Want to create a stunning Squarespace website? These days, everybody needs a website, whether you’re running a business, doing some side gigs, showing off your work, building up your resume, or even planning your big day!

There are a variety of website builders available, like Wix, Weebly, GoDaddy, Dreamhost, and others. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a website using beautiful templates from Squarespace, one of the most popular website builders.

Whether you want to create a blog or an eCommerce store, Squarespace enables you to create a website with a drag-and-drop editor, even if you are a beginner. It offers several outstanding features, from in-built templates to AI tools, helping you make an SEO-friendly website. In this guide, let’s explore Squarespace in detail, including its key features, website-building process, and affordable alternatives.

Understanding Website Builder Squarespace

Introduced in 2003, Squarespace is a popular website builder that helps users create websites without coding knowledge. Squarespace offers all customization options in one place, which means you can easily create a stunning website after spending a few hours.

With this versatile platform, you can create an online website or store, build a portfolio, and more. Squarespace also offers the opportunity to generate a website using AI, making the whole process easier than ever. Besides, you can even register your domain name using Squarespace Domains and set up a business email account with Squarespace email hosting. 

It offers several built-in templates, high-quality images, and customizable layout options. Getting started with Squarespace is simple: Choose a subscription plan that fits your needs and begin your website-building journey.

Now that you have an overview of this publishing platform, let’s talk about what Squarespace can really do. Here are some of the most notable features of the Squarespace:

Website Builder Squarespace Features

Let’s understand the features of Squarespace website builder: 

1. AI-Powered Website Builder

Creating a website from scratch can be overwhelming, particularly if you lack technical knowledge. Luckily, Squarespace simplifies the website-building process with design intelligence.

How? To begin, you only need to provide your brand and business basic information (like website title, brand image, color palette, and preferred design style). Next, Squarespace will transform these details into a beautiful and customized website using its Blueprint AI. 

It also offers editing with a drag-and-drop option, so you don’t need prior coding or design experience. Besides these, you can preview alternate styles, explore fresh layouts, create a new, on-brand copy, or modify pre-written context using Squarespace AI.

2. Pre-built templates and Layouts

Squarespace offers over 175+ beautiful template collections to ensure there’s something for every business idea, whether it’s an online store, website, portfolio, or blog. Each of these templates has a world-class and responsive design, which means you can easily customize them to fit your brand.

These templates are designed for all major content types (galleries, blogs, eCommerce, calendars, and more) and look good on any device, whether desktop, phone, or tablet. In addition to templates, Squarespace offers pre-built layouts for creating a page for your website.

This means that using these customizable templates, you can structure your webpage for specific purposes, such as Contact, About, Blog, Portfolio, and more. You can also adjust content layouts, add sections, and experiment with different color palettes or font packs to match your brand’s vibe.

3. Customizable Page and Content Types

Each design offers customizable content areas where you can add and manage text, images, videos, audio, galleries, and more. You can also add options like signups, appointments, tour dates, maps, charts, and more. Duplicate pages or content features are also available for testing purposes or to speed up the website-creating process.

4. AI and Design Tools

If you desire to make your website more appealing, Squarespace offers Google and TypeKit fonts, high-quality images (free) through Unsplash with built-in editing options, and more. Squarespace also offers several AI tools for website design. You can use them for the following things:

• Generate compelling product descriptions
• Crafting email content that keeps your readers engaged
• Draft, edit, and refine blog posts (both short and long-form content)
• Keep brand voice consistent across all platforms

Using automation for your website design, you can reduce complexities and focus on what matters most for your business growth.

5. Multiple Contributors and Access Levels

With these Squarespace features, you can simplify your team’s collaboration and project delivery. You can give your team limited access to your website, depending on their role. Squarespace offers different access levels, including Administrator, analytics, email campaigns, store manager, and more, and lets you adjust these permissions anytime if required. Moreover, by using a single login, you can contribute to and manage multiple Squarespace websites at the same time.

6. Passwords & Page Locks

Another useful feature of Squarespace could be passwords & page locks. Imagine you’re using your website but don’t want to share it with others for now. What should you do? Here, you can lock your entire website or lock individual pages with a password to restrict public access until you want.

Follow these steps to set up this feature: visit the “Site Availability panel.” Next, select the “Password Protected” option and enter the password, then click “Save.” [Tip: You should open your website in a private browser using your password to check whether it is working fine.]

How to Build a Squarespace Website Manually: Step-by-Step Process

Squarespace is renowned for its intuitive interface and allowing users to create a beautiful, professional-looking website in no time. This is why, here, we covered a step-by-step process on how to create a Squarespace website using its pre-built template:

Step 1: Choose a Template for Your Website

Before initiating a website-building process, you should have a clear picture of what your website should look like in the end. For instance, you may want to add lots of images, create a blog, or start an online store.

Regardless of your purpose for creating a website, you should pinpoint all desired features, helping you find a suitable template to get you started. Squarespace offers customizable website templates with pre-built pages and layouts. Each template offers several customizable styling options. You can choose any template based on your idea and key requirements.

Step 2: Add Custom Domain Name

Add a custom domain to make it easier for people to find you online and recognize your brand. A domain (also known as a web address or URL) is a human-readable address that helps people find your website online. However, consider a few things while selecting a domain name for your website.

First, choose a domain name that is relevant to your site’s purpose or brand. Next, choose your TLD or top-level domain (such as .com, .org., or .net). [Tip: You can either choose .com or use your business or company name (like .tech, .dev) for your tech and development company to make a unique brand identity.]

If you do not have a custom domain name, you can purchase and register one through Squarespace or any independent domain name registrar.  

Step 3: Add Content

Start adding content to your website. You can begin by adding a “Contact” page or an “About” section. Provide a brief overview of your business or brand to help your visitors understand it better. You can also add beautiful images from your personal collection or use free professional images from Unsplash. Write and share blog posts or compelling stories about your brand. Use the Design panel to change font style, colors, spacing, alignment, or something more specific to your brand. 

Step 4: Share on Social Media

Sharing content on social media is a great way to improve your website visibility. Add links to your social handles on your blog posts. Or, you can share your content links to social platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter).

If you want your business to reach new heights, then try out “Email Campaigns.” Craft email content that captures your target audience's attention. Even more, you can share your website content in your email campaigns.

Step 5: Regularly Update Your Website

Your website is the virtual identity of your brand or business, which means you need to update it regularly. Incorporate new and modified content frequently so that your visitors don’t miss important updates related to your brand. This will encourage them to continue coming back.

How to Use Squarespace AI for Building a Website 

Squarespace AI is the latest and most interactive design system for any user who wants to create a new Squarespace website. It offers a unique website setup that resonates with your brand or business. These are the following ways to use Squarespace AI for website building:

Step 1. First of all, you have to visit the Squarespace website builder and click on Get Started. 

Step 2. Answer a few of the questions, such as what your website will be about and what it will do, like selling products or being a portfolio. Choose the options that suit you best. 

Step 3. Select whether you want to build your website by choosing a template or using the Blueprint AI. After that, you will be asked to create your account. You can continue with your existing Google account. 

Step 4. Enter the name of your website. This can be changed later as well. Then, you will have to select the brand personality. There will be seven options, such as professional, bold, quirky, and others, and you can choose one that suits you best. 

Step 5. Select the homepage sections that you want to generate. For example, the intro section can be first, followed by the About Us section, services section, appointment section, and footer. As you select a section, you will be asked to select a layout for that particular section. 

Step 6. Select what pages your website will have. 

Step 7: Choose a color palette.

Step 8: Choose a Font and click on Finish. 

Step 9. Now, the Squarespace AI will work to create your website and then you will be directed to the workspace where you can edit the template. 

Step 10. Once you click the Edit button, you can easily add the text block and change the content. 

Once the customization is done, you can add the domain name and publish the website by purchasing Squarespace web hosting plans.  

AI-powered Tools offered by Squarespace

Here is the list of Squarespace AI tools: 

1. AI Write

AI Write is a tool for all writing purposes that generates different types of content for your Squarespace website. You can use it for your product description, email campaigns, blog posts, website copy, and more. 

To access it, simply click on the “three circle icon” in supported text areas and then enter a prompt or pre-written text. Click on the “Write” link to generate content. You can review and even edit this generated text as per your needs.

2. AI Image Generation

Squarespace AI uses smart prompting strategies to generate high-quality images for your website. These images blend Squarespace’s design aesthetic with your personalized needs, aligning with your brand. The best part is that you can combine AI-generated images with your personal images to create a unique look.

3. Personalization with AI

Squarespce’s AI enables you to give a personalized look to your website for a seamless user experience. How? You can showcase dynamic content based on your customer’s behavior, preferences, or demographics. Plus, you can provide personalized product recommendations to them based on browsing history. With Squarespace AI, you can add smart call-to-action (CTA) buttons based on user interactions.

4. AI-Powered SEO

Using Squarespace AI empowers you to improve your website’s SEO by suggesting relevant keywords after analyzing your website content. You can also generate compelling meta descriptions and optimize website content using AI to make it more SEO-friendly.

5. AI Analytics and Insights

Squarespace’s AI offers valuable insights regarding how your website performs or how your visitors find your content relevant. Using AI, Squarespace analyzes your website traffic pattern, predicts user behavior, improves conversion rates, and suggests suitable changes. 

7 Website Builder Squarespace Templates That Serve Different Purposes

Now, let’s look at some of the Squarespace templates and how they serve different purposes:

1. Marina – Online Store Template

Mariana is ideal for those looking to set up an online store with a minimalist design. This template prioritizes product images, showcasing items in a visually captivating layout. With customizable product galleries and built-in e-commerce functionality, Mariana is perfect for fashion, beauty, or lifestyle brands wanting to provide a high-end shopping experience.

2. Reseda – Portfolio Template

Reseda is a sleek, visually focused portfolio template that brings images to life, making it ideal for photographers, artists, and designers. The grid layout and immersive full-screen images help you showcase your work's creativity, while customizable sections allow for an in-depth introduction to your projects and personal style. It’s clean, modern, and focused on showcasing your art in the best light.

3. Alta Loma – Blog Template

Alta Loma is a versatile blog template for writers, lifestyle bloggers, and influencers. Its clean and organized layout makes reading enjoyable and keeps readers engaged with content-rich posts and vivid images. You can highlight feature posts, embed videos, and use dynamic sections for recent articles, making it a great choice for content creators.

4. Oranssi – One-Page Template

Oranssi is perfect for a quick, single-page website that provides essential information about you or your business. With a clear interface, visually separated sections, and bold CTAs, it’s ideal for consultants, freelancers, or small businesses needing an impactful, streamlined web presence. This template is mobile-optimized, making it easy for users to access important details on the go.

5. Forma – Courses Templates

Forma is a fantastic choice for course creators, educators, and coaches. It offers a structured format that allows you to present courses, webinars, or workshops clearly and attractively. With multiple sections for curriculum, testimonials, and course descriptions, Forma gives a professional feel, making it easy for students to navigate and sign up for your offerings.

6. Cedar – Services Templates

Cedar is a refined template crafted for service-based businesses, from agencies to consultants. It offers dedicated sections for service descriptions, client testimonials, and project showcases, helping you build trust among clients. Cedar’s clean design and elegant typography make it perfect for professionals aiming to make an intellectual impression.

7. Clarkson — Donation Template

Clarkson is designed for nonprofits, charities, and organizations looking to generate donations. The layout focuses on the organization's mission and impact, with space for storytelling, images, and donation CTAs. This template makes it easy to build trust, allowing donors to engage with the cause and contribute directly through secure, integrated donation options.

Squarespace Pricing

Website Builder Squarespace offers mainly four plans (Personal, Business, Commerce-Basic, and Commerce-Advanced). These plans offer unique features that cater to different business and individual needs. The table below provides a brief overview of them:

Are There Any Other Squarespace Alternatives?

Although Squarespace offers an intuitive interface, AI smart writing, and stunning designs, it also has some drawbacks. It has limited customization options and third-party integration with highly expensive pricing plans. That’s why users are looking for an affordable and reliable website builder like Neo.

Neo is a renowned email marketing platform that offers a cutting-edge single-page website builder for creating stylish websites with ease. Its easy-to-use interface and drag-and-drop editor enable users to create their websites in a few minutes without any coding knowledge. 

Besides that, Neo offers a wide range of in-built templates, enabling users to customize their websites to showcase their unique branding. It also allows users to add email-integrated forms (for collecting leading information) and social media accounts to boost their virtual visibility.

Steps to Build A One-Page-Website on Neo

Create your dream website effortlessly with Neo and get a free .co.site domain - no coding needed! The best part? You can build your first one-page website completely free under the Neo subscription plan. Here are the 4 easy steps to create a one-page website with Neo:

Step 1: Sign Up for Neo and Choose Theme

Sign up with Neo by choosing any paid plan and accessing the “Neo Site Editor.” Select a theme that meets your brand or business needs. Neo also offers a .co.site free domain name for your brand. 

Step 2: Customize Your Website Details

At this stage, personalize your one-page website by adding your product and service details. You can upload articles, blogs, images, and descriptions of your products and share their links on your other social handles like Facebook and Instagram.

Step 3: Incorporate In-built Feedback Form and Chat Option

With Neo’s Site Editor, you can seamlessly add a WhatsApp chat feature, helping you interact with customers. Moreover, you can add an in-built feedback form so customers can easily sign up for your brand’s newsletter or share their opinions regarding your products or services.

Step 4: Go Live

Lastly, hit the “Publish” button to launch your one-page website and start sharing it with your friends, family, and colleagues, which will help promote your business.

Why is Neo a Better Alternative for Squarespace?

Here are the key features on why to choose Neo over Squarespace for building a one-page-website:

• Unlimited Customization: Neo offers a wide range of customization options. It allows users to customize pre-designed templates to perfectly match your brand’s unique style and requirements, making your brand stand out from the crowd.
• Exceptional User Experience: Neo offers its users an intuitive interface and smooth browsing experience. Its easy-to-navigate menu and smooth transition between sections enable visitors to explore your website without any hassle.
• Modern and Responsive Templates: Neo offers modern and responsive templates with visually stunning layouts optimized for several devices. Whether you use a desktop or mobile device, your website will give a top-notch experience on any screen size.
• Performance Optimization: Neo’s in-built templates are designed to deliver optimal performance and guarantee rapid loading times. They save your time by eliminating delays or lags that might hinder you while navigating your website.

Neo Pricing Plan

Let's take a look at Neo's three pricing options: Starter, Standard, and Max.

Comparison Table for Squarespace and Neo

Here’s a comparison table between Squarespace and Neo, including ratings based on their overview, pricing, and features.

Wrapping Up

Squarespace website builder has transformed the businesses and individuals display their content online. With its user-friendly navigation and multiple-device accessibility, Squarespace templates offer a unique and compelling approach to web design.

Whether you want creative blogs to multiple-purpose business websites, you always need to choose a template that can convey the prime objective of your brand’s message and services to visitors. Neo can be your best alternative option to Squarespace if you want to create one-page websites. It offers an easy-to-use interface and sleek templates with drop-and-drag options to ensure a captivating user experience, making it ideal for all-size businesses. Join Neo today and boost your online visibility with a single-page website and comprehensive email marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best features of Squarespace?

Squarespace is designed to make it easy for anyone (even beginners) to create an online presence. Hence, you can design your site, pick a beautiful template, and modify the layouts as your business needs without coding or design experience.

2. What are the downsides of using Squarespace?

Some Squarespace features, like Squarespace payment, are only available in a very limited number of countries and are quite expensive compared to other providers. Plus, the platform has limited customizable options, and its built-in SEO tools aren’t as strong as those of its competitors.

3. What are the pricing plans for Squarespace?

Squarespace offers four main pricing plans: Personal ($16/month), Business ($23/month), Commerce Basic ($28/month), and Commerce Advanced ($52/month). The plans vary in features like online store functionality, transaction fees, and advanced analytics.