How to Design a Website in Squarespace 7.1
So you want to know how to design a website in Squarespace 7.1. I’ve got you! Here I break down the steps it takes to start designing in Squarespace 7.1
What is Squarespace 7.1?
Squarespace version 7.1 is the latest version of Squarespace’s design platform for building websites. In my opinion it is much easier to use for a beginner because all the templates have the same functionalities (which makes it less confusing than version 7.0). The pages and sections come with pre-made design templates, plus there are more designer color palettes and font pairings to choose from. Squarespace version 7.1 makes it easier for beginners to get to design quickly and launch sooner!
Who is Squarespace 7.1 good for and not good for?
As I mentioned previously, Squarespace version 7.1 is great for beginners. If you consider yourself a techy person or have some previous design experience, I would highly recommend Squarespace version 7.0 as it allows for more advanced customization options. If you are more advanced technically, you might become frustrated with some of the limitations within 7.1.
How t Design a Website with Squarespace 7.1:
1) Sign Up for Squarespace
If you do not already have a Squarespace account then you’ll need to sign up for one. Don’t worry! It’s free to get started.
Do not stress out about which template you choose because in version 7.1 the templates have the same functionalities. It may be helpful to choose a template that has been created for your industry, for example Photography. While it is not necessary to choose a Photography template it may be helpful in the sense that the existing pages and layouts may already meet your requirements. However, I highly recommend editing the layout to customize it so as not to look like every other template.
3) Start Designing Your Template
Here is the basic content you will need to bring your website design to life:
Layout
Before you get started you should map out what pages your website needs. For example: Home Page, About, Services, Blog, Contact Me. Start with customizing your template to meet your layout requirements. To learn how to add, delete or rearrange pages visit Squarespace help here.
Design Styles
With Design Styles you can edit the fonts and colors of your website in order to match your branding. If you do not have your branding complete check out my article How to DIY Your Branding. I offer brand design if you would like here that out. Check out my services here. To edit the Design Styles in Squarespace version 7.1 go to Design>fonts or Design>colors. In those sections you can choose designer font pairings or color palettes. You can also add your custom color codes.
Photos
Gather up the photos that you would like to use for your site. You can use your own personal photos (it is recommended to hire a professional photographer to take them) or use high quality stock photos. Make sure all photos you use are high-quality and formatted best for Squarespace. For more info on formatting your photos for Squarespace visit this help page for Editing Images . To learn how to add the images to your site click here.
Website Copy
Website copy includes the written words you use on your website to describe your products or services and to express your brand voice. Website copy should be well thought out and should also consider search engine optimization. You can DIY your website copy or you can hire a copywriter. If you are interested in hiring a copywriter, let me know. I happen to know a great one!
Calls to Action
Each page on your website should have a Call to Action. A Call to Action is the next logical step to the objective of the section or page your visitor is reading. Some examples include: Book Appointment, Purchase, Order, Subscribe, etc. Make sure you do not have any pages that leave a “dead end” for your visitors.
Privacy Policy
Your website should include a Privacy Policy. Great ways to include this is to add a link in the footer and to add a cookie pop-up banner. To learn more about how to include your Privacy Policy on your website, check out this article by Squarespace, GDPR and Squarespace.
4) Custom Domain
If you have a domain purchased, learn how to connect it to Squarespace here. If you need one, you can purchase it through Squarespace here or through other providers such as Go Daddy.
5) Marketing
Squarespace has amazing features to help you get the word out about your website. There is a marketing section in the menu within your website. You can add email campaigns, SEO, social media promotions, engagement, and more.
6) Continuous Improvement & Training
Website design takes time, practice, and continuous education. Think of your website as something that will improve continuously over time. Be strategic and try new things! Test what works and what doesn’t but don’t stress out over it. The most important thing is to get started by adding helpful and appealing content for your ideal client. Use your website as a 24/7 Customer Service Rep for your business, to answer your potential client’s questions. Launch your website and improve it over time!
Need more help?
Design Services: Interested in having your website designed for you? Click here to check out my design services.
DIY Support: Need more help designing your Squarespace website? I have a DIY Website Course that gives you more support, 1:1 access to me and access to my private Student Facebook Group. To learn more about my course click here.
Have questions? Leave them in the comments below or email me at amanda@loveitdesignco.com
