Choosing A Template On Squarespace
Looking to build a Squarespace website?
That’s awesome! Squarespace is one of the easiest to use DIY website programs out there. The one thing that stops a lot of my clients though, is the first step: choosing a template. Please note: you’ll want to have your website planned out as much as possible before even selecting a template.
What is a template?
When it comes to websites, a template is a pattern that can be used to give you a jump start so that you’re not starting from scratch. Almost all CMS systems that I’ve come across have templates that can be used.
Some CMS systems offer free templates created by their own designers. Other website platforms allow you to upload your own or one you purchased. Overall, the goal is to cut down on the time it would take you to code your website.
What are the differences between Squarespace templates?
Squarespace still has some users who use their 7.0 website platform and those templates are still available to select even as a new user. Their 7.1 version gives sites a bit more flexibility when being built but recently rolled out so some developers are just waiting a bit longer before using it.
If you already have a Squarespace website and aren’t looking to fully rebrand, I don’t see why you’d want to switch from 7.0 to 7.1. If you’re either totally rebranding or are a new user, I’d go with the newer version to start fresh. I’m not saying that Squarespace 7.0 will be dumped soon (it’s still being updated and maintained) but if you’re starting fresh, why not go all in, right?
The main differences come with the admin area and that pages are now just pages with sections (not Indexes). You can also edit the pages a bit more easily between sections. Let’s say you’d like to move content up from one section to another - you can do that now.
When it comes to colors, I like how I can set up the client’s brand colors on the website and then tell each section the type of scheme it should go after. It makes life so much easier.
How to choose which Squarespace template is right for you?
1. Know the goals for your website and how it all fits into your marketing plan.
If your big focus is e-commerce, you’ll want to see all the e-commerce templates. If you’re looking to become a content creator, know what kind of content will be your primary. Not sure how to get this done? Check out my free website planning course.
2. Know what your competition is doing on their website and check out some others.
Understanding what else is being done by others is crucial for selecting the correct template because you can evaluate whether a layout seems to work for your goals. This doesn’t mean you’ll copy a competitor’s website though. It simply means you’ll be seeing if anything fits into your marketing and website plans.
Checking out other websites, even if they have nothing to do with your own subject, can help broaden your scope and stand out among your competitors. One easy way to keep track of cool website layouts is Pinterest. You can create a board just for your website and add layouts or features you really like.
3. Pick your website template because it gets you to your end result the fastest.
Look for a template that will get you at least 90% to your goal. So that means that if you know for sure that you want the sections to be laid out in a specific way, you’ll look for that in the template. This can also go back to planning your website prior to selecting a template. What pages did you write down as must-haves or features you loved? Keep these in mind when sifting through the templates that Squarespace offers.
Again, you want to be able to just jump in, upload your images, select your brand colors and publish the website.
Did I choose the wrong Squarespace template?
7.1 Version
Don’t worry if you feel like you picked the wrong 7.1 Squarespace website template! For the most part, your site can be converted to look completely different - without too much hassle. I imagine this is why Squarespace launched 7.1.
7.0 Version
This one might be a bit tougher. The Squarespace templates for 7.0 are in family units and some have better capabilities than others. It’s also not as simple as reorganizing. When you select another template to use, it could mess with your website layout and you’d have to rearrange a lot.
Squarespace templates and finally getting started.
No matter which template you choose, just get started! Check out the Squarespace mock websites to help decide. Then, take advantage of the free trial that Squarespace has and test out a couple of templates you like. Keep in mind that it’s easier to manipulate the 7.1 templates instead of 7.0 and you should be good to go!
Have more in-depth questions about designing your own website? Contact us!
