Squarespace Review

In partnership with Squarespace

I wanted a website that looked clean and worked on my phone without breaking. I expected to add a few pages and publish. I ended up wrestling with hosting, plugins, and layouts that fell apart the moment I touched them. One tool for design. Another for payments. Another for email. Too many moving parts for something that should be simple.

Squarespace stepped in as the all in one place to build and run a site. It has been around since 2003 after starting in a college dorm. The idea stayed the same over the years. Make it possible to build a professional website without writing code or stitching ten services together.

What pulled me in was the quality of the templates and how much is built in. Domains, stores, bookings, memberships, email campaigns, analytics, SSL, mobile friendly pages, even AI tools for layout and copy. I could put a portfolio and a shop under one roof and not babysit updates. Support is available all day through email and live chat on most weekdays, which helps when client work gets busy.

Here is what I plan to look at next. The Website Builder with the Fluid Engine editor. Blueprint AI for faster starts. Commerce for products, subscriptions, and digital downloads. Scheduling for appointments. Email Campaigns for newsletters. I will walk through how these work together in real use.

It sounds promising. Claims on a features page can feel neat until you try to ship a real project. I am going to test the parts that matter and call out what helps and what slows you down. Keep reading if you want the details without fluff.

Highlights

• Squarespace is a design-forward website platform that started in 2003 in a dorm room and now powers millions of sites. 
• It puts site building, commerce, domains, and marketing in one place so creators and small teams can launch without plugins or server setup.
• Templates look modern, and the Fluid Engine editor gives precise drag and drop control on desktop and mobile.
• One account covers websites, domains, hosting, store, scheduling, memberships, and email.
• Commerce handles physical goods, digital downloads, subscriptions, member areas, taxes, shipping, discounts, and point of sale in supported regions.
• Payments include Squarespace Payments, where available, plus Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Buy Now Pay Later options.
• AI tools help start a site, draft copy, write product text and blog posts, and run an SEO scan.
• Email Campaigns pull content from your site, support templates and automations, and track results with analytics.
• Analytics report traffic, sources, sales, and funnels in the dashboard and in the mobile app.
• Domains are easy to buy and connect with free SSL and WHOIS privacy where available, plus a free first year on annual site plans.
• Scheduling and invoicing cover client work with Acuity Scheduling, calendar sync, reminders, video links, payments, and recurring invoices.
• Support and community include 24/7 email, live chat on most weekdays, a detailed Help Center, webinars, and the Circle program for freelancers and agencies with discounts and faster support.
• Don’t forget: you can save on your new website plan with the code HBR10 at checkout.

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Squarespace Review

Here’s the quick setup before we get into the features. I shoot and edit, sell preset packs, teach a short course, and spin up simple client sites when projects land. I want tools that match real work. The list below is not a verdict. It is the stack I actually touch and why it fits the way I build.

Fluid Engine editor

Grids used to lock me into layouts that did not match the story. Now I place blocks where the eye wants them, and I adjust spacing for phone and desktop without tricks. And when a section needs emphasis, I add text highlights, shapes, or dividers so the flow feels intentional. It is the control I kept wishing other builders had.

Blueprint AI starter sites

Blank pages slow me down, and that kills momentum. I answer a few prompts and get a draft with a sensible page map and placeholder copy. Then I edit real sections instead of staring at nothing. It feels like a head start rather than a shortcut.

Built-in commerce

Selling across different tools used to scatter settings and files. One catalog now holds prints, downloads, subscriptions, and member areas. I set variants and tags, group products, and add related items without leaving the store view. So the catalog stays tidy even when the lineup changes.

Squarespace Payments and major wallets

Hooking up payments used to mean chasing API keys and matching settings in three places. Here I switch on cards and add Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and buy now pay later, where it is available. Checkout stays on my domain, and I keep the options I actually need. It is the payment setup I wanted from the start.

Acuity Scheduling

Email ping pong over time slots drained focus. I open the calendar, set buffers, and turn on email and text reminders. And when a project involves more people or locations, I add more calendars so the schedule still makes sense. Intake forms and video links live in the same flow, which keeps prep simple.

Email Campaigns

Copying site content into another tool felt like double work. I pull products and posts straight into a newsletter, pick a template, and save an automation for repeats. Styles match the site, so I do not rebuild the look each time. It is the same content system, just in email form.

Domain search and SSL

DNS puzzles ate up weekends I did not have. Now I search for and buy a domain inside the account, and it connects on its own. SSL is included, and privacy is there where supported. Plus I can set email forwarding or domain forwarding without leaving the dashboard.

Site analytics and mobile app

I do not want three dashboards to see what happened. Traffic, sources, top pages, and revenue sit in one view. The phone app mirrors that view, and it sends alerts when a spike or dip shows up. So I can check the pulse and then get back to work.

Asset Library and mobile uploads

Folders were used to hide the file I needed. The library keeps images, videos, and docs in one place, I can reuse across pages and emails. And when a shoot wraps, I drop fresh photos from my phone into the site so they are ready for the next page. It keeps content close instead of scattered.

Image editor and lightbox galleries

Opening heavy software for a quick crop never made sense. I crop in the browser and set a focal point so the mobile crops land right. Galleries open in a lightbox, and that keeps the set large and clean. Metadata import helps fill titles and tags when I upload a batch.

Native video hosting

Embeds from other players added extra branding and small surprises. I upload clips directly and place them as sections or as background video. The player looks consistent with the site, and controls stay simple. So the visuals feel part of the page, not tacked on.

SEO defaults and AI SEO Report

Basics like sitemaps, robots, clean links, and canonical tags are set for me. The AI scan checks metadata and image text and points to weak spots. Then I apply the fixes right there. It is maintenance I can actually keep up with.

Extensions and connected services

Custom hookups used to be a time sink. Now I wire Instagram and Facebook catalogs, maps, OpenTable, ChowNow, Google Analytics, and comments through settings. And when a project needs outside media or posts, I import them instead of rebuilding by hand. It is practical glue rather than a side project.

Access controls, redirects, and site search

Client access used to be all or nothing. Roles let me invite people with the right level, and page locks keep drafts private. I add 301 and 302 redirects when slugs change, and the internal search helps visitors find what they came for. So collaboration and cleanup both feel built in.

How Does Squarespace Help My Client Work And Side Business?

I split time between shoots, a small shop, a short course, and the odd client site. I need wins that save time and clear mental space. Here is what I get in day-to-day use, not a feature list, but the outcomes that make the work smoother.

1. Faster launches when time is short. A small promo page can go from idea to live in a single day. That lets me say yes to rush jobs without losing a weekend.
2. One place for daily work. Site, store, email, domains, and bookings live under one login. I stop jumping between tools and keep my head on the project, not the setup.
3. Cleaner client handoffs. New client asks for a site, I set it up, add their domain, and pass access with the right permissions. They run updates on their own, and I avoid follow-up fire drills.
4. A store that fits prints files and courses. One catalog holds my mixed lineup and keeps pricing, discounts, and stock in order. Launches feel tidy, and customers see a clear path from product to checkout.
5. Fewer payment roadblocks. People pay the way they already do on their phones. I field fewer questions about how to check out and more notes about what they bought.
6. Bookings that reduce no-shows. Clients pick a time, get reminders, and show up. Deposits help, my calendar stays sane, and I do the work instead of doing email tennis.
7. Consistent look across site and email. Pages and newsletters share styles, so updates feel like the same brand everywhere. I am not rebuilding the same layout twice.
8. Decisions can be based on real numbers. Traffic, sources, sales, and top pages live in one view that I can check on my phone. Small fixes happen right away because I can see what changed and where.
9. Maintenance that stays quiet. Search basics and security are handled. I am not patching things at night or chasing errors after an update.
10. Do updates from anywhere. A shoot wraps, and I add new images on the train home. A client changes hours, and I fix the banner from my phone. Sites stay current without a desk.

What the Bill Looks Like Each Month?

I keep my stack simple. One site plan. Add email and scheduling only when I need them. I always check annual vs monthly because the totals change a lot over a year.

Pay annually

• Basic: $16 per month billed annually
• Core: $23 per month billed annually
• Plus: $39 per month billed annually
• Advanced: $99 per month billed annually

Pay monthly

• Basic: $25 per month
• Core: $36 per month
• Plus: $56 per month
• Advanced: $139 per month

Use the code HBR10 at checkout to get a discount on your first plan.

Fees I still budget

• Card and wallet processing on every sale
• Squarespace store fee of 3 percent on Business only
• Domain renewal after the first free year on annual plans
• Email Campaigns and Acuity Scheduling as separate subscriptions

Squarespace Review: What Do Customers Think?

Here’s what people are saying about Squarespace, based on reviews across major sites like PCMag, TechRadar, and CNET. Overall, the brand has carved out a reputation for beautiful design, reliable performance, and a platform that balances ease of use with creative flexibility.

Squarespace consistently gets praised for its stunning, mobile-friendly templates. Creatives and small businesses often highlight the professional look they can achieve without needing to code.

“Squarespace offers a great website building experience. Its award-winning templates and easy-to-use editor are even better with the new AI.” (TechRadar)

Reviewers also point out that the templates aren’t just pretty—they’re thoughtfully designed, with clean layouts that keep content balanced and easy to navigate.

Then, Squarespace’s Fluid Engine editor and growing set of AI tools make it stand out. While there’s a slight learning curve, most users appreciate how customizable it is once you get comfortable.

“The Fluid Engine and AI tools make site editing easy, quick, and intuitive.” (PCMag)

People like how the platform streamlines technical details like hosting, SSL certificates, and security, so they can focus on design and content rather than backend maintenance.

For those selling online, Squarespace earns strong marks. Unlimited product listings, subscription options, digital downloads, and integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and Square give users plenty of ways to grow a store.

“Squarespace is an excellent e-commerce option… It produces great-looking, mobile-friendly sites and gives you strong e-commerce tools.” (PCMag)

Some reviewers note that Shopify is still stronger for large-scale online stores, but for most small to mid-sized businesses, Squarespace is more than capable.

Also, Squarespace’s stability is another highlight. Websites load quickly and uptime is consistently strong, giving users confidence that their site will be there when visitors arrive.

“Squarespace’s excellent uptime and acceptable site speed earn it an overall performance ranking of 8/10.” (CNET)

Furthermore, security is baked into the platform. Features like SSL certification, DDoS protection, and two-factor authentication are included with all plans.

“Squarespace’s security staff is monitoring all Squarespace sites round-the-clock for threats and vulnerabilities.” (TechRadar)

That reassurance gives users peace of mind, especially when running e-commerce sites.

Is Squarespace Legit?

Yes, Squarespace is absolutely legit. It’s one of the most established website builders in the industry, powering millions of sites worldwide. The platform includes everything from secure hosting and SSL certificates to reliable uptime and built-in ecommerce tools, all under one roof. Its professional templates, intuitive editing system, and strong security standards show it’s a serious, trustworthy service built to support individuals and businesses alike.

Is Squarespace Worth It?

For me, Squarespace stands out first for design. The templates look polished on day one, and the editor feels modern with grid controls that keep layouts neat. Blueprint AI helps me pick a style and draft copy quickly, so I can get a site live in an afternoon and refine later.

I also like that hosting, SSL, domains, and updates are all under one roof. No chasing plugins or extra vendors. The mobile app, image editor, and asset library make quick updates easy, whether it’s swapping a hero photo or posting a blog.

Selling is straightforward: physical and digital products, subscriptions, gift cards, and clean product pages all work smoothly. Payments through Apple Pay and PayPal are built in, and invoicing plus Acuity Scheduling cover client work.

Squarespace also helps with growth. Blogging includes scheduling, email campaigns, pulling site styles for a consistent look, SEO basics are baked in, and the AI SEO Report suggests quick fixes. Analytics tie it all together with traffic, sales, and top content.

On reliability, every plan includes SSL, unlimited storage, two-factor login, and DDoS protection. Uptime has been steady, which matters for launches and deadlines. Pricing is clear—plans start at $16/month (annual billing) and scale up with added tools.

All in all, Squarespace is a strong fit for creatives, small studios, and freelancers who want a polished site without juggling multiple services. It balances easy design, solid ecommerce, and built-in tools like email and analytics, making it a complete, reliable setup.

If you’re ready to try Squarespace, make sure to apply the code HBR10 for savings on your plan.

Squarespace Discount & Promotions

Squarespace often offers promotions that make it easier to get started. Right now, you can use the code HBR10 at checkout to receive a discount on new website plans.

Every plan also includes extras like a free custom domain for the first year, SSL security, and unlimited hosting. The 14-day free trial lets you build and test your site without committing upfront.

How to Get Started with Squarespace?

Getting started with Squarespace is pretty straightforward, and you don’t need any tech background to get moving. Here’s the flow most people follow:

1. Sign up for a Free Trial

Head to Squarespace’s site and click Start a Free Trial. You’ll get 14 days to build and test your site without entering payment details.

2. Pick a Template or Use AI Setup

You can browse over 180 templates grouped by style and purpose (like photography, portfolio, and online store). If you’d rather skip browsing, you can use Blueprint AI, which asks a few questions about your goals, then generates a starting layout and draft copy for you.

3. Customize Your Site

Squarespace’s editor lets you add or rearrange sections like images, text blocks, galleries, forms, or products. The Fluid Engine editor uses a grid system so everything lines up cleanly, even if you’re new to design. You can also tweak fonts, colors, and spacing from the Style panel.

4. Add Key Pages and Content

Most people start with an About page, a Contact page, and a Home page. If you’re running a store, you’ll add Product pages. If you’re blogging, you’ll add a Blog page where you can schedule posts.

5. Set Up Essentials

Squarespace handles hosting, SSL, and security automatically, but you’ll still want to:

• Connect or register your domain (first year free on annual plans).
• Set up billing (choose from Personal, Business, or Commerce plans).
• Add any integrations you need (like email campaigns, scheduling, or payment processors).

Before you finalize billing, apply the code HBR10 to unlock your discount.

6. Preview and Launch

Use the preview buttons to see how your site looks on desktop and mobile. Once you’re happy, hit Publish, and your site goes live.

That’s it! You’ll have a working site in just a few hours.

FAQs

How strong are the SEO tools out of the box?

You get clean URLs, sitemaps, robots.txt, canonical tags, and controls for titles, meta, and alt text. There is an AI SEO report to surface missed basics. You can also connect Google Search Console and track keywords.

Does Squarespace use a CDN?

Squarespace serves assets through global delivery, so images and static files load from locations near your visitors. You do not need to configure a separate CDN.

Can I run multiple languages on one site?

Yes, with a manual structure. Create language folders, mirror pages, and set region settings and hreflang. It works well for small to mid-sized libraries. Very large multilingual sites may want a dedicated i18n tool.

How do I contact Squarespace?

You can reach Squarespace in a few different ways depending on what you need:

• Live Chat. Available Monday–Friday, 4 AM to 8 PM EST. It’s the fastest way to get real-time help from a support rep.
• Email Support. Available 24/7. You’ll usually get a response within a few hours.
• Help Center. Their online knowledge base has step-by-step guides, videos, and community forums. It’s open anytime and covers most common issues.
• Social Support. You can also reach them on X (Twitter) at @SquarespaceHelp.
  

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