Top examples of smarter search using Monocle for Squarespace
There's this common idea that Squarespace's built-in search is just... okay. It works for a small site, sure, but as your blog, portfolio, or store grows, visitors start to get lost. It's frustrating for them and for you.
That's why a powerful search tool is so important for a professional Squarespace site. The best ones don't rely on the default search. Instead, they use a powerful plugin called Monocle for Squarespace, the secret to a seamless and professional user experience. Here are a few examples of websites that prove you can build a successful business on Squarespace with the right tools.
The Examples
1. Back to the Future
This site is a perfect example of a content-rich website. While Squarespace's native search can be unreliable with a ton of information, Monocle solves this problem by crawling your site daily to keep results lightning-fast and up-to-date. This ensures visitors can easily find exactly what they're looking for, as matched results are clearly displayed with a preview image, title, and excerpt. It's an intuitive layout that makes the entire site far more useful and accessible.
2. Mashup Math
Mashup Math used Monocle to make their gated content, managed by MemberSpace, fully searchable for their paying members. This is a huge value-add that's not possible with Squarespace's native search and a fantastic way to give their community more for their money by making all of their exclusive content easy to find.
3. Lear Center
I love the way the team behind this site has set up their search. They have plenty of PDFs that get indexed and are fully searchable, which is amazing for a research-heavy site.
Not only do the search results clearly label the content as a PDF, they also include a preview and highlight "Matched pages" within the document, showing exactly where the search term was found. It’s a perfect example of using a smart tool to make your content work harder for you.
4. Quality Care for Children
The site for Quality Care for Children offers a creative and effective way to implement a search bar. Instead of the usual search panel on the right edge, they've set up a custom search modal that's bound to a standard Squarespace search block. This was made possible with a custom plugin from Will-Myers.com.
This approach works seamlessly because Monocle can be configured to work with any standard Squarespace Search block—all you have to do is turn the "Quick Preview" setting off. It's a perfect example of how you can use a simple, integrated method to create a standout search experience that's both functional and beautifully designed.
5. So Much Stuff
I was so impressed when I came across Somuchstuff. They use Monocle to create a product search with pictures and filters, making it incredibly easy for customers to navigate their large catalogue.
This feature is a game-changer for any eCommerce store, as Monocle’s advanced filters allow users to search by tags, pricing, and images. It's especially useful for sites with extensive product catalogs.
Monocle helps turn browsing into buying by letting customers filter for exactly what they need. They've even completely replaced the default Squarespace search page with Monocle's, showing just how much a powerful search bar can improve the entire user experience.
Key Takeaways
What I love about all of these websites is how they prove a simple point: the right tool can transform your site.
Functionality Drives Success. These websites prove you don’t have to settle. Adding a tool like Monocle is a key part of building a successful business on Squarespace, especially as your site grows.
The Right Tool for the Job. While Squarespace's built-in tools are good, a powerful site needs a powerful search solution.
A Better User Experience. A great search bar isn't just a feature—it's a way to reduce bounce rates and keep visitors engaged.
Conclusion
As you can see from these websites, the right tools can make all the difference. Monocle isn't just an upgrade for your site's search bar; it's a way to enhance your brand, your user experience, and ultimately, your business.
I can tell you from my own experience that the creators behind Monocle are incredible. On September 27, 2024, a script issue caused some websites to become unresponsive. Pages took over a minute to load, which was a huge problem. But I reported the issue and the creators fixed it within hours. That kind of commitment is rare, and it shows you how much they care about their users' success.
They even go one step further by promoting their users' sites in their "Through the Monocle" series. It's a great way to get a free backlink and prove to your own clients how much you care about their experience on the site.
In the end, you’re not just buying a plugin—you’re getting a partner in your business.
Ready to give your visitors a better search experience? Try Monocle Search today and see what it can do for your Squarespace site.
