Squarespace Web Design: Is a Squarespace Website Right for You?
What Squarespace Means for Your Website
First off, Squarespace is a website hosting platform. Basically, a website has two parts – the domain (ex. www.hunchtheory.com), which you may already own, especially if you’re revamping an existing website, and the website host (like Wordpress, Wix, Shopify, etc). This is all the information and content that makes up your website.
Squarespace is a bit like the Target of the website platforms – its one-stop shopping at its best. Squarespace is likely a good fit for your needs if you’re looking for a curated selection of high-quality, well-rounded services. We have lots of options for shopping these days. Perhaps you only need groceries (Safeway), you’re looking for more hands-on help (Nordstrom), you want the cheapest and largest selection of services (Walmart) or you’re looking to get more technical (Best Buy).
Just like with stores, we have a large selection of website hosting services to choose from and it’s important to understand our needs and web host offerings to make the right selection. The purpose of this post is to help small business owners make a more informed decision about their website, so that outdated websites that people are scared to touch, are a thing of the past. Your website is a sales and marketing tool and it’s one that we can’t afford to ignore. So let's find out if Squarespace is the right platform for your business, shall we?
Understanding Squarespace
Websites have changed drastically over the years. It used to be, that a website was built using thousands of lines of code. If you wanted to create a headline or a button, the developer uses code to write that into existence. Today, there are web builders, like Squarespace that have made the creation of websites much more accessible.
With a website host such as Squarespace writing code from scratch is mainly unnecessary for basic websites. Coding is still very useful for customizing the look and functionality of a website, but with a hosting platform like Squarespace, this coding acts as more of an editing factor, and most of the building is done without code.
This has made websites much quicker to build and more affordable. Squarespace has made a large effort to make its websites less overwhelming and more accessible to real people. Some of the features Squarespace has, make it very appealing to users. We’ll review a few of the larger ones here.
User-Friendly Drag-and-Drop Website Builder
Squarespace likes to simplify whenever possible, so they’ve built a drag-and-drop interface, where you click on a button to add a text blog, and drop it into a grid system. This allows the website to change responsively as the screen goes from desktop to mobile, to vertical tablet, and everywhere in between. The grid system allows us to design the website in a way that flows and makes sense to the user on every screen size.
Mobile Responsiveness and Editing Mobile Separately
Speaking of every screen size, this year Squarespace added a new feature that allows us to completely redesign the mobile layout independent of the desktop layout. It used to require extensive use of code to make adjustments based on screen size. There were many limitations with this method, and now the mobile editing feature means that we can prioritize the mobile user experience which is more critical today than ever before.
Endless Customization
Squarespace, with its premade templates, build your own sections, drag-and-drop interface, and the ability to layer objects, add video, images, galleries and featured posts… the sky really is the limit when it comes to customization. There is also the ability to add animation, color overlays and custom fonts and other things. Adding to this, you can always still add in html and css code as simple or complex as needed. This gives Squarespace a huge ability to customize each and every website for a unique look and feel as well as the functionality to make the customer user experience pleasant and productive.
E-commerce Capabilities for Online Stores
Squarespace has prioritized being able to serve e-commerce and retail stores and now has a large offering when it comes to selling digital or physical products. Later we’ll discuss Squarespace vs Shopify and which may be better suited to your offerings, but it’s important to know that Squarespace has made huge strides in their ability to serve retail customers.
SEO Optimization
Squarespace has fantastic search engine optimization capabilities and it’s only been improving. Each page has the option to add page titles, meta descriptions, image titles and tags. You can disable pages so search engines won’t crawl them, and you can easily edit descriptions. It’s also very easy to switch between H1, H2, H3 and H4 titles, so you can layout your pages with proper organization and hierarchy. Because SEO is so critical to getting found online, having this capability built-in is invaluable.
Blogging and Social Media Integration
Speaking of SEO, the ability to easily blog and do portfolios of work, can be a huge boost for your website SEO. Squarespace makes this simple by allowing for post duplication, scheduling, individual images, social posting with custom images, tagging and categorization.
Why Squarespace?
An Overview of the Advantages for Small Businesses
Reliable Hosting and Security Measures - Closed System, No Updates Required
This is one of my top selling points for small businesses. Hosting and security are crucial for any website, and Squarespace excels in both aspects. They handle all the technical backend stuff, ensuring that your website enjoys reliable and lightning-fast hosting. Moreover, Squarespace operates on a closed system, meaning they take care of all the updates and maintenance behind the scenes. This closed system approach ensures robust security measures, keeping your website safe from potential threats without you having to lift a finger. Before switching to Squarespace, I was constantly frustrated with the numerous updates needed to our Wordpress websites and how often those websites “broke” the coding and connections to other plugins. It was a constant problem that can be intimidating and time consuming if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Easy to Maintain
This tags on to the first point. Regular design updates are essential to keep your site fresh and relevant, and Squarespace makes this so easy. Are you changing your business hours or closing for a holiday? Do you have a new special to advertise, or a new event to promote. Maybe you just have a simple text change you need to make. Well say goodbye to stressful maintenance sessions and embrace the calm that comes with an effortlessly easy to manage website. With every new client website I launch, I walk them through a comprehensive, tutorial so they can understand the ins and outs of their new site and how to make simple updates to text and images themselves. Even the most computer averse customers usually tell me that they’re surprised at how simple it is.
Built-in, Easy-to-Understand Analytics
Numbers and data may seem intimidating, but not with Squarespace. They've integrated user-friendly analytics right into their platform, giving you valuable insights into your website's performance.
Understand your visitor's behavior, track traffic sources, and discover which content is engaging your audience the most.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions to improve user experience, enhance your marketing strategies, and drive better results for your small business.
Professional Look and Flow
In the competitive digital landscape, first impressions matter, and Squarespace delivers a knockout punch in this regard. Far and wide, Squarespace has always been known for it’s artful design layouts. There is definitely a Squarespace look and feel to some sites that many other web builders have tried to replicate. The cool thing though, is that Squarespace has so much customization capabilities that a true designer can take built a completely outside-the-box website for you that looks and feels as unique as your brand. The result? A website that radiates credibility and leaves a lasting impression on potential customers.
Domain Hosting
Squarespace recently purchased Google Domains. This makes signing up for a website and purchasing a web domain seamless. In fact, with the purchase of a years website, you’ll get one year free for signing up for a new domain and Google Workspace email. And if you already have your web domain, no problem. Squarespace can connect to any other domain almost as easily.
Integrates with Other Platforms Easily
As your small business grows, you may find the need to expand your online presence through various platforms. Squarespace is your ally here too! It easily integrates with third-party tools, allowing you to enhance your website's capabilities. From email marketing platforms to social media integrations and CRM platforms, you can streamline your digital marketing efforts and easily reach a wider audience.
Grows with You - Limitless Customization
One size does not fit all, and Squarespace understands that. Whether you're just starting your small business or rapidly expanding, Squarespace can scale alongside you. With its limitless customization options, you can tailor your website to suit your evolving needs and goals. From additional pages to new features, Squarespace provides the flexibility to adapt to your ever-changing business landscape.
Squarespace is a small business website dream come true! With its professional designs, easy maintenance, built-in analytics, domain hosting, seamless integrations, limitless customization, and rock-solid hosting and security measures, Squarespace offers an unparalleled universe for businesses to thrive online. So, take the leap, embrace the Squarespace advantage, and watch your small business website soar to new heights!
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Web Designer
Your Business Needs
As a small business manager contemplating hiring a Squarespace designer for your website, it's crucial to start by assessing your business needs. Begin by identifying your business objectives and website goals. Ask yourself, "What do I need my website to do for me?" Is it to showcase your products or services, generate leads, or provide valuable information to your customers? Understanding your specific goals will guide the designer in creating a tailored website that aligns with your vision.
Target Audience
Next, delve into understanding your target audience and their preferences. Knowing your audience is key to crafting a website that resonates with them and delivers a seamless user experience. Consider their demographics, interests, and what they seek when visiting your site. Understanding your audience's needs will enable the Squarespace designer to incorporate features and design elements that captivate and engage your visitors.
Budget
Budget and resources play a crucial role in website development and maintenance. Evaluate how much you are willing to invest in your website's creation and ongoing management. Squarespace offers various pricing plans with different features, so you can select one that suits your budget without compromising on essential functionalities. By having a clear idea of your financial resources, you can collaborate with the designer to strike a balance between cost and value.
Growth
Lastly, think about the future scalability requirements of your business. As your small business grows, so will your website's needs. Ensure that the Squarespace designer takes scalability into account during the development process. This might include integrating e-commerce capabilities, creating additional pages, or accommodating increased website traffic. By planning for scalability from the outset, you can save time and resources down the road and ensure your website can evolve with your business.
Assessing your business needs is the foundation for a successful collaboration with a Squarespace designer. Define your objectives, understand your audience, consider your budget, and plan for future growth. Armed with this understanding, you'll be ready to work hand-in-hand with the designer to create a powerful and visually appealing website that takes your small business to new heights.
Comparing Squarespace with other Website Builders
Wordpress vs Squarespace
When it comes to choosing the perfect website builder for your small business, it's essential to explore the alternatives. One of the most prominent contenders in the website building arena is WordPress. WordPress is an excellent choice for businesses looking to create more complex websites with specific customizations. It's particularly suitable for those with in-house or dedicated teams that can handle the technical aspects and keep the website up to date. Wordpress websites have a more complicated and I think intimidating backend, so making updates and keeping up with security needs, requires more frequent attention, and more comfortability with websites than some simpler web builders. With an extensive library of plugins and themes, WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability. However, for those seeking a user-friendly, hassle-free solution, Squarespace might be a better fit.
Wix vs Squarespace
Another popular option in the website building landscape is Wix. Wix can be an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are building simple websites themselves. Like Squarespace it features a drag-and-drop interface and user-friendly design tools. From my experience, Wix as a platform has more limitations, which can make designing with it less overwhelming – fewer options, less confusion. On the flip side, it can be frustrating for businesses with a specific idea in mind – it's generally more difficult to customize than Squarespace and to achieve a specific look or flow. Also, for businesses that require more advanced features or extensive scalability, Squarespace's intuitive interface and built-in features might offer a more comprehensive solution.
Shopify vs Squarespace
For small businesses primarily focused on online retail, Shopify really is the top contender. Shopify is a specialized e-commerce platform designed to cater to the needs of physical product online stores. It boasts a range of powerful e-commerce tools, from inventory management to secure payment gateways. If your primary goal is to run a successful online store, Shopify is probably the ideal choice. However with Shopify, you’ll give up some other things such as design control, so for businesses looking to build a comprehensive online presence beyond just e-commerce, Squarespace's integration capabilities and stunning templates could prove to be a more versatile and balanced option.
In the end, it all boils down to your specific business needs and preferences. Carefully consider the features, ease of use, and scalability of each platform to make an informed decision that aligns perfectly with your small business goals.
Advice: Work With a Squarespace Web Designer if Possible.
Working with a Squarespace web designer, if you have the means, can be a game-changer for your online presence. These professionals are skilled in creating websites that are not only visually stunning but also strategically planned for easy maintenance and to grow your business. Ideally they will optimize images and implement website best practices, utilize sales funnels and ensure a seamless user experience. Moreover, with their expertise in optimizing sites for SEO and mobile devices, your website will reach a wider audience and stay competitive in the digital landscape. Beyond the technical aspects, a Squarespace web designer provides limitless customization options, tailoring your site to match your business needs precisely. They can take the overwhelm out of building a website, by giving you clear instructions and laying out a timeline and telling you what you need and what to expect along the way. Investing in a Squarespace web designer means unlocking the full potential of your website, allowing it to work for you and driving your small business towards unrivaled success. If you don’t have that luxury, you can still do a lot on your own with Squarespace, especially since there are so many helpful blog posts that can help with improving your website.
Squarespace Web Design can be Ideal for Most Small and Medium Businesses
Starting down the web design process can be overwhelming, but knowing you’ve chosen the right platform to grow your business with, can ease your mind knowing that you’ve got a platform you can grow with. Also pairing up with a strategic web designer can help you work smarter not harder, by making sure you’re focusing on the right things.