the tone for your entire website. Your Squarespace subscription allows you access to a huge selection of stock photos from Unsplash, but if you want your site to stand out, consider using your own high-quality images. Showcase your products, your team, or the breathtaking views from your business or workspace.
When searching through stock images I like to add descriptive words to match the vibe of the client’s website. For example, if I’m working on a website for a wellness professional who wants a clean, minimalist aesthetic, I’ll search the Squarespace stock photo library using the term “wellness minimal”.
Image Editing Made Easy
Not into stock photos? No worries! Use your own beautiful images with Squarespace's built-in image editor. Make sure your images are around 250KB before adding them to your site. This will ensure your website loads quickly! I like to use TinyJPG.com to compress large image files before uploading.
After uploading your image, click on it, and voilà – you're in editing mode. Crop, resize, add filters – make it YOURS. You can also easily adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation. Play around until you find that sweet spot that fits the vibe of your site.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Embedding Videos Seamlessly
In today’s digital world you have .5 seconds to grab your visitor’s attention before they decide to stay on your website, or move on to the next. Adding video to your site is an excellent way to grab the attention of your users!
Fortunately, Embedding videos on Squarespace is a walk in the park. Whether it's a product demo, a behind-the-scenes peek, or your cat doing something adorable, video adds a dynamic element to your site. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo, then just copy the link and drop it into a video block. Squarespace makes it easy to ensure your videos look sleek and load lightning-fast.
Customize Your Video Thumbnails
Make your video extra eye-catching by customize the thumbnails! After embedding your video, select the video block, click "Design," and choose a thumbnail style that matches your brand aesthetic. It's these little details that make your site look professional.
Showcasing Galleries and Slideshows
The Power of Galleries
Let's talk about showcasing your services, products, and work. Whether you're a winemaker, a hair stylist, or want to display your photos, Squarespace galleries are an awesome way to show off your stuff. Change up your gallery layouts with options like grids, carousels, or masonry walls. Squarespace gives you the creative freedom to arrange your images in a way that fits your vibe and captivates your audience.
Engaging Slideshows
Slideshow blocks are like a virtual tour of your best moments. Add images, adjust transition styles, and set the speed to match your rhythm. Slideshows are perfect for telling a story or highlighting key features on your site.
Mobile-Friendly Magic
Keep in mind the majority of users will be viewing your site on a mobile device. Utilize the Squarespace mobile functionality to ensure that your images and videos look just stunning on all devices. The responsive design takes the hassle out of optimizing for different devices, so your audience can enjoy a seamless visual experience no matter how they access your site.
Wrapping it Up
So, there you have it – a crash course on making your Squarespace site a visual masterpiece. Whether you're showcasing your products, telling your story through images, or adding some video flair, make your visuals pop. Get creative, have fun, and let your site's personality shine through those pixels!