You don’t need any design experience to build a professional, branded website with Squarespace. Our groundbreaking guide offers a step-by-step framework to create a polished, high-end website without a trace of the generic “Squarespace template” look.
Throughout seven modules, you’ll learn how to build all the essential pages – Contact, About, Services or Portfolio, and Homepage – by following our straightforward, designer-approved process. Each module is fully illustrated and easy to follow, so you can create a website that reflects your brand without wasting time on trial and error.
You start by choosing from three sample sites, all designed for small businesses and freelancers:
- A Digital Agency Site for service providers and consultants.
- A Local Business Site for salons, shops, restaurants, and community-driven businesses.
- A Portfolio Site for creatives and professionals who want to showcase their work
The sample sites share matching sections, meaning you can follow one design from start to finish, switch between designs anytime, or mix and match elements from different samples to achieve a totally unique design.
Ready to make a website that looks like it costs thousands without the agency price tag?
Choose a sample site below, then progress to the first module to get started!
Sample Sites:
LOCAL BUSINESS WEBSITE
For salons, shops, restaurants, and other community-focused businesses.
Explore Site >
00/ Start Here
Before we dive in, let’s set you up for success. You don’t need much to get started – just a few essentials and a can-do attitude.
We recommend having your brand assets ready to bring your website to life. But don’t worry if you haven’t figured that out yet. In the Quick Prep guide, we’ll show you quick solutions that look as professional as designer-made ones. Whether you need a logo, color palette, or visuals, we’ll direct you to simple options to get your site up and running without getting stuck on the details.
Here’s what you’ll need to complete this guide:
1. Time. This isn’t one of those “Build a Website in 10 Minutes” guides. Let’s be honest – those never deliver a site that actually looks good, let alone works well.
Our goal is to help you build a professional-looking website that reflects your brand, runs smoothly, is easy to manage, and doesn’t cost a fortune.
We had everyone at Website Planet build a website from scratch using the guide, and the average completion time ranged from 15 to 25 hours. How long it takes you will largely depend on how much customization you want.
2. Perseverance. While you may be able to build your site in one go, we recommend splitting the process up into multiple sessions – 5 to 8 is optimal.
This guide is packed with quick solutions to keep you moving. However, you might hit a few decision-making roadblocks, like choosing the right visuals or tweaking your layout. If you’re unsure about something, add it to a “not 100% happy” list and revisit it at the end. The goal is progress, not perfection!
3. A Squarespace Free Trial. Squarespace gives you a 14-day free trial – you can sign up here.
This means you can fully explore the platform before committing. We recommend building your site or at least a few pages during the trial to see if Squarespace is the right fit for you.
That’s it – you’re ready to start building the site of your dreams!
01/ Quick Prep
Define your site’s structure and purpose, and prepare your brand assets, including the color palette, logo, visuals, and site copy.
02/ Contact Page
Design a Contact page that’s clear and inviting and makes it effortless for potential clients to get in touch.
Previews:
03/ About Page
Create an About page that connects with your audience, builds trust, and shows clients why you’re the right choice.
Previews:
04/ Services
Design a compelling Services or Portfolio page that highlights your expertise and shows visitors you’re the master of your craft.
Previews:
05/ Homepage
Build a Homepage that grabs attention, showcases your brand, and guides visitors exactly where you want them to go.
Previews:
06/ Refinement & Customization
Build your header and footer, optimize for SEO, and make any final tweaks, so your site is polished to the last detail and launch-ready.
07/ Going Live
Choose the right plan, connect a domain, and launch your site with confidence. Let’s get your brand’s digital home open for business!
