> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs-shpf.bsscommerce.com/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs-shpf.bsscommerce.com/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/lock-core-concepts/lock-page-settings.md).

# Exclude Pages & Lock Message

In Step 3 – Exclude Pages, you keep selected content unlocked and set SEO and page-display options. The lock message is customized from the Preview card.

Once the basic logic is in place, two things fine-tune **how your lock behaves** for visitors:

* **Step 3 – Exclude Pages** — which content stays unlocked, plus SEO and page-display options for page locks.
* **The Preview card → Customize message** — what blocked visitors see.

You’ve already told B2B Lock:

* **What** to protect (Step 1 – Lock Target), and
* **Who** can access it (Step 2 – Access & Message).

These settings answer a different question:

> “What should blocked visitors see, and are there any exceptions?”

Not every option needs to be used on every rule. For simple setups you can leave Step 3 as it is and just click **Save**. But for a polished B2B experience, this is where you add the details.

***

## Step 3 — Exclude Pages

<figure><img src="https://684288492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJh4ZJQcYHPWkPeDOGrHj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-77985ebabc43cdcdeae8ec501368d6f01d95ecb7%2Fstep3-exclude-pages-no-stepper.png?alt=media" alt="Step 3 Exclude from lock rules checkbox list, the Summary card showing the excluded pages, and the Save button highlighted"><figcaption><p>Step 3: tick the content that should stay unlocked, then click Save.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### 1. Exclude from lock rules

Sometimes you lock a big area (like the entire store or a whole collection) but you want **exceptions**. The **Exclude from lock rules** card says it plainly: *"Selected content will **NOT BE LOCKED**"*.

Tick what should stay open:

* **Home page**
* **Customer areas** — login, register, and account pages.
* **Policy pages**
* **Specific pages** — type a page URL and click **Add**. Example: keep your “Contact” or “About us” pages public while everything else is gated.
* **Selected products** — keep some products shoppable even while the lock is on. Example: lock the entire store but keep one public product visible.

Use exclusions when:

* Your rule target is broad (entire store / large collection).
* You have a few elements that **must remain public** (legal pages, contact page, marketing landing pages, etc.).

The **Summary** card shows your choice, e.g. *"Excluded: Homepage, 0 Specific pages"*.

***

#### 2. SEO and Meta Tag Options

For locks that replace a whole page (such as **Entire store**), Step 3 also shows **SEO and Meta Tag Options**:

* **Add the "noindex" meta tag to any pages protected by this lock** — prevents search engines from indexing the locked pages.

Tick it when the locked pages should not appear in search results at all. Paired with **Hide price on Google search** (set in Step 1 for price and product targets), this helps you keep B2B information controlled while still maintaining a good UX.

***

#### 3. Hide content on locked page

Also for page locks, **Hide content on locked page** lets you strip the store chrome around the lock message:

* **Hide store's header and footer**
* **Hide store's navigation bar**

Use it for a clean, focused lock screen, e.g. a private wholesale portal where guests shouldn't browse your menus.

<figure><img src="https://684288492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJh4ZJQcYHPWkPeDOGrHj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4509270dd0e0e7a1c6b26b87162ab3e3d77f608e%2Fstep3-entire-store-seo-hide-only.png?alt=media" alt="Exclude Pages step for an Entire store lock with SEO and Meta Tag Options and Hide content on locked page highlighted"><figcaption><p>For page locks such as Entire store, Step 3 adds SEO and Meta Tag Options and Hide content on locked page.</p></figcaption></figure>

***

#### 4. Save the rule

Click **Save** at the bottom of Step 3, or **Save** in the Contextual Save Bar at the top of the page at any step. B2B Lock shows *"Saved lock settings"* and updates your theme in the background (*"Updating lock, integrate themes and sync with Shopify…"*).

***

## Customizing the lock message

When a visitor does **not** meet your access rules, B2B Lock replaces your content with a **lock message**. You edit it from the **Preview** card in the right column, not in Step 3.

1. Add at least one condition in **Step 2 – Access & Message**. The **Preview** card appears under the **Summary** card.
2. In the **Preview** card, pick the message to preview from the dropdown (e.g. **Message Hide Price**, **Passcode**, **Passcode on collection page**, **Access Denied Message**). The storefront mock updates in real time.
3. Click **Customize message**. The full-screen **Preview & customize message** modal opens.
4. In the left panel, edit the message's **Text content**. The field holds HTML; click **Edit with editor** to edit it in the editor instead.
5. Optionally add **Custom CSS** to style the message.
6. Check the result in the preview on the right. Switch between desktop and mobile to see both layouts.

<figure><img src="https://684288492-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJh4ZJQcYHPWkPeDOGrHj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1470035576362bede59d95955b4d41afa858f6b3%2Fcustomize-message-modal.png?alt=media" alt="Preview &#x26; customize message modal with the Access Denied Message text content, Edit with editor link, Custom CSS field and a desktop preview"><figcaption><p>Edit the message text and CSS on the left; check the live preview on the right.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Writing a good lock message

Think of the lock message as a **mini landing page**: it shouldn’t just block people; it should guide the right visitors to the right action.

* **Headline**\
  Short, clear title such as:
  * “Wholesale access only”
  * “Login to view prices”
* **Body text**\
  Explain who this area is for and what the visitor should do next, for example:
  * “This content is reserved for approved wholesale customers. Please log in or request an account to continue.”
* **Links and next steps**\
  Add links in the message text so visitors don't hit a dead end:
  * If your condition is **Signed-in customers**: link to **Login** and **Create account**.
  * If your condition is **Tagged customers** (e.g. `wholesale`): add a link or note about how to **request a wholesale account**.
  * Point to your contact page or B2B registration form for a “Request access” path.

***

#### When can you keep the defaults?

You **don’t** have to configure every option for every rule.

You can safely leave Step 3 and the default message as they are, and just click **Save**, when:

* You’re testing or prototyping a rule.
* You just need a simple internal control (e.g., hide a test page from guests).
* The default lock message is “good enough” for now.

You should spend more time on exclusions and the message when:

* The rule impacts real customers (especially first-time visitors).
* You’re locking critical areas like pricing, wholesale collections, or key landing pages.
* You want a polished, branded experience with clear actions (login, register, contact, etc.).

***

#### Where did the other settings go?

* **Passcode case sensitivity and multiple passcodes** — set in the **Passcode** condition in **Step 2 – Access & Message**, together with **Enter passcode once to access all prices** / **each prices**. See [Control Access](/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/lock-core-concepts/control-access-access-and-message.md).
* **Start / end dates** — use the **Date & time** condition in Step 2 (**Visible from** / **Visible until**). See [Control Access](/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/lock-core-concepts/control-access-access-and-message.md).
* **Hide price on Google search** — set in **Step 1 – Lock Target**. See [Lock Content (Targets)](/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/lock-core-concepts/lock-content-targets.md).

***

#### Recap

With **Step 3 – Exclude Pages** and **Customize message**, you transform a basic lock into a **user-friendly, business-ready experience**:

* Add **exclusions** so some pages/products remain public.
* Add the **noindex** meta tag and hide the header, footer or navigation bar on locked pages.
* Customize the **message** blocked users see, with clear **Login / Register / Request access** links.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Global App Settings**: For store-wide settings such as Theme Editor display toggles, Theme Auto-Installation targeting (Live vs Draft), App Embeds, and Code Cleanup, see [App Settings, Installation & Maintenance](/bss-b2b-lock-login-password-hide-price/getting-started/app-settings-installation-and-maintenance.md).
{% endhint %}

***

## **Still Need Help?**

If you have questions or need assistance configuring BSS B2B Lock, our dedicated support team is here to help.

* **In-App Assistance:** Click **Need help?** or use the in-app chat button within BSS B2B Lock.
* **Email Support:** Contact us at [**support-sbc@bsscommerce.com**](mailto:support-sbc@bsscommerce.com) with your store URL and specific rule details.