Squarespace Template vs. Custom Website Design: Which is right for you?
So, you’re just getting started as an entrepreneur, and you know you need a website, or maybe you’re a little more established in your business, and you need a website upgrade, like yesterday. (Hint: if you cringe a little whenever someone asks for your website link, it’s time, friend 😉).
The first decision you need to make is which platform to use. We wrote a whole blog post about why we LOVE Squarespace for small businesses to get you started.
If you’ve decided on Squarespace, the next question to ask yourself is: Do I want to use a Squarespace template or invest in a custom-designed website?
That’s what we’re going to answer in this post, so read on!
The Lowdown on Squarespace Templates
What the heck is a Squarespace template?
A Squarespace template is basically a starting point for your website. Instead of starting with a completely blank canvas, a template gives you a layout to plug your copy and images into.
You can choose to use one of Squarespace’s free pre-made templates or purchase a template from a third-party designer.
Paid vs. Free Squarespace Templates
As small business owners ourselves, we love how easy Squarespace makes it for entrepreneurs to build a basic website. They offer a whole library of clean, modern templates to get you started, and they’re totally free to use.
Because these templates are built for DIY-ers, though, they’re all pretty basic. They also tend to focus more on aesthetics and less on strategy because they’re meant to appeal to a wide range of businesses. This is often a stumbling block for website DIY-ers because it’s hard to mold these basic templates into a site that fits your business and audience.
If you want a more custom and elevated look, you might want to consider a paid Squarespace template. These templates are created by independent designers and aim to provide the look of a custom website at a fraction of the cost – usually somewhere between $75 and $500. They’re typically way more robust than the templates Squarespace provides, and often come with videos to teach you how to use them.
Psst! We have something we’re SO excited to share with you – we are working on finalizing our very own Squarespace template! It’ll be priced at $299 and will come with a library of tutorial videos to teach you everything you need to know about how to work with the template.
As you know, we’re #TeamSmallBusiness. This template is perfect for a small business owner who is just starting out and may not have the funds to invest in one of our custom website packages. If that’s YOU, get on the list to be among the first to hear about it when it launches later this spring!
Another benefit of using a paid template is you’re less likely to have the same template as someone else because of all the different options out there.
Buying a Squarespace Template vs. Investing in a Custom Website
How do you know if you should buy a Squarespace template or go ahead and invest in a completely custom website? We offer both options, so we can be totally unbiased here.
When is buying a Squarespace template the right choice?
1. If you’re just starting out and don’t have the budget for a custom site.
The main benefit of buying a Squarespace template is the cost – you can basically get the look of a “designer” website for a fraction of the price. This is a great option for a new entrepreneur who is looking to get their business off the ground and has more limited funds to get up and running.
Just because you’re DIY-ing your site doesn’t mean it has to look DIY! Simply pick the right template, watch the tutorial videos, and fill it out with your own images and copy — and BOOM, you’ve got a semi-custom website that will WOW your audience.
2. If you’re at least moderately tech-savvy.
One of the many reasons we use and love Squarespace is its user-friendly interface. If you’re comfortable with learning new platforms and working in the backend of a website with tutorial videos to guide you, you can design your own website with a template!
Plus, if you need to update your website down the road, you’re already familiar with how Squarespace works and can easily make changes to it as your business grows.
3. If you want to have creative control over your website.
Your website, your rules. You have complete freedom to customize it however you like (within the confines of the template and platform). A template is a great option if you’re creative and can’t wait to get your hands on a template to tweak as you see fit.
When is investing in a custom website the right choice?
1. If you’re ready to level up your business.
A Squarespace template is a fabulous option for budding business owners in their first year or so. But if you’re beyond that and are serious about your business’s growth, a custom website is for you.
A template will get you an attractive website on a budget, but hiring an expert will turn it into the ultimate sales tool for your business.
2. If you don’t have the capacity to DIY.
Building a website takes time and energy. As a small business owner, we know you’re already wearing a lot of hats. You don’t have to add web designer to the list. You can avoid the headaches that might come with DIY-ing your site and outsource the job so you can focus on doing the things you actually like doing in your business.
Think about it from an opportunity-cost perspective. For example, if you charge $100 an hour for the service you provide, but it takes you 30 hours to build your website, is it worth the time and effort?
3. If you want a website tailored to your business and audience.
One drawback to using a template is that it isn’t bespoke to your business and your audience. An expert will create a strategic website that has custom-coded designs and features that may not be available on a Squarespace template. There won’t be anyone else out there with the same website as you.
Plus, when you DIY your website, you’re more likely to think about the colors and designs that you like, whereas an expert will think about what will attract your ideal customers and get them to convert.
Final Thoughts
The decision to invest in a custom website or use a Squarespace template comes down to where you are in your business and where you want to go.
Is a Squarespace template a better fit for you right now? Then you will definitely want to see our brand new templates dropping in a few short weeks! Want to be the first to know? Get on our list here.
With our Squarespace template, you’ll be able to:
Get a bespoke look on a small budget
Have complete control over the aesthetics of your website
Show up confidently online and position yourself as a high-value brand
Learn how to make updates and edit your website in the future
Our first template designs are for service-based businesses, and our library of tutorial videos will take you step-by-step through the design process to get you on your way to building a website you’re proud of that fits your budget.
Not totally sure which option is best for your business or curious about a hybrid-option? Schedule a Call, we’re here to help.
P.S. If you know you want to DIY your website, remember that it isn’t all about looks. Here’s some reading material about website strategy to make sure you build a site that converts:
More soon,
Mara
WEBSITE DESIGNER + COPYWRITER + SEO SPECIALIST
P.S.S.
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