Squarespace Templates vs. Custom Web Design - Which is better?
Should You Buy a Squarespace Template or Invest in Custom Website Design?
You've made the decision to build your website on Squarespace—great choice! You're now on your way to a sleek and user-friendly online presence for your business. But now comes another big decision: Should you buy a Squarespace template or invest in custom web design?
Which Choice is Better for My Brand?
At Luminosa Creative, we specialize in custom web design and are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Squarespace Template shop.
We believe both options have their place and purpose, and our goal is helping you choose the best solution for your current business stage. Let’s break it down.
Why Squarespace is Perfect for Small Business Owners
Before diving into templates versus custom design, let’s discuss why Squarespace is an excellent platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Ease of Use: With its drag-and-drop functionality, creating a Squarespace website is straightforward and easy—even for beginners. You can add features like blogs, e-commerce stores, or online courses with just a few clicks. Having the ability to update your site is a huge advantage for small business owners. Continuously hiring a designer for every update can quickly become expensive and time consuming.
All-In-One Platform: Squarespace offers everything you need in one place—whether you want to add a blog, a store, or send out email campaigns. There’s no need to juggle multiple platforms or third-party tools. Squarespace comes with everything you need to build your website, all seamlessly integrated and ready to use!
Security: Squarespace is a closed-source platform, which means its developers handle all updates, security patches, and hosting for you. This also includes a free SSL certificate, so you and your visitors can feel secure.
Customer Support: If you ever get stuck, Squarespace’s free customer support and comprehensive tutorial library are there to guide you.
Squarespace Templates
Squarespace Templates are pre-made designs offered by third-party providers (like us!) to help you build your website. These templates come with editable graphics and tutorials to guide you through the setup process.
Not sure where to begin shopping for a template? Check out this post on Premium Squarespace Templates for Female Entrepreneurs.
Pros of Using a Squarespace Template:
Affordability: Templates are much cheaper than custom designs, typically ranging from $95 to $450.
Control: You learn how to manage and update your site, giving you complete control.
Customization: While not fully custom, you can still make significant edits to match your brand.
Speed: You can get your site up and running quickly without waiting on a designer.
Cons of Using a Template:
Not 100% Unique: Since templates are pre-designed, you may not get every feature or style you want. Some limitations may exist.
Less 1:1 Support: You won’t have a designer guiding you, so you’ll need to troubleshoot and learn how to customize the template yourself using Squarespace’s tutorials.
When to Use a Template:
A template is an excellent choice if you're in the early stages of your business and looking to save money. Your business will likely evolve within the first year, and having a template allows you to make updates as needed without a significant investment. Templates are also ideal if you want to learn how to manage your website on your own.
Custom Website Design
A custom website design is where you hire a professional to create a website tailored specifically to your business. This is a more significant investment but offers many advantages.
Check our out post on 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Squarespace Web Designer.
Pros of a Custom Design:
Uniqueness: A custom design is entirely unique to your business. No one else will have the same website as you.
Professional Support: You’ll work directly with a designer who can implement features or custom coding that may not be possible with a template.
No Limits: Unlike a template, there are no design limitations. Your website can have all the bells and whistles you need.
Cons of a Custom Design:
Cost: Custom designs range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on complexity.
Time: Custom websites take longer to complete, and any future changes may require rehiring the designer.
When to Invest in a Custom Design:
We recommend waiting until you have a clear vision of your brand and website needs. Custom designs are ideal once you’ve outgrown a template and need a site that reflects the growth of your business.
Squarespace Templates vs. Custom Design
In the early stages of your business, a Squarespace template offers flexibility, affordability, and control. As your business grows and you gain more clarity on your needs, a custom design may become the better option. Custom websites are a significant investment, but if you're ready to scale and need a tailored solution that perfectly represents your vision and brand, a custom website is a great choice.
At the end of the day, whether you opt for a template or hire a Squarespace designer for custom web design depends on your current business stage, budget, and long-term goals. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, reach out to us to discuss your needs. Either way, Squarespace is a great platform to grow with, no matter which path you choose!
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Your designer
I'm Sharon Calle, a Squarespace website designer and founder of Luminosa Creative. I work with inspired women entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them grow profitable and sustainable brands. To work with me get in touch here.