If you’re planning to build a Squarespace website, the process may seem slightly daunting. I have seen many people face problems even when creating a basic website; truthfully, I cannot blame them. 

Squarespace is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Squarespace is the right option for building a personal website or an eCommerce one. But, you must know how to create an effective Squarespace website. 

While it’s beginner-friendly, the features may catch you off guard. As the available options are quite extensive, I was confused at first. But fear not; I’m here to help you. 

I will show you how to build a Squarespace website. I will discuss each step meticulously to ensure you don’t face any problems. By the end of this article, you can create a beautiful Squarespace website.

Building a Squarespace website

What is the purpose of the Squarespace site? Thanks to Squarespace, a website builder, anyone can build a website without knowing any code. With just a few hours of work, you can have everything from a simple website to more complex versions, such as an online store. 

how to build a Squarespace website

Consider the website for Keanu Reeves' company, created using Squarespace. Its gorgeous design makes it stand out. For whom is Squarespace intended? Squarespace makes it simple even if you've never built a website before. 

Squarespace logo 1

Squarespace

  • Create a website easily
  • 100+ templates
  • Built-in marketing tools
  • Third-party integrations

Squarespace is a solution for designers, online retailers, and small business owners who need to quickly develop a visually attractive website without blowing their entire budget on a designer because it offers a wide selection of website templates that rely on high-resolution photographs.

1. Visit the official website

The first thing you need to do is visit the official Squarespace website. The website is also super easy to understand. You need to go to the Get Started option. From there, you will be able to create your account. 

And the account creation is also easy. You can log in with your Gmail account. However, ensure you provide relevant login credentials, or you may lose your account.  

2. Choose a template

Any template will do. All templates are categorized by type and niche and are part of the membership price. You can start by perusing prevailing designs; you can't go wrong there, as there was typically a rationale behind their rise to popularity. 

You should stick to the Online store category if you're constructing an online store because it has all the functionality you need right out of the box and is optimized for online retailers.

Templates

You can preview a template before selecting one for your website to make sure it meets your needs. Hover your cursor over the template to view the preview link and take a look. You won't be able to change the template later, so preview a few. 

You may, for instance, look at the mood board of your favorite websites and choose one whose aesthetic appeals to you. Choose a template because it fits your specialty, but don't stop there. 

If you sell gowns and set the standard for fashion, your rivals will likely follow suit. Choose the style rather than the niche because you can add the pages you need later with a few clicks, but personalizing them can take longer. 

Click Start with Design to add the template to your website after discovering one you like. Squarespace will now prompt you to log in or create an account. 

Make an account on Facebook, Apple, or email campaigns. Squarespace offers a 14-day trial period and free account creation, so you have plenty of time to determine if it's the perfect platform.

3. Build your website

Squarespace blueprint will assist you every step of the way. You can add the website name now or return to this step later. Additionally, you have the option to view or ignore the tip-display screens. 

After that, Squarespace will walk you through handling modifications, such as adding new pages or altering the layout. I bet you will love the simplicity of building a website with Squarespace. 

Build Website

However, there’s something else you must know. Building your website on Squarespace will take some time. Yes, the dashboard is friendly, but that’s the end of it. 

You will need to implement various changes and customize your site according to your needs. Such a process is time consuming and requires creativity. 

4. Understand the dashboard

The Preview area occupies the majority of your screen. It opens on the homepage of your website. Similar to how one navigates via a website, you can access additional pages. 

To edit the preview and change the text blocks, photos, and material, click the Edit button located in the top-left corner. Website-wide modifications are handled via the menu on the left, where you may modify the layout, add or remove pages, and access other tools like analytics and online store or blog post management.

Dashboard

Remember that there is no autosave, so to save your changes when you're finished, just hover your cursor over the Done button. There isn't even a button to undo anything. Although you cannot reverse a particular modification, you can delete changes by hovering over the Done button. 

However, you can use the conventional CTRL+Z combination to undo text editing. Thus, it could be a good idea to save the edits periodically.

5. Edit the header

You can alter the navigation's components and add a logo and name to your website. Edit the website's header to add your logo. 

Header

Every other page of your website will display the header differently if you change it. The logo will replace the site title. You can utilize a different Squarespace logo creator if you lack a logo. 

It provides usable icons and rudimentary editing. You can add items to your header, such as social media, by turning the toggles on and off in the items tab. You can add the links you require and remove any links that aren't relevant.

You won't have to worry about updating your footer with the social network links when you make changes to the top.

6. Complete the basic customization

This is one of the most attractive things about Squarespace you must know. Anyone who has ever had to sift through an unending font selection to determine which ones look best and then locate two that would look well together will find that editing fonts on Squarespace is a joy. 

Squarespace provides font packs with pre-selected fonts for headers and main text, which may be used to establish a professional or fragile web design for your website.

You will see your bundle in a preview section after selecting it. The font's basic size, or the text's size in paragraphs, can be changed. The editor will also scale other text elements. Color editing is comparable. 

You receive modifiable color palettes that are already chosen for the template, saving you from having to face a color wheel to select your colors. Ensure that every component of your website blends seamlessly by selecting any color schemes designed by experts in the field.

Utilizing an image, create a palette. All you have to do is upload the image to the editor, and it will pull the colors to make a site that matches. Alternatively, you could make a bespoke palette if you're feeling particularly adventurous. 

Establish a palette of colors to create a distinctive setting. If your brand already has a color scheme, prepare your color codes in your notes. In this manner, paste the button into the editor to alter its color. Text and graphics can be disregarded at this time because they can be altered later.

7. Focus on the page elements

You may customize each aspect differently; just hover over it to find out what you can do. For instance, you may alter or add content when you hover over the heading. 

Click the “+” button in the spot where you want more content to appear to add it. There will be these “plus” buttons both before and after each content section. 

Page element

After pressing the button, a menu with an element selection form from Squarespace's extensive library will appear. After you select the desired element and click on it, Squarespace will import it with placeholder text.

Clicking Edit will bring up an options panel where you may adjust the format, add a backdrop picture or video, and select the colors from the palette. These choice panels are not limited to sections; they can also be included on individual page elements. 

For instance, an options panel will appear when you click an image. From there, you may even change the image in the editor by changing its brightness, cropping it, applying filters, and other settings. Simply click on any text on the page to begin altering it. 

A basic text editing bar will show up to change the text settings. The edits are automatically saved, so there's no need to search for a Save button.

Text editing is simple with Squarespace. Nevertheless, all of the texts on your website are meant to persuade readers to use your offerings or purchase your goods. 

To get that consistent crunchy feel, you might wish to prepare your copy ahead of time and replace the text placeholders. You can instantly remove any element. Move your cursor over the piece you no longer require and select the trashcan icon.

8. Checking mobile responsiveness

Since 60% of searches are done on mobile devices, it is crucial to check how your design appears where users are more likely to visit your website. 

Mobile responsiveness

Squarespace will adjust your layout to appear its best on smartphones because its templates are optimized for desktop and mobile devices. Click the phone icon in the Squarespace editor's upper-right corner to get the preview. 

You'll notice that the columns are arranged to maximize performance rather than just packing the content into a little space. Your components, including appointments and paperwork, will work as intended.

9. Creating more pages

Simply skip this step if you want to construct a one-page website. It's likely that you will like to add some subpages, such as the Testimonials or About pages. Click the ‘+' button on the Pages dashboard to add a new page. 

You can select a page that is a collection of content items, a blank page, or a page layout. Simply select the layout you want to use, and it will be imported into your canvas for editing in the same way as other elements. 

Create more pages

Choose Blank Page to start from scratch when creating a design if the page you want isn't on the list. This route, meanwhile, may require more time.

Selecting a collection can greatly simplify creating a particular kind of website. For instance, if you decide to add a blog, your website will have several sample articles shown; all you have to do is modify the text. 

A product management-friendly catalog template will be added to the online store collection. You can add new products and edit existing ones from the main dashboard. Exchange → Stock. 

Select Appointments from the layout options, for instance, if you wish to include a Booking page on your website. It will include a page where clients can schedule a session with you.

However, you can move this page to the Not Linked area if you'd rather they use a button to make the appointments. It won't show up in the navigation menu in this manner. Edit the header and select the desired page from the list to link this page to the Book Now button. 

The page you just established has a backdrop image you can change. After making edits to the element, select Replace and upload or select a picture from the library. Make sure the image is SEO-optimized when you add it. It must have a correct name so that Google knows what is inside.

How to Build a Squarespace Website: Pros and cons

Now that you know how to build a Squarespace website, you need to know the pros and cons. I’ve highlighted various Squarespace features that will work as allies. However, Squarespace has a few disadvantages. 

Pros

  • 100+ beautiful templates
  • Everything is available in one place
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Various blogging tools
  • Unlimited storage and eCommerce tools
  • Build-in marketing tools

Cons

  • Less customization and domain flexibility

As you can see, Squarespace has come into conflict. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a less effective website builder. Test its features and determine if it's suitable for your business.

Squarespace pricing

Let’s take a look at Squarespace's pricing structure. 

Squarespace pricing structure

1. Personal: $16/month

2. Business: $23/month

3. Commerce Basic: $28/month

4. Commerce Advanced: $52/month

Squarespace is one of the most cost-effective website builders in the market. Even with a limited budget, you can still choose a premium plan without worry. On top of that, the free trial will help you test the features and create a great landing page. 

However, there won't be any custom domain name and pre-built marketing tools. 

Ready to build a Squarespace website?

Squarespace website builder will undoubtedly help you build a functional website from scratch. From its features to its affordable pricing structure, you will like everything. 

However, sometimes Squarespace may not be the ideal solution for you, especially due to limited customization. In such cases, you can use different Squarespace alternatives. These alternatives have everything you need like SEO, live chat support, website building, and drag-and-drop editor.

I hope you found my blog information. Do you know how to build a Squarespace website without any tutorial? What steps do you follow? Let me know in the comments below.