Why Choose Paid Squarespace Template Kits over the Free Squarespace Templates?
Paid Squarespace Templates (aka. Squarespace Design Kits or Semi-DIY Template Kits) are definitely the new hype and game changers when it comes to creating a stunning website at just a fraction of what a full custom website costs.
But why do people pay hundreds of dollars on these paid templates over Squarespace's (seemingly fine) free templates?? What's the catch? Are you curious to try out a paid Squarespace template, but you're unsure if it's worth the money?
In this blog post, I'll be answering the most common questions like: what's the biggest difference between paid and free templates? Is it a course? Do YOU have to build it back up from scratch? Or does it automatically get added to your dashboard? - and more!
Pssst... not getting enough leads from your website? Watch my (free) masterclass:
CONTENT:
Free Squarespace Templates: Pros and Cons
Paid Squarespace Templates: Pros and Cons
How do Squarespace Templates Work exactly?
1. Free Squarespace Templates: Pros and Cons
Squarespace offers a range of beautiful templates (or 'themes') on their own platform and they're all free for you to use! They've even categorised them into various industries so you can choose the layout structure that best suits your needs.
I find that these are great base starters if you have your own creative vision and direction in mind. Or, if you just want a really simple, generic site that's quickly put together - then by all means, this would be enough!
The downside to the free templates is that... well, it's not very extensive if your website needs to span more than a few pages.
Most of the free templates only include very basic: Home, About, Contact, Gallery, Footer.
But most people require more than just 'basic'. They either want a more extensive version of these pages (ie. with more designed sections) or they want these basic pages to really 'stand out' and wow the viewer.
Fortunately, the paid Squarespace Templates do both.
2. Paid Squarespace Templates: Pros and Cons
Some people think of paid Squarespace Templates as an upgraded version of Squarespace's Free Templates. Well... yes and no. Some maybe, most not?
The best paid Squarespace Templates out there look nothing like the generic free templates. They look as if they've been custom designed by a web designer with a lot of thoughtful detail.
Essentially, that's what it is! A web designer custom created a website from scratch with all the love and detail they would give to a client's website! They make it once and then share it with the world!
Why keep it to just a one-off when it could potentially help so many others also have a stunning website that looks as if it's been custom made?
And it's this custom made aspect that has paid Squarespace Templates usually priced between $200 - $400 USD. When you consider that hiring a web designer (who would create something similar, but more unique) would cost upwards of $3000 USD... this is definitely worth its price tag!
The only downsides of these Paid Squarespace Templates is that you can't swap between templates, so if you decide you want to change your website style later on... then you'll have to purchase a new one or hire a professional web designer.
However, the benefits certainly outweigh the costs in my opinion!
You can read more about Squarespace Templates vs Custom Squarespace Website here!
3. How do Squarespace Templates Work exactly?
This could actually be an entirely separate blog post in itself! But to keep it as simple as possible, here are the different ways Squarespace Templates work:
As a Course - immediate access upon payment You'll get access to all the design elements and graphics to download, as well as any CSS or Javascript code needed. Then you follow instructional videos that will teach you how to build the entire site from scratch!
While this may seem like "a lot of work", it's very straightforward and easy - especially when most of the hard work (ie. design and coding) has all been done for you!
Get it added to your Dashboard - up to 24 hrs after payment
This option saves you ALL the work, but it does require a little patience! Basically what happens here is that the designer duplicates the template on their dashboard, then adds you as an admin to the new website template (you'll get the invite via email).
Once you've accepted, the designer will then transfer the ownership to you and you can bump me off as the admin! Easy peasy! This shouldn't take more than 24hrs for you to have the whole template installed on your dashboard!
Extra support - have your content installed for you
If you have all your images and copy ready to go, then you can often pay a premium to have your content installed for you and enjoy added 'security' that everything has been double checked, SEO proofed and mobile optimised before you launch!
What are your thoughts on paid vs free Squarespace Templates? Would you try one? What are your biggest hesitations? Start a conversation with me in the comments below or dm me here @arohavisuals!
