5 Reasons Why I Use Squarespace
[UPDATED: APR 2020]
When it comes to designing websites, there are now lots of options to choose from when deciding which platform is best to use. Personally, I have been a big fan of Squarespace since I discovered it nearly 8 years ago, and use this platform to build websites for all of my clients.
Here are my top 5 reasons for using Squarespace:
1. Lots of Great Features
Not only do Squarespace websites look great, they look great on every device as each design is mobile-responsive. You also have unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing you to showcase videos, create more content via blog posts, and sell products, services and digital downloads online.
There are so many integrated features that are available:
let customers make an online reservation at your restaurant using OpenTable
feature your music, podcasts, videos and blogs with SoundCloud, YouTube & more!
link your mailing list / CRM for newsletters and promotions
integrate Stripe and PayPal for your online store
If you're interested in learning more, you can find a comprehensive list of them here
2. Intuitive & Easy To Use
Once a design project has been completed, a quick demo shows my clients how they can then manage and edit their site themselves, like updating text, images and creating blog posts. Many have commented how much easier it is than WordPress!
Squarespace operates on a 'drag and drop' system, so any minor edits can be done quickly and easily, and without affecting the rest of the website. Squarespace is really user friendly and any changes made can be viewed on screen as you are doing them.
If time is a factor, I am always available to carry out the work for clients based on an hourly rate - you only ever pay for what you need.
3. Simple Pricing
Squarespace offer a really flexible approach when it comes to hosting plans for websites. From small personal websites, to large scale online stores with label printing and integrated Xero accounting, there is an option for everyone.
The best bit is that you can upgrade or downgrade at any time, with a pro-rated charge or refund, and discounts for an annual payment. This gives my clients options as their business and online needs change over time. As a Circle Member, my clients also get an initial 20% off their hosting fee for the first year if they are new to Squarespace - conditions do apply, so please do get in touch to discuss beforehand.
4. Peace Of Mind
With WordPress you have themes and plugins that need to be updated on a regular basis in order to make sure your website is working properly. As it is an open-source platform, developers contribute to different plugins and themes. Over time some of these will require patches, or need to be replaced in order to maintain your site’s security and user experience.
You will also need to purchase a SSL certificate (it may come free with your WordPress hosting) to give your online visitors peace of mind when browsing / shopping.
As Squarespace is a closed source platform, all of the templates and integrated services are automatically updated, and the SSL certificate is included in the hosting plan - one less thing to worry about!
5. SEO (and Google!) Friendly
Squarespace is incredible SEO friendly, as it allows you to optimise your website or blog for search engine results. With the added features of sharing your content via social media channels (which can encourage more visitors to your website), and in-built analytics, you can track where your traffic is coming from, what your popular content is on a daily / weekly / monthly basis, and even install Google Analytics for a more in-dept view to help optimise your website.
If you are interested in getting a Squarespace website, but not sure where to start, get in touch to discuss your options - every small business deserves a great looking site, and it may be more affordable than you thought!