MODULE TWO: LESSON FIVE
Understanding Page Sections & Elements
Before customizing your pages, it’s helpful to know what kinds of sections and elements you can add…but remember, your template is already designed and ready to go, so adding extras is completely optional.
What Are Page Sections?
Page sections are the building blocks of your website pages. Each section can contain different types of content and design elements arranged in a way that looks polished and professional.
Common Elements You Can Add
Text Blocks: Add paragraphs, headings, or quotes to share your story or details.
Image Blocks: Display photos, graphics, or illustrations to visually enhance your page.
Button Blocks: Create clickable buttons that link to your books, newsletter signup, or social media.
Video Blocks: Embed videos like trailers, author interviews, or promos.
Spacer Blocks: Add empty space to improve layout and readability.
Form Blocks: Collect emails or messages from readers with contact forms or newsletter sign-ups.
Gallery Blocks: Show off multiple images in a neat, organized display.
Social Links: Add icons linking directly to your social media profiles.
Why You Might Add More Elements
Sometimes you may want to personalize your site with extra touches…like a new section highlighting upcoming events or a special call-to-action button. But don’t feel pressured to add anything if your template already fits your needs.
How To Add Elements
While editing a page, hover over where you want to add a new section or block.
Click the + icon or Add Section/Block button.
3. Choose the element you want to add from the menu.
4. Customize content and style to fit your brand.
Image Blocks vs. Background Images: What’s the Difference?
When customizing your site in Squarespace, you’ll see two common ways to add images: image blocks and background images. Both serve a purpose, but they behave differently, so it’s helpful to know when to use each.
Image Blocks
An image block is a standalone image you place within a section or alongside text. You can:
Control the exact size and alignment of the image
Add captions or clickable links
Easily stack images with text or buttons
Move or resize them without affecting the background
Best for:
Book covers, author photos, logos, or any image that needs to sit alongside text or buttons and remain fully visible without cropping.
Background Images
A background image is applied to an entire section — like a banner or a content block background. These images typically:
Stretch across the full width of the screen
Adjust or crop automatically based on screen size
Are often overlaid with text, buttons, or color filters
Add visual texture or mood rather than being the main focus
Best for:
Hero banners, section dividers, or creating visual depth behind text and call-to-action buttons.
Tips
Less is often more — keeping pages simple and clean helps readers focus on your story and books.
Preview your changes on desktop and mobile before publishing.
action steps
Explore your template pages and identify the different sections and elements already included.
Try adding a new text or button block on a page to get comfortable with the editor.
Remember, your site is ready to launch even if you don’t add any new elements apart from replacing with your own content!
Module Two Wrap-Up
You’ve taken a huge step toward making your website truly yours! By setting your brand colors, choosing your fonts, and updating your images, you’ve created a site that reflects your unique voice and style.
When you’re ready, move on to Module Three: Home Page, where we’ll start building your site’s most important page…the one that will welcome your readers and leave a lasting impression.
You’re doing amazing work. Let’s keep going!
