AI Crawlers and Your Squarespace Site: To Block or Not to Block?
⬇️ Meet this little guy, an AI-generated image I stumbled upon on Adobe Stock. It's my first time using an AI image, and I have mixed feelings as a photographer and artist. But let's face it—AI is everywhere, and we must live with it on our terms—as much as humanly possible.
Squarespace's New Feature: Blocking AI Crawlers
So, why did I search for this AI image? Recently, Squarespace introduced a feature that allows you to stop artificial intelligence crawlers from scraping your website for content.
What Do AI Crawlers Do?
AI companies use these crawlers to teach large language models (LLMs). These models collect knowledge from the websites they crawl. Our robot overlords then repackage this information into the results we get from chatbots and other AI tools.
Should You Let AI Crawlers Do Their Thing?
It really depends on what you're after. If you want to keep your content safe from AI scans, you might want to disable them. But here's the thing:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Big players like Google use AI to improve search engine performance. Saying no to crawlers may undermine your discoverability in future online searches.
Intellectual Property Protection: If you have intellectual property to protect, blocking AI scans makes sense.
Service and Product Visibility: If your site offers services or products people need to find, letting crawlers roam free could boost your search engine ranking, making it easier for clients and customers to see you.
AI rules change daily, so stay informed, follow your gut, and make changes as needed.
How to Prevent AI Scans of Your Squarespace Site
Ready to take control? Here's how you can prevent AI scans on your Squarespace site:
From your site dashboard:
Go to Settings > Website > Crawlers (VERY bottom)
Toggle Artificial Intelligence Crawlers to Off
And voilà! You've taken a step to protect your content.
Why This Matters for Your Website
AI is a powerful tool that can be both a friend and a foe. By understanding how AI crawlers work and making informed decisions, you can protect your content while still making it accessible to those who need it. Here's why this balance is crucial:
Maintaining Control: Deciding whether to allow or block AI crawlers lets you control how your content is used and repurposed.
Enhancing Visibility: Allowing crawlers can improve your site's visibility on search engines, attracting more visitors and potential customers.
Protecting Assets: Blocking crawlers can help safeguard your intellectual property and ensure your original content remains yours.
Final Thoughts
AI is changing the internet landscape, and staying ahead of the curve is essential. You can make informed choices that benefit your website and business by leveraging the tools and settings available to you, like the new Squarespace feature. Whether you embrace AI crawlers or block them, the key is staying savvy, staying informed, and building those beautiful websites!