5 Reasons To Use Squarespace

5 Reasons Why I Use Squarespace – contributed by Hot Lizard Designs

When it comes to designing websites, there are lots of platform options to choose.  Personally, I am a big fan of Squarespace since I discovered it nearly 8 years ago.  I 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 have unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing you to showcase videos, create more content, 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 is completed, a demo shows clients how to manage and edit their site, like updating text, images and blogs.  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 work for clients based by the hour. 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. 

You can upgrade or downgrade at any time, with pro-rated charges or refunds, and discounts for annual payments.  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 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 need to purchase a SSL certificate (it may come free with WordPress hosting) to give visitors peace of mind when shopping.

As Squarespace is a closed source platform, all templates and integrated services are automatically updated.  Even the SSL certificate is included in the hosting plan.

5. SEO (and Google!) Friendly

Squarespace is incredibly SEO friendly and allows you to optimise your website or blog for search engine results.  Added features of sharing your content via social media channels (encouraging more visitors to your website), and in-built analytics, helps you track where traffic comes from. Analyse popular content and install Google Analytics for an in-dept view to help optimise your website.