Why & How to Set Squarespace Permissions vs Password Sharing
When working with service providers like website designers, copywriters, or SEOs it’s a much better idea to set permissions to give access vs sharing your Squarespace password.
It’s tempting to think it’s easier to just hand over your Squarespace login details. But there’s an easier (and safer) way!
I discovered this tip from my friend & website designer, Samantha Mabe. Little did I know that Squarespace makes it ridiculously easy to give a service provider the exact level of access they need to support you & your site!
Since learning about admin permissions settings, I’ve been able to easily help dozens of clients by plugging in their SEO strategies in a matter of minutes—saving us both time & several emails.
The next time you bring on a service provider like a copywriter or SEO consultant, follow these steps to give them access to your Squarespace site in a matter of minutes—without worrying about password sharing safety issues.
How to Give Someone Access to Your Squarespace Account - Set Permissions
Start by logging into your Squarespace account. Once logged in, check to ensure you’ve got Administrator permissions so you can invite someone else to the site.
(Reference the screenshots below to make sure you’re on the right screen.)
From your Squarespace account dashboard, select the wheel in the bottom left corner to get to the Settings screen.
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Open the “Permissions & Ownership” tab.
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Click the grey box to open the “Permissions & Ownership” tab.
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Select “Invite Contributor” to add a service provider.
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Add their First & Last Name, Email address, & select the level of permissions you’re granting.
(See below for more on what is provided in each permissions level.)
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Types of Permissions Settings on Squarespace
Global Permissions
Administrator: this gives the user full permission to access & change everything on the website—but they cannot transfer ownership. When I’m implementing SEO updates for clients, I’m given Administrator permissions.
Billing: this allows the user to update the payment information on file for processing payments (like a renewal invoice) to Squarespace. They can buy or change Squarespace plan options, but are unable to buy or make changes to domains or Google Workspace.
Website Permissions
Website Editor: this allows a user to edit website content, but not to change settings. This is useful for allowing a VA or copywriter access to your content without worrying about them changing any settings.
Analytics: the user is able to access website & Sales analytics. (This is a useful option for my Quarterly SEO Support clients—I’m not changing things, but I’m able to see how the SEO is improving.)
Comment Moderator: this allows a user to edit, approve, & add comments as a team member instead of as a website visitor. This option is helpful if you have a VA who helps monitor blog comments. They can do their job without access to adjust website settings.
Viewer: this gives any users view-only access to your private site. These sites are typically under construction or are sites you don’t want to be discoverable in a Google search.
Selling Permissions
Store Manager: this allows the user to receive store notifications via email, manage orders, & edit content—including product descriptions & remaining inventory.
Email Campaigns
Email Campaigns Editor: the user is able to create, manage, & send email campaigns. If you have a VA helping you write & send weekly emails, they’ll need this permissions level.
Scheduling Permissions
Scheduling Administrator: this allows a user to view & manage appointments and settings specific to Scheduling. (This is gives the user the most access to support you with any Scheduling tasks.)
Scheduling View & Edit: the user can view & edit assigned calendars. You’ll need to add Scheduling to your plan to enable this & allow this role to be assigned.
Scheduling View Only: the users can only view calendars they’re assigned to. You’ll need to add Scheduling to your plan to enable this & allow this role to be assigned.
How I Use Permissions With My SEO Clients
When I’m working on an SEO project with a client, I typically request Administrator permissions. This level of permissions allows me to do what I need to do—whether that’s optimizing a blog post for SEO, implementing a brand-new SEO strategy for main website pages, or tracking analytics for a report.
One thing I like to do is email clients when I’m going in to make any updates to the site. I find it comforting to know what’s happening even if I don’t need to be there, y’know?
Once the SEO project is completed, clients can either choose to leave me on for any on-going support or remove me if they no longer need my help.
My mission is always to make the process of understanding, implementing, & tracking SEO improvements as easy as possible! And using Squarespace Permissions allows me to do just that.
Let me know your questions in the comments!
(And if you’re a client referencing this blog post to give me permissions to your Squarespace site, send any questions in our email thread.)
