How to Utilize and Style Summary Blocks for Blogs and Products in Squarespace
We have seen how Summary Blocks are one of the most powerful, versatile ways to display blog posts, products, or other types of content within Squarespace sites. They offer the ability to build grids, lists or carousels of content that can be styled to fit the design of your site. Here is a step-by-step on how to use and style Summary Blocks for blogs and products in Squarespace:
How to use the summary block in Squarespace
The content showcased in the Summary block is significantly Upgraded with a robust tags and categories system within blog posts, events, and shop items. The same holds true for reviews, an aspect I'll elaborate on later in point.
This built-in Events Calendar for your Squarespace site meticulously categorizes each post with event-specific categories (e.g., live music, DJ sets, open mic nights) and employs tags that could include the performing band's name or the comedian headlining the comedy night.
Certainly, in the context of Blog posts, envision categories as representing the various topics you discuss, while tags would serve as identifiers for the specific name of each blog post.
Taking it a step further, consider tagging blogs or events with months or years. This approach allows for grouping content not just by topic but also by date, month, or year, providing a more dynamic organization. Think creatively!
In Shop items, establish categories such as apparel, jewelry, and the like, while tags pinpoint specific items like shirts, earrings, rings, and so forth.
To summarize—categories offer broader descriptions, whereas tags delve into the specifics of the individual item.
With these foundations in place, let's delve into the details!
Blog:
Certainly, if you aim to showcase recent posts at the conclusion of each blog entry and have them dynamically update across your entire blog and other sections of your site, the go-to tool for this task is the Summary Block.
Assuming you've appropriately categorized and tagged your blog, adding a Summary Block, specifically the Carousel Summary Block, to the bottom of each post is the key step.
The initial setup resembles something like this:
Within the Edit window, navigate to Content and opt for Blog (ensure you've already created a Blog-specific page type on your website for it to appear here).
Then, proceed to the Layout tab in the Edit window.
In case you overlooked choosing Carousel in the Summary Block options, you can rectify it at the top by selecting the icon inside the Edit window.
The Header Text permits you to name the block, if desired—something like "More Like This" or "Upcoming Events" depending on the block's purpose and location. If you prefer no title, leave the space blank.
Following that is the Aspect Ratio for the images. Opting for Auto is my usual choice, as I size my images as needed before uploading. If not, alternative options are available to maintain horizontal, vertical, or square images.
Items Per Row is self-explanatory.
Text Size allows you to determine the size of the excerpt text if you include a title/description with your images. I usually skip this to maintain a cleaner look, as my post intros aren't typically short.
Text Alignment pertains to the excerpt text and is self-explanatory.
MetaData Position is where you decide where elements like tags, categories, or dates appear, if you choose to display them.
Moving on, select the Display tab in the Edit window.
Here, you can specify the total number of items to display within the block (up to 30 at the time of posting). Determine whether each item should show the title, thumbnail (image), excerpt, and read more link.
Define the Primary & Secondary Metadata (date, category, tag, etc.) or select none if you prefer not to show anything.
Next, filter the items by Category and/or Tag. Enter one of the categories created for your blog; for example, the Summary Block at the bottom of this post is filtered by Squarespace posts, as it's relevant to this content.
You can further narrow it down to a single post, but that might defeat the purpose for this use. After all, the goal is to display other posts (plural) akin to the current one.
You can also mark each blog post as a featured post during or after posting by editing the individual blog post settings. This is beneficial for crafting a Carousel of "most popular posts," exclusively featuring those you choose based on comments, likes, shares, page visits, etc.
Once done, click Apply and Save the edited page for good measure.
Now replicate the process on your home page or any other section where you want to showcase a curated group of blog posts!
Events:
Given that the event calendar listing page operates identically to the blog posts page, there's no need to repeat the same steps.
On your home page, consider incorporating a Summary Carousel for various categories such as Upcoming Events, Live Music, Workshops, Speakers, Live Events, Classes, or any other purpose you utilize the Events Calendar for on your site!
Keep in mind that if you opt not to select a Category for filtering, the Summary Carousel will showcase everything within the 1-30 items specified in the Display tab.
Shop:
This approach can be applied with a slight variation, but the process of adding the Summary Carousel will still align with the steps outlined above in the Blog section.
Imagine you have a merchandise shop for your business, band, or any other endeavor. After each individual listing, utilize a Summary Carousel to showcase additional items you believe the viewer might find appealing, especially if they've already clicked on that particular listing.
For instance, if you sell T-shirts featuring your logo and also offer caps with the same logo, instruct the Summary block to display your assortment of hats at the end of the T-shirt item listing, encouraging continued exploration within your store.
In the case of digital items like downloads, consider featuring another category relevant or related to the individual listing to capture the viewer's interest and prompt further exploration of your shop.
Think of this as a Call to Action button at the page's conclusion. It guides the viewer on navigating that section of your site and directs them toward the next steps you'd like them to take.
Here Are Some Unique Style Of Squarespace Summary Block
Balanced summary block - Ghost Plugin
Certainly! The Balance Summary Block by Ghost Plugins offers a simple yet elegant style, providing the flexibility to set the number of items shown per row, with options of 1, 2, or 3.
Key Features:
Customizable Rows: Easily configure the layout by choosing between 1, 2, or 3 items per row, allowing you to tailor the display to your preference.
Image Zoom Effect: Enjoy a nifty image zoom effect on hover, adding a touch of interactivity and engagement for users exploring your content.
Curved Borders: Each item is outlined with curved borders, contributing to a sleek and modern aesthetic that enhances the overall visual appeal of your summary block.
This balance of simplicity and visual flair makes the Balance Summary Block an excellent choice for showcasing content in a way that is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Ghost Plugins provides a range of offerings, including Super Plugins available for a fee and Free Plugins. While you can find a few highlighted favorites here
Beautiful Summary Block - Ghost Plugins
This plugin enhances your summary block style by adding a background, drop shadow, and a stylized gradient button. It is compatible with both Squarespace 7.0 and 7.1 versions and is available for free, allowing you to level up the visual appeal of your summary blocks with ease.
Overflow Carousel Items - Will Myers
This feature allows your carousel items to elegantly scroll in from the side of the page, creating a visually appealing overflow effect. It is compatible with Squarespace 7.1 and the Brine Family in Squarespace 7.0. The cost for this enhancement is $20. Upgrade your website's aesthetics with this dynamic scrolling effect for your carousel items.
Lazy Summaries - Square Websites
The Lazy Summaries plugin offers a valuable function by increasing the limit on summary blocks from 30 items to an unlimited number. Additionally, it provides extra features for various display settings, including pagination and mobile view options.
While this plugin is part of their PRO extension, you also have the option to purchase it separately as a standalone product. Enjoy the convenience of showcasing an extensive list of items in your summary blocks with enhanced customization settings for pagination and optimal mobile viewing.
