How to Setup and Style the Squarespace Announcement Bar
The Squarespace announcement bar may be small, but it plays a strategic role on your site. Sitting at the very top of the page, it’s the first thing visitors see: a space to share timely updates, highlight a promotion, or draw attention to something important.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to set up your announcement bar, style it to align with your brand, and write messaging that feels clear and purposeful.
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How to Add an Announcement Bar to Your Squarespace 7.1 Website
Find the Settings: From your Squarespace dashboard navigate to Website > Website Tools > Announcement Bar.
Turn It On: Click the toggle to activate the feature.
Write Your Message: Keep it concise and intentional. A sentence is often enough.
Make It Clickable: If you want to guide visitors toward a page, product, or resource, add the URL to make the bar clickable.
Save & Done: Hit save, and you’re good to go. Your announcement bar will appear across your site.
Styling Your Announcement Bar
Your announcement bar should feel like part of your brand. Here's how to style it":
Changing the Font
Go to Design > Fonts and select a typeface consistent with your brand identity. Whether your style is bold and modern or understated and minimalist, typography sets the tone for how visitors experience your message.
Changing the Color
Under Design > Colors, apply shades from your existing brand palette. Even a small design element like the announcement bar benefits from cohesion.
Adding a Border
For a subtle detail, you can add a border with custom CSS. Open the CSS Panel, paste the following code, and replace the hex value with your chosen color:
/* Announcement Bar Border */
.sqs-announcement-bar {
border-bottom: 1px solid #000000;
}Crafting Announcement Bar Messaging
Once your announcement bar is in place, the message itself determines its impact. With limited space, clarity and intention matter most. Here are a few ways to make your words work harder:
Know Your Goal
Before you start typing, ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this announcement? Are you promoting a sale? Launching something new? Sharing an update? Let that guide your words.
Keep It Concise
There’s not much room, so make every word count. Think clear, direct, and easy to read at a glance.
Create Some FOMO
If your update is time-sensitive, a subtle sense of urgency can help. Phrases like “Today Only” or “Ends Soon” encourage immediate action without overwhelming the reader.
Highlight the Value
Frame your announcement around what matters to your audience. Instead of “20% Off,” try “Save 20% on [Product Name] Today Only” — clear, specific, and benefit-led.
Add a Call-to-Action
Always guide the next step. Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Join Us,” a simple CTA directs attention and helps turn visibility into action.
Announcement Bar Messaging Ideas
Here are a few ways to use it—with example copy to get you started:
Promotional Offers:
Highlight special discounts or limited-time sales to encourage action.
Spring Sale: 25% Off All Products — This Week Only
Buy One, Get One 50% Off — Limited Time
Save 20% Today with Code SAVE20
Launches:
Announce new products or services and encourage visitors to explore your latest offerings.
Just Launched: Our New [Product Name]
Explore Our Latest Collection — Available Now
Events & Experiences:
If you're hosting an upcoming event like a webinar, conference, or sale, use your announcement bar to share it.
Join Our Webinar: “Secrets to Success” — May 15
Early Bird Tickets Available for Our Workshop — Limited Spots
Black Friday Sale Starts Tomorrow — Shop Early Access
Important News:
Share updates, announcements, or news related to your business to keep your audience informed and engaged.
New Hours: We’re Now Open 9 AM – 7 PM
Policy Update: Click Here to Learn More
Limited-Time Campaigns:
Highlight limited-time campaigns, contests, or giveaways through your announcement bar to create a sense of urgency and drive participation.
Dream Branding Giveaway — Enter Before It Ends
Flash Sale: 40% Off Clearance — Today Only
Seasonal Greetings:
During holidays, special occasions, or seasonal shifts, use your announcement bar to share greetings and build connection.
Happy Holidays: Enjoy 15% Off Through December 31
Celebrate Spring with Free Shipping All Weekend
Concluding Thoughts
The Squarespace announcement bar may be a small element, but its visibility gives it weight. Used thoughtfully, it guides attention.
Whether announcing a launch, highlighting an offer, or simply extending a seasonal message, the bar works best when it feels clear, intentional, and aligned with your overall design.
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