8 Reasons Why I Recommend Squarespace to My Clients
Are you ready to get your business online and start attracting your ideal clients but don’t know where to start? I have been there and understand that the multitude of choices can make getting started overwhelming. With Wordpress and SquareSpace being two of the most popular, user friendly options, they tend to be the two platforms that business owners most struggle in choosing between. So, how do you know which one is right for you? Worry not; I have done the digging for you.
After initially designing my website on Wordpress and ultimately moving it to Squarespace, I understand the idiosyncrasies of both platforms and regularly recommend Squarespace for my clients. To clear up any potential confusion, I specialize in Squarespace website design because I believe it is the best website platform for the majority of my clients (as opposed to recommending something because I specialize in it). Ready to learn why I believe Squarespace is the best?
Here are 8 reasons why I recommend Squarespace to my clients:
No Themes
While previous versions of Squarespace as well as Wordpress require designers to choose a theme, Squarespace 7.1 does not offer themes. You might be thinking, “but themes provide a great foundation,” they’re actually restrictive by offering limited frameworks and features. Squarespace 7.1, however, allows designers to build from scratch or start with a template that provides every single feature that Squarespace has to offer.
2. Frontend Editing
Rather than having to use code or navigate to a backend area of your site, Squarespace editing takes place directly on each page. Not only does this make the process of editing easier, it allows users to view their edits in real time.
3. Blogger Friendly
Whether you already have a blog or are considering starting one in the future, Squarespace has a super simple blogging platform easily added to any website. I help each of my blogging clients set up their blog page, then coach them through creating posts until they are comfortable managing their blog on their own, which doesn’t take long, considering Squarespace’s user friendly features.
4. No Need for Plugins
There is so much more that goes into a website in addition to copy and photos. Whether you want to add feeds from connected social platforms, add newsletter opt-ins, or integrate video, all of these options are available natively, without the need for plugins, which are often necessary when using site platforms such as Wordpress. While users are able to use CSS to customize site features, the features themselves are readily available within Squarespace.
Some of my favorite features include access to Google and Adobe Typekit fonts, Acuity scheduling, form blocks, eCommerce integration, Google Analytics API.
5. No Need to Run Updates
While platforms like Wordpress require users to run theme and plugin updates, Squarespace runs any necessary updates for their users. When major updates are available, such as new Squarespace iterations, it is up to the user if they want to move their site to the newest version.
While the process was simple and I offered training on how to run Wordpress updates, my Wordpress clients often retained Ink & Olive to run their weekly website updates. Platforms like Wordpress require users to be vigilant about running updates or pay a site manager for the convenience of not having to worry about it themselves.
6. Mobile Optimized
Not only does Squarespace automatically optimize for mobile, their mobile editing view makes it simple for your or your designer to make updates to ensure your site translates to mobile.
7. All in One
Squarespace is an all-in-one platform that waives the need for separate hosting. Users can also obtain their domain and sign up for GSuite directly through their Squarespace account. Not only does this streamline your website management, it is more cost effective. While Wordpress is open source, making it free for the user, the cost of hosting, domains, and SSL certificates can quickly add up; which brings me to the additional, money-saving perks of Squarespace…
8. Perks
Free Domain and G Suite:
For users who opt for an annual billing cycle, Squarespace offers a free domain and G Suite for the first year. This offer isn’t just per user, it is per site. When purchased through Google Domains, GoDaddy, or Bluehost, domains typically cost around $12 a year and G Suite costs about $70 a year, saving users around $82 the first year that their website is live.
SSL Certificate:
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is required to ensure sites are safe and secure for website visitors. While other hosting providers also provide a free SSL certificate, others, like GoDaddy, charge $80 a year.
20% off
When you allow Ink & Olive to design your website with Squarespace, our partnership will gain you 20% off your annual subscription for the first year.
While there are additional reasons as to why I love Squarespace as a designer, these are the top 8 reasons why I recommend Squarespace for my clients. Do these benefits have you ready to get your business online with Squarespace? Reach out to me here and let’s get started!