How to Create Gated Content on Squarespace

Gated content is any content on your site that requires a specific action to access—such as entering a password, filling out a form, or paying for a membership. It’s a common strategy to capture leads or monetize premium resources. Squarespace provides several built-in methods to gate content, ranging from simple password-protected pages to a full-blown membership system.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

1. How to Set Up Gated Content on Squarespace

2. Downsides of Using Squarespace for Gated Content

3. Whether Gated Content Still Works Today

1. How to Set Up Gated Content on Squarespace

A. Member Areas (Membership Sites)

Squarespace Member Areas are the easiest way to create a full-featured membership site with user accounts and recurring payments.

1. Enable Member Areas

   • Go to Settings > Member Areas in your Squarespace dashboard.

   • Toggle the feature on if it’s not already active.

2. Add a Member Area

   • In the Pages panel, click the “+” next to Main Navigation.

   • Select Member Site to create a protected section for your gated content.

3. Choose a Layout & Name

   • Pick a starter layout for your member homepage and name it (e.g. “Premium Content”).

4. Set Pricing (or Free Access)

   • Decide if you want members to pay a recurring fee, a one-time payment, or sign up for free.

   • You can create multiple plans (e.g., Basic, Premium, VIP) with different price points and access levels.

5. Customize the Paywall

   • When non-members try to access gated pages, they see a paywall or sign-up page.

   • Edit its design, text, and images to explain the value of your membership.

6. Publish and Test

   • Ensure the sign-up flow works by creating a test account.

   • Verify that after payment or sign-up, members can access the protected pages seamlessly.

Squarespace handles user accounts, logins, and billing for you—ideal for subscription-based content or an online course. However, it’s less customizable than some dedicated membership platforms.

B. Password-Protected Pages

For a simpler approach, you can lock a page with a single shared password.

1. Go to Pages > [Select Page] > Settings

2. Add a Password in the Password field.

3. Save your settings.

Anyone who visits that page must enter the exact password to view it. This is best for smaller-scale or temporary gated content (such as a private photo gallery or client page). However, since everyone shares the same password, it’s easy for it to be passed around.

C. Email Opt-Ins (Lead Generation)

Instead of a password or a paid membership, you can ask visitors to exchange their email for your content—a classic lead-generation tactic.

1. Add a Form or Newsletter Block

   • Design a short sign-up form (ideally name and email only) alongside a preview of your gated content.

2. Connect Your Email Service

   • Under Storage, link to Squarespace Email Campaigns, Mailchimp, or another service so you can collect and manage sign-ups.

3. Deliver the Content

   • Option A: Show a direct download link on the form’s post-submit message.

   • Option B: Send an automated email containing the link or file.

Visitors receive the valuable resource, and you gain a new email subscriber. This method is perfect for e-books, checklists, and other lead magnets.

D. Paywalls for Premium Content

If you plan to charge for your gated content, you can:

• Use Member Areas with paid tiers (monthly, yearly, or one-time fees).

• Sell digital products (like an e-book or video) through Squarespace Commerce if you don’t need an ongoing membership.

A paywall prompts visitors to complete a purchase before accessing the content. Squarespace seamlessly handles checkouts and memberships, but you’ll need to factor in the transaction fees if you’re on a lower-tier plan.

2. Downsides of Using Squarespace for Gated Content

Squarespace’s gating tools are straightforward, but there are a few limitations:

1. Limited Customization

   • Password-protected pages share a single lock screen design.

   • Member Area login pages and sign-up forms have limited styling options compared to fully custom solutions.

2. Fewer Integrations

   • Squarespace doesn’t offer the extensive plugin ecosystem you’ll find with specialized membership platforms.

   • Adding advanced features like affiliate systems or drip content scheduling can be challenging.

3. Pricing and Transaction Fees

   • Squarespace charges extra for Member Areas on top of your regular site plan.

   • Lower-tier plans also take a percentage of your membership revenue in addition to payment processor fees.

4. SEO Limitations

   • Any gated content (especially in Member Areas) won’t be indexed by search engines.

   • You’ll need to provide teaser text or samples on public pages if you want SEO benefits.

Despite these downsides, the simplicity and convenience of managing everything in one platform can be appealing—especially if you don’t need elaborate customization.

3. Does Gated Content Still Work?

Short answer: Yes—when done right. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Conversion Rates & User Behavior

   • Many visitors may hesitate to give out email addresses or payment info.

   • Gated content typically attracts fewer total viewers but yields more qualified leads.

   • If the content’s perceived value is high, users are more likely to sign up or pay.

2. SEO Implications

   • Completely gated pages don’t get indexed.

   • Provide a teaser or partial view publicly to capture organic traffic and prompt sign-ups.

3. Best Practices

   • Choose carefully which content to gate; make it your most valuable or in-demand resource.

   • Communicate value clearly (e.g., “Get our free 10-page guide”) to justify the gate.

   • Keep forms simple—fewer fields mean higher completion rates.

   • Follow up with nurturing emails; don’t just collect addresses and forget about them.

   • Balance free vs. gated content so you can still attract a broad audience.

When used strategically, gated content can effectively generate leads, grow your email list, or create a profitable membership area. Squarespace makes setup manageable, even for non-technical users, but weigh the platform’s limitations against your needs before committing fully.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple Gating Methods: From password protection to full membership areas, Squarespace has built-in ways to gate content.

• Downsides Exist: Expect limited customizations, extra fees, and fewer integrations than dedicated membership platforms.

• Still Effective: Gated content remains a proven way to collect leads or monetize premium resources, provided the gated material is genuinely high-value.

• Strategy Is Crucial: Use teasers, keep your opt-in forms short, and nurture leads post-signup to maximize conversions and maintain a good user experience.

By following these guidelines, you can implement gated content successfully on Squarespace—whether you’re simply collecting emails or launching a full-fledged membership site.

Ready to Go Further?

• If you need more advanced features (like drip content, affiliate tracking, or a custom onboarding experience), consider specialized membership platforms or integrations.

• Otherwise, Squarespace’s built-in solutions can be an excellent fit for creators, small businesses, or anyone wanting a straightforward way to gate premium material.