The Difference Between Squarespace Templates vs Custom Websites
It can be so exciting to get started with a brand new website, especially on Squarespace! On Squarespace, deciding on the design of your website can be fun but it can evidently also be overwhelming. There are not only thousands of design templates to choose from on Squarespace, but you have to consider if you even want to go with a premade template or a custom website. What is the difference between these two options and which one is the right one for you? Let’s find out!
Squarespace Template
One of the biggest benefits to Squarespace is that they offer thousands of free premade templates to get you started right away on building your website (with an active subscription to Squarespace). This is great when you are first starting out and want to play around with the design of your website. You’ll get hands-on experience and learn how to use the platform. You can choose any template that you like and if you end up not liking it, then you can easily switch out to a different template at any time. This gives you full control to change the design of your website.
Now with that being said, while you have full control over the template, you don’t have complete control over the actual design. There are still limitations and you won’t be able to change every detail or aspect of the design, since it is a premade template. You can only control elements within the boundaries of the design. This means if there is a feature or design element that is missing from the template that you are using, then you can not add it on. Another con to using a template is that it will take up more time since you are learning how to use it yourself and do not have professional support from a designer. Lastly, the template is a public design so it will never be completely unique to your website.
Custom Website
The best part of a custom website design is that it is completely unique to you, your business, and your brand. There won’t be anyone else that has the exact same website as you. Since you are working with a designer you are able to save time and get the professional support that you need. That means they are able to help you add in any features or integrations that you want for your website. There are absolutely no limitations on the design of your website. The professional support goes beyond the first design of your custom website since as your business evolves over time, you’ll want to make updates and changes. A professional designer can help with that when it comes to your custom website.
Unfortunately, creating a custom website can be a long process, since you’ll need to work with your designer on the branding and give them time to create it for you. Finally, the biggest con of all… it's an investment. A custom website is more costly than using a premade Squarespace template, however, this may be worth the investment as your business continues to grow and you'll need a website that reflects that.
At the end of the day, you need to evaluate where you are in your business and whether you should make the investment on a custom website. If you are starting out, then using a Squarespace template may be the right option for you until you can fully understand exactly how you want your website to be and be able to make the investment. As your business grows, you’ll outgrow your Squarespace templates and might need a custom website to cater to your specific business brand and needs.
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