Aaron Rolston
January 29, 2024
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Templates
Premium Squarespace Templates Buyer’s Guide
With thousands of Squarespace templates available, how do you choose what's best for your brand? Learn about the five most important elements of any premium template, and how to confidently spot the differences that matter.
Premium Squarespace Templates Buyer’s Guide
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The Five Areas to Consider
The Five Areas to Consider
Design and Customization — Choosing a Squarespace template requires considering both its aesthetic appeal and the ability to customize features to meet specific website needs.
Template Licensing — Licensing choices in Squarespace templates range from Single to Unlimited, affecting how a design can be applied across different projects.
Features and Functionality — The selection of a Squarespace template should prioritize not only aesthetic appeal but also a suite of features and functionalities to boost website performance.
Product Delivery — Immediate delivery of Squarespace templates via automation can be incredibly helpful for a quick and hassle-free website setup.
Ongoing Support — Post-purchase support for Squarespace templates, including troubleshooting and maintenance assistance, is a key factor in their long-term usability.
Design and Customization — Choosing a Squarespace template requires considering both its aesthetic appeal and the ability to customize features to meet specific website needs.
Template Licensing — Licensing choices in Squarespace templates range from Single to Unlimited, affecting how a design can be applied across different projects.
Features and Functionality — The selection of a Squarespace template should prioritize not only aesthetic appeal but also a suite of features and functionalities to boost website performance.
Product Delivery — Immediate delivery of Squarespace templates via automation can be incredibly helpful for a quick and hassle-free website setup.
Ongoing Support — Post-purchase support for Squarespace templates, including troubleshooting and maintenance assistance, is a key factor in their long-term usability.
What exactly does "template" mean?
Most people understand that a template is a tool that helps you make a website faster, and is usually cheaper than a custom site. But when it comes to Squarespace templates, there can be a lot of confusion around the different versions of the platform, what each version can do, and how to shop for them in an unregulated marketplace. So, let's get clear on what we're talking about first.
Squarespace 7.0 Templates
Squarespace 7.0 defined "templates" in the way that most people think of them: A fixed set of features, functionality, and design that you can simply apply to any website. Not a fan of how your site's navigation looks? You'd have to pick an entirely new template, since the design is locked in. The most used template by web designers and small businesses alike was Brine, a highly customizable design that offered more flexibility than most templates.
Squarespace 7.1 Templates
With the evolution to Squarespace 7.1, the platform has further streamlined the website creation experience. Unlike its predecessor, Squarespace 7.1 "templates" are freeform and not limited by a specific mixture of design or functionality. When you create a demo site in Squarespace, you can change and modify your design however you want, regardless of how you started. 7.1 Classic Editor premiered in early 2020, which changed everything about how Squarespace users interact with their sites. Then in 2023, they released 7.1 Fluid Engine which transformed the drag-and-drop landscape once again.
Both versions are (confusingly) considered version 7.1, but have completely different capabilities and options — before buying a template, make sure to check which version you're getting.
Premium Squarespace Templates
Now, on to 3rd party Squarespace 7.1 templates like the ones sold at Studio Mesa, and the focus of this guide. Premium Squarespace website templates are pre-built, ready to launch websites that help you elevate your design, level up client projects, and save tons of time. These are standalone sites, which means they cannot be applied to an existing website — but, all you have to do is add your content and launch! That's the simplicity of a premium template.
When you choose a premium Squarespace template, you invest in custom design that can elevate your online presence, far beyond what most users can DIY themselves. You get the work of an expert web designer in a more affordable package.
Most people understand that a template is a tool that helps you make a website faster, and is usually cheaper than a custom site. But when it comes to Squarespace templates, there can be a lot of confusion around the different versions of the platform, what each version can do, and how to shop for them in an unregulated marketplace. So, let's get clear on what we're talking about first.
Squarespace 7.0 Templates
Squarespace 7.0 defined "templates" in the way that most people think of them: A fixed set of features, functionality, and design that you can simply apply to any website. Not a fan of how your site's navigation looks? You'd have to pick an entirely new template, since the design is locked in. The most used template by web designers and small businesses alike was Brine, a highly customizable design that offered more flexibility than most templates.
Squarespace 7.1 Templates
With the evolution to Squarespace 7.1, the platform has further streamlined the website creation experience. Unlike its predecessor, Squarespace 7.1 "templates" are freeform and not limited by a specific mixture of design or functionality. When you create a demo site in Squarespace, you can change and modify your design however you want, regardless of how you started. 7.1 Classic Editor premiered in early 2020, which changed everything about how Squarespace users interact with their sites. Then in 2023, they released 7.1 Fluid Engine which transformed the drag-and-drop landscape once again.
Both versions are (confusingly) considered version 7.1, but have completely different capabilities and options — before buying a template, make sure to check which version you're getting.
Premium Squarespace Templates
Now, on to 3rd party Squarespace 7.1 templates like the ones sold at Studio Mesa, and the focus of this guide. Premium Squarespace website templates are pre-built, ready to launch websites that help you elevate your design, level up client projects, and save tons of time. These are standalone sites, which means they cannot be applied to an existing website — but, all you have to do is add your content and launch! That's the simplicity of a premium template.
When you choose a premium Squarespace template, you invest in custom design that can elevate your online presence, far beyond what most users can DIY themselves. You get the work of an expert web designer in a more affordable package.
Design and Customization
The way a website makes visitors feel can influence their experience like nothing else, and that starts with the design. When searching for the perfect premium Squarespace template, the design must echo the goals and branding of your website. It's the combination of fonts, colors, layouts, and images that conveys your brand's identity to visitors.
Identifying Your Website's Purpose
The core of your website's design hinges on its purpose: What marketing purpose does your site serve? Whether you are building an online store, portfolio, or blog, the design should mirror it. E-commerce sites should emphasize product images and easy navigation, while portfolios might focus on gallery layouts and minimalist design elements to let the work shine. For each purpose, there's a template designed to facilitate the demands of your content.
Choosing the Right Design
If you want a professional website without the hassle of hiring a web designer, then finding the right template is critical. Seek templates that exhibit design that's aligned with your stylistic preferences and industry, while staying true to your brand. For instance, interior designers might benefit from a minimalist template like Abode, which is pre-built for that specific demographic and features standard pages that help you launch faster.
Versatile vs Specific
Creative entrepreneurs who build sites for clients would benefit most from templates that can be easily modified for a variety of use cases. If the template comes with an Unlimited License (see more below), then a design that's flexible is paramount, as it can be used with multiple sites — whereas if you're running a small business and just need a Squarespace template to upgrade your brand's site, then the closer to your brand's look and feel, the better. While a Squarespace website can be modified and customized in many ways, it's often best to find a template design that closely mirrors your brand to save the most time and effort.
Template Customization
Squarespace website templates come in all shapes and sizes, but the majority of features are limited to what's standard with the platform — the big difference comes with customization. Your dream website deserves to stand out! Advanced design changes will vary depending on the custom code savviness of the maker, but overall, shops that make more custom-feeling designs command a higher price point. More customization doesn't always mean "better", but it's worth considering the cost and benefits of more custom Squarespace templates. The best squarespace templates allow you to create a beautiful website without being stuck with the default design.
The way a website makes visitors feel can influence their experience like nothing else, and that starts with the design. When searching for the perfect premium Squarespace template, the design must echo the goals and branding of your website. It's the combination of fonts, colors, layouts, and images that conveys your brand's identity to visitors.
Identifying Your Website's Purpose
The core of your website's design hinges on its purpose: What marketing purpose does your site serve? Whether you are building an online store, portfolio, or blog, the design should mirror it. E-commerce sites should emphasize product images and easy navigation, while portfolios might focus on gallery layouts and minimalist design elements to let the work shine. For each purpose, there's a template designed to facilitate the demands of your content.
Choosing the Right Design
If you want a professional website without the hassle of hiring a web designer, then finding the right template is critical. Seek templates that exhibit design that's aligned with your stylistic preferences and industry, while staying true to your brand. For instance, interior designers might benefit from a minimalist template like Abode, which is pre-built for that specific demographic and features standard pages that help you launch faster.
Versatile vs Specific
Creative entrepreneurs who build sites for clients would benefit most from templates that can be easily modified for a variety of use cases. If the template comes with an Unlimited License (see more below), then a design that's flexible is paramount, as it can be used with multiple sites — whereas if you're running a small business and just need a Squarespace template to upgrade your brand's site, then the closer to your brand's look and feel, the better. While a Squarespace website can be modified and customized in many ways, it's often best to find a template design that closely mirrors your brand to save the most time and effort.
Template Customization
Squarespace website templates come in all shapes and sizes, but the majority of features are limited to what's standard with the platform — the big difference comes with customization. Your dream website deserves to stand out! Advanced design changes will vary depending on the custom code savviness of the maker, but overall, shops that make more custom-feeling designs command a higher price point. More customization doesn't always mean "better", but it's worth considering the cost and benefits of more custom Squarespace templates. The best squarespace templates allow you to create a beautiful website without being stuck with the default design.
Template Licensing
When choosing a premium Squarespace template, it’s important to understand the license options and what they mean for your use case. Single-Use Licenses are most common in the website templates space, as businesses prefer to have customers return to buy more templates — superseding the more effective, better-for-users approach to implement an Unlimited License. Nonetheless, let's explore the differences.
Unlimited vs Single-Use
An unlimited-use license allows you to use the template across multiple websites, which is ideal if you're a designer or a creative studio working on various projects. If your day-to-day work involves creating sites for multiple clients, such an option offers massive flexibility and long-term value. On the other hand, a single-use license or one-time use is restrictive but cost-effective if you're only building a single website. Most template shops go for the single-use approach, as this kind of licensing system has been the norm for online goods for years — but is it the best for template customers?
Best for Web Designers
Having an unlimited-use license lets you bring consistent quality and aesthetics to your projects. The ability to apply the template across various clients' websites can streamline your workflow and provide a cost-efficient solution for your business. Always check the licensing terms to ensure it aligns with your intended use and commercial provisions. Studio Mesa includes an Unlimited License with every template purchase, empowering designers to serve clients more effectively through a powerful library of Squarespace templates. For example: If you routinely build sites for churches, Cove might be worth exploring — or if you constantly work with wedding professionals, Marigold could be a game-changer.
The Issue with the "Business License"
Since there's really no official infrastructure for Squarespace templates, most shops have to rely on the goodwill of customers to ensure there's no abuse of the product. The most obvious case is the "Business License": If a shop charges more for "use of the template on up to 5 sites" (or some other arbitrary limitation), how could they possibly enforce that? Personally, I find it simpler and more compelling to do the Unlimited License so there's no guilt or weird pressure to use your purchase in a specific way. All of this to say, be aware of the limits of the template license you're purchasing.
When choosing a premium Squarespace template, it’s important to understand the license options and what they mean for your use case. Single-Use Licenses are most common in the website templates space, as businesses prefer to have customers return to buy more templates — superseding the more effective, better-for-users approach to implement an Unlimited License. Nonetheless, let's explore the differences.
Unlimited vs Single-Use
An unlimited-use license allows you to use the template across multiple websites, which is ideal if you're a designer or a creative studio working on various projects. If your day-to-day work involves creating sites for multiple clients, such an option offers massive flexibility and long-term value. On the other hand, a single-use license or one-time use is restrictive but cost-effective if you're only building a single website. Most template shops go for the single-use approach, as this kind of licensing system has been the norm for online goods for years — but is it the best for template customers?
Best for Web Designers
Having an unlimited-use license lets you bring consistent quality and aesthetics to your projects. The ability to apply the template across various clients' websites can streamline your workflow and provide a cost-efficient solution for your business. Always check the licensing terms to ensure it aligns with your intended use and commercial provisions. Studio Mesa includes an Unlimited License with every template purchase, empowering designers to serve clients more effectively through a powerful library of Squarespace templates. For example: If you routinely build sites for churches, Cove might be worth exploring — or if you constantly work with wedding professionals, Marigold could be a game-changer.
The Issue with the "Business License"
Since there's really no official infrastructure for Squarespace templates, most shops have to rely on the goodwill of customers to ensure there's no abuse of the product. The most obvious case is the "Business License": If a shop charges more for "use of the template on up to 5 sites" (or some other arbitrary limitation), how could they possibly enforce that? Personally, I find it simpler and more compelling to do the Unlimited License so there's no guilt or weird pressure to use your purchase in a specific way. All of this to say, be aware of the limits of the template license you're purchasing.
Features and Functionality
Choosing a premium Squarespace template involves more than just aesthetics; the functionality of the template must align with your website goals, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your visitors.
Industry-Specific Needs
Identifying the right features in a Squarespace template ensures your website functions effectively for your needs. It's helpful to identify which Squarespace templates are designed specifically for which niche or demographic. If you're a small business, buying a photography template with custom galleries or portfolio carousels likely won't be very helpful — but course creators might consider other templates such as Learnable, which has a wide range of helpful features suited for the niche, like sales pages, team sections, Squarespace scheduling integration, and an archive of resources.
SEO Best Practices
Savvy digital marketers know that your website is your best marketing tool. To convert visitors, your website needs to be search engine optimized. While a template can't do the hard work of content creating or niche keyword targeting, a great template can provide a helpful content framework for ample, rank-able copy. Service based businesses that need to convert visitors should take note of templates that have plenty of room for copy rather than just images, as this provides more SEO opportunities.
Modern templates are typically crafted with SEO best practices in mind. Features like fast load times, mobile optimization, and content-focused design are crucial for search engine visibility. Your chosen Squarespace template should incorporate SEO-friendly elements to help maximize your site's reach and online presence.
Site Responsiveness
In 2024, the necessity of a mobile-responsive website is undeniable. Your Squarespace template must automatically adjust to fit desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, providing a consistent experience across all devices. This means that menus, buttons, and sidebars should be tactile and easily accessible, regardless of customization, assuring that functionality isn't sacrificed on any screen size. The Squarespace platform naturally does a beautiful job of keeping your site responsive, but it's always worth double-checking that your new site functions properly by opening it on a real phone or laptop before launching. A bit of usability testing can go a long way in deciding which templates are worth investing in.
Additional Creative Assets
Some template shops go above and beyond with the assets that come with a template site, or even custom Squarespace templates. For example, if a template uses a specific illustrative background in a section on the site, they may include a separate template for Figma or Canva that allows you to recreate that design in a different color or layout. These additional assets are by no means standard — most Squarespace templates start and end with the single site design. But, keep an eye out for shops that offer things like:
• Social media templates
• Template graphics
• Video courses
• Sales page templates
• Template installation
Choosing a premium Squarespace template involves more than just aesthetics; the functionality of the template must align with your website goals, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your visitors.
Industry-Specific Needs
Identifying the right features in a Squarespace template ensures your website functions effectively for your needs. It's helpful to identify which Squarespace templates are designed specifically for which niche or demographic. If you're a small business, buying a photography template with custom galleries or portfolio carousels likely won't be very helpful — but course creators might consider other templates such as Learnable, which has a wide range of helpful features suited for the niche, like sales pages, team sections, Squarespace scheduling integration, and an archive of resources.
SEO Best Practices
Savvy digital marketers know that your website is your best marketing tool. To convert visitors, your website needs to be search engine optimized. While a template can't do the hard work of content creating or niche keyword targeting, a great template can provide a helpful content framework for ample, rank-able copy. Service based businesses that need to convert visitors should take note of templates that have plenty of room for copy rather than just images, as this provides more SEO opportunities.
Modern templates are typically crafted with SEO best practices in mind. Features like fast load times, mobile optimization, and content-focused design are crucial for search engine visibility. Your chosen Squarespace template should incorporate SEO-friendly elements to help maximize your site's reach and online presence.
Site Responsiveness
In 2024, the necessity of a mobile-responsive website is undeniable. Your Squarespace template must automatically adjust to fit desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones, providing a consistent experience across all devices. This means that menus, buttons, and sidebars should be tactile and easily accessible, regardless of customization, assuring that functionality isn't sacrificed on any screen size. The Squarespace platform naturally does a beautiful job of keeping your site responsive, but it's always worth double-checking that your new site functions properly by opening it on a real phone or laptop before launching. A bit of usability testing can go a long way in deciding which templates are worth investing in.
Additional Creative Assets
Some template shops go above and beyond with the assets that come with a template site, or even custom Squarespace templates. For example, if a template uses a specific illustrative background in a section on the site, they may include a separate template for Figma or Canva that allows you to recreate that design in a different color or layout. These additional assets are by no means standard — most Squarespace templates start and end with the single site design. But, keep an eye out for shops that offer things like:
• Social media templates
• Template graphics
• Video courses
• Sales page templates
• Template installation
Product Delivery
In the age of same-day Amazon delivery and instant downloads, it would be reasonable to expect templates to be delivered to your Squarespace account just as quickly... right? Unfortunately not. Due to the overall lack of official template infrastructure, Squarespace template shops are left to fend for themselves, including how to deliver templates in an environment that doesn't automatically do it after purchase. It's not an impossible task, but let's explore the current situation and what you can expect.
"Delivered in 24-48 hours"
As mentioned at the start, Squarespace templates are not themes or "install-able" designs that can be easily applied to existing sites. So the only viable delivery option is to duplicate a template after every purchase, find a way to share an invitation to that site with the customer, and manually transfer the website ownership.
The most common delivery process amongst template shops is to manually duplicate, manually invite, and manually transfer ownership. Because of this overwhelming need for manual input, most Squarespace templates for sale are delivered within 24-48 hours, as the shop owner has to fulfill orders as they come! Obviously, this isn't ideal... imagine ordering a pair of shoes from Nike and having to wait 2 weeks, as they hand-craft your shoes after your order was placed (instead of just having them in stock and ready to ship). So, this leads to the alternative...
Immediate Delivery via Automation
Automation tools like Zapier or Make allow template sellers to fully remove themselves from 2/3 of the template delivery steps (with a few preparation steps). This advancement allows customers to get their website template immediately after purchase — which is exactly what you'd expect from a digital purchase! Instant access can be a make-or-break for small business owners looking to get a great looking website up quickly, so this difference in delivery speed is definitely something to look out for when shopping.
Detailed Onboarding
A flawless implementation process makes for an excellent first impression. Immediate access after checkout should be standard for all premium Squarespace templates — but then what? How do you actually use the new website you just bought? After acquiring your new template, a detailed onboarding process can make all the difference. This may include step-by-step guides or documentation to assist in customizing and deploying your template efficiently. Many Squarespace template shops provide helpful video tutorials for getting started with your design.
Every premium template (regardless of speed) is delivered to your Squarespace account as a demo site, ready for you to customize, add content to, and purchase a Squarespace subscription to publish. Effective template documentation can drastically expedite the process of building with a template, making it even more time-saving to start with premium Squarespace templates instead of from scratch.
In the age of same-day Amazon delivery and instant downloads, it would be reasonable to expect templates to be delivered to your Squarespace account just as quickly... right? Unfortunately not. Due to the overall lack of official template infrastructure, Squarespace template shops are left to fend for themselves, including how to deliver templates in an environment that doesn't automatically do it after purchase. It's not an impossible task, but let's explore the current situation and what you can expect.
"Delivered in 24-48 hours"
As mentioned at the start, Squarespace templates are not themes or "install-able" designs that can be easily applied to existing sites. So the only viable delivery option is to duplicate a template after every purchase, find a way to share an invitation to that site with the customer, and manually transfer the website ownership.
The most common delivery process amongst template shops is to manually duplicate, manually invite, and manually transfer ownership. Because of this overwhelming need for manual input, most Squarespace templates for sale are delivered within 24-48 hours, as the shop owner has to fulfill orders as they come! Obviously, this isn't ideal... imagine ordering a pair of shoes from Nike and having to wait 2 weeks, as they hand-craft your shoes after your order was placed (instead of just having them in stock and ready to ship). So, this leads to the alternative...
Immediate Delivery via Automation
Automation tools like Zapier or Make allow template sellers to fully remove themselves from 2/3 of the template delivery steps (with a few preparation steps). This advancement allows customers to get their website template immediately after purchase — which is exactly what you'd expect from a digital purchase! Instant access can be a make-or-break for small business owners looking to get a great looking website up quickly, so this difference in delivery speed is definitely something to look out for when shopping.
Detailed Onboarding
A flawless implementation process makes for an excellent first impression. Immediate access after checkout should be standard for all premium Squarespace templates — but then what? How do you actually use the new website you just bought? After acquiring your new template, a detailed onboarding process can make all the difference. This may include step-by-step guides or documentation to assist in customizing and deploying your template efficiently. Many Squarespace template shops provide helpful video tutorials for getting started with your design.
Every premium template (regardless of speed) is delivered to your Squarespace account as a demo site, ready for you to customize, add content to, and purchase a Squarespace subscription to publish. Effective template documentation can drastically expedite the process of building with a template, making it even more time-saving to start with premium Squarespace templates instead of from scratch.
Ongoing Support
When choosing a premium Squarespace template, understanding the scope of support offered post-purchase is critical for a smooth experience. Many small business owners are all too familiar with the DIY nightmares associated with trying to create a website without help from a template or a web designer. Squarespace templates that include any form of complimentary ongoing support, whether limited or lifetime, are absolutely worth considering over those that don't. Here are the most common types of support you can expect.
Email Support
Email support allows you to get assistance directly from the template creator. Similar to any service based business, a template creator being available for questions can provide extra security in a Squarespace template purchase, knowing the shop has your back. For complex issues or detailed inquiries, having access to free email support ensures you can thoroughly explain your situation and receive tailored advice.
Chat Support
Alternatively, chat support provides instant interaction for troubleshooting or quick questions. This real-time communication can be essential when you need immediate guidance on template configuration, especially if you're working under time constraints. Squarespace template shops are often one-person businesses, so it's not particularly common to find one that has this feature since it requires on-demand availability.
DIY Videos
Video tutorials also provide a useful way to help navigate a Squarespace template when creating a new website. More complex parts of a template site such as a sales page or blog collection might need extra explaining for how to customize or best utilize, and some bonus videos can make this a breeze.
When choosing a premium Squarespace template, understanding the scope of support offered post-purchase is critical for a smooth experience. Many small business owners are all too familiar with the DIY nightmares associated with trying to create a website without help from a template or a web designer. Squarespace templates that include any form of complimentary ongoing support, whether limited or lifetime, are absolutely worth considering over those that don't. Here are the most common types of support you can expect.
Email Support
Email support allows you to get assistance directly from the template creator. Similar to any service based business, a template creator being available for questions can provide extra security in a Squarespace template purchase, knowing the shop has your back. For complex issues or detailed inquiries, having access to free email support ensures you can thoroughly explain your situation and receive tailored advice.
Chat Support
Alternatively, chat support provides instant interaction for troubleshooting or quick questions. This real-time communication can be essential when you need immediate guidance on template configuration, especially if you're working under time constraints. Squarespace template shops are often one-person businesses, so it's not particularly common to find one that has this feature since it requires on-demand availability.
DIY Videos
Video tutorials also provide a useful way to help navigate a Squarespace template when creating a new website. More complex parts of a template site such as a sales page or blog collection might need extra explaining for how to customize or best utilize, and some bonus videos can make this a breeze.
In Summary
Choosing a premium Squarespace template is a pivotal step in crafting your online identity. It's not just about picking a pretty layout; it's a strategic decision that merges aesthetics with practicality. The evolution of Squarespace, particularly with its 7.1 updates, offers a canvas of possibilities, blending design with functionality to match your unique vision. Whether you're a business owner, a web designer, or an individual with a story to tell, the right template is a key player in your digital journey. It should resonate with your brand, optimize for SEO and mobile use, and offer a seamless blend of features and support. A well-chosen template isn't just a backdrop for your content; it's a dynamic partner in your online adventure, setting the stage for your digital narrative to unfold in a compelling and effective way.
Choosing a premium Squarespace template is a pivotal step in crafting your online identity. It's not just about picking a pretty layout; it's a strategic decision that merges aesthetics with practicality. The evolution of Squarespace, particularly with its 7.1 updates, offers a canvas of possibilities, blending design with functionality to match your unique vision. Whether you're a business owner, a web designer, or an individual with a story to tell, the right template is a key player in your digital journey. It should resonate with your brand, optimize for SEO and mobile use, and offer a seamless blend of features and support. A well-chosen template isn't just a backdrop for your content; it's a dynamic partner in your online adventure, setting the stage for your digital narrative to unfold in a compelling and effective way.
