Let me guess... you want a website which you can easily make changes and modify all by yourself, am I right? Which is why you ended up looking at Squarespace websites!

But now you have two choices... buy a Squarespace Template and DIY yourself or hire a custom Designer?

If you've probably never made a website before, then you'll probably think it's either SUPER hard or super easy. Well, you're right - it's both.

Making the website part is surprisingly easy... but getting people TO your website, setting up functional features that convert, or creating an online presence and brand that actually resonates with your audience and represents you ... now that's hard!

In this blog post, I'll share with you what exactly Squarespace Templates are and how custom Squarespace Designers differ from other 'normal' web designers, so that you can make the best and most informed decision for you (and your business!)

If you're currently torn between a Squarespace Template or hiring a custom Squarespace Designer, then you're going to LOVE this blog post!

Read on to find that extra third option for those of you who just can't help but want the best of both worlds!

Pssst... WANT WEBSITE LEADS ON AUTOPILOT?

CONTENT

What are Squarespace Template Kits?
What is a Custom Squarespace Designer?
Pros and Cons of Squarespace Templates vs Custom Designer
How to choose between Squarespace Template and Designer?
Extra designer support for Squarespace Template users

1. What are Squarespace Template Kits?

Squarespace Template Kits are uniquely designed websites by Squarespace designers (like myself), which act as a base to help you build your own website.

Basically, they are entire websites created with a particular style or industry in mind, which you can then use as a model to recreate it for yourself and simply insert your own content (texts and images)

What comes with the template kit can vary, but normally there are always step by step tutorials to show you how to set your website up from scratch and also the necessary graphics for the template.

What to look for in a template:

Squarespace recently rolled out their 7.1 version but most templates are still in the 7.0 version, so just be aware before purchasing! I personally recommend templates in 7.1 version, since that's where Squarespace is putting their energy
extra support resources in addition to tutorials: eg. tips on copywriting, sourcing images, basic SEO, mobile responsiveness, and design guides.
source from a designer who also offers additional 1:1 services and support, so that if you need help with any of the tech stuff or customisation, they can help you better, since they know how their own templates work.

Average Price Range for high quality Squarespace Templates kit:
$200 - $500 USD

2. What is a Custom Squarespace Designer?

If you want a fully customised website, tailored to your business and a designer who will help you refine your brand and visually present it online - this is what you'd go for.

While a custom Squarespace Designer is really just a web designer who specialises in building Squarespace Websites - I'd like to add something I've noticed: most of the good Squarespace designers don't JUST design you a website, they also focus on the branding and SEO.

Because a pretty website ain't nothing if people can't find you (SEO!) or if people don't vibe with the style or your messaging (your branding).

Aaaand (I swear I'm not biased here... maybe just a little) but Squarespace designers offer much more in-depth support because it's much easier to show clients (even non-tech savvy ones) HOW to manage and run their own Squarespace website, without any coding.

I feel like the knowledge and skills that get passed down is so valuable, but of course, this really depends on the designer - not all Squarespace Designers offer the same services or amount of support.

If you're interested in the services and support that I offer, you can read more here: Aroha Visuals - Services

Price Range for high quality websites with SEO optimisation + branding:
$3000 - $7000+ USD

3. Pros and Cons of Squarespace Templates vs Custom Designer

PROS of Squarespace Templates

Much cheaper than custom website design
semi-DIY for those who love having creative control
the hard design work has already been done for you
you just need to insert your text and photos
gain valuable tech skills on how to build in Squarespace
really get to understand your website from the inside out
easy to make changes and add pages - w tutorial videos
quick and easy to install

CONS of Squarespace Templates

it is still semi-DIY because you do have to do it yourself
takes time and effort to insert content and make it 'yours'
not fully customised or tailored to your business - although you can do so
you still have to SEO optimise all your content yourself
hard to insert custom codes or integrations if you don't know how
this doesn't include branding or logo

.

PROS of hiring a Custom Squarespace Designer

you get a completely custom website designed that truly represents your business and brand
getting to work 1:1 with a designer and having that extra support
website stands out more with integrations and custom coded features
have your site optimised for SEO (make sure designer knows their SEO by asking these questions!)
get advice on brand strategy (not just logo, but everything that influences your brand and how to represent your core values visually)
most designers will teach you how to manage your website and make changes yourself
learn about what makes a great website from a professional designer

CONS of hiring a Custom Squarespace Designer

the good designers are an investment to say the least! Expect upwards of $3000 USD for Squarespace Designers who know their SEO and branding!
often a wait time - some designers are booked out months in advance.

4. How to choose between Squarespace Template and Designer?

Tough decision I know and honestly... both are perfect choices depending on your needs and where your business is currently at. So, here is my opinion:

The safest option: Hire a custom designer

you just cannot go wrong with a professional designer who knows what they're doing. Whether it's your first website ever or your redesign, this saves you so much headache, stress and most importantly time.
it's great for those who haven't even officially launched their websites yet, but know they want to do it right and with style
or if you've been doing it DIY for a while and just want some professional expertise for your rebrand

You should definitely buy a Squarespace Template if:

you're tight on money and just need something to get you going!
you LOVE the DIY aspect and having full creative control
you have the extra time to design and build it
and it's just for a passion project or hobby and you're not expecting a huge return on investment

You should definitely hire a custom Squarespace designer if:

you really value high quality work and professional expertise
have the financial means to do so
don't have the time or energy to DIY - coz you're busy running a business!
have a clear idea of your business model and brand identity
tech and design is not something you want to lose sleep over
ya just DON'T KNOW where to start and you need help with direction.

5. Extra designer support for Squarespace Template users

If you're STILL stuck in between the two, then let me enlighten you with a third option. A unique combination between a semi-DIY template and collaborating with an experienced designer.

Some Squarespace Template Kit Designers also offer additional support services such as:

migrating or inserting all of your content for you
further customising the template and brand design elements, specifically tailored to you
optimising your website for SEO and mobile responsiveness
adding in custom code, plug-ins and special features
installing or syncing up third party integrations like scheduling softwares or email marketing.

These services usually cost anywhere between $300 - $1500 USD extra (excl. template) and the turnaround time would range from a few days to 1 week.

Keeping in mind that a FULL custom website starts at around $2500 USD. So this still works out to be much more affordable - kinda like the best of both worlds, if you may.

Who is this for?

These additional support services are great for small businesses who want to spend less than $2000 USD on a new website that allows them both the creative freedom to self-DIY AND expert customisation from a professional web designer.

Hope you found this blog post helpful! Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to reach out if you're still undecided and need extra advice! Simply leave a comment/question below or message me here @arohavisuals.