Why Squarespace's "Limitations" Are Actually its Superpower
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Breaking the Myth
Is Squarespace really as limiting as people say? Many web designers quickly dismiss it in favor of platforms like Wix or WordPress, Webflow, etc. which promise limitless customization. But here's the reality: Squarespace's so-called "limitations" can actually elevate your client websites from good to exceptional. While every website platform has its pros and cons, I've discovered unique opportunities within Squarespace that have sharpened my problem-solving skills and given me an advantage in the web design space.
If you're considering using the platform or find yourself working with it due to client preferences, let me show you how to embrace a platform that challenges you in the best ways possible. It's all about mastering creative problem-solving and thinking outside the square...space 😉.
Credit: Dharma Comics
Find the Right Balance
When you're handed every tool imaginable, it's easy to get lost—especially when handing off a website to a non-technical client. Platforms like WordPress offer immense flexibility but often come with complexity that can overwhelm clients, leading to frequent support calls and potential mishandling of the site.
Why Other Platforms May Fall Short:
WordPress:
Complexity Overload: The need for frequent updates, plugin management, and potential security issues can be daunting for clients.
Inconsistent User Experience: With so many themes and plugins, the backend can become cluttered, making it hard for clients to navigate.
Wix:
Design Freedom vs. Consistency: While the drag-and-drop feature is appealing, it can result in inconsistent layouts, especially when clients start making changes without understanding design principles.
Mobile Responsiveness Issues: Free-form designs may not automatically adapt well to mobile devices, requiring additional adjustments.
My Journey: Crafting Creative Work That's Client-Friendly
I discovered that clients often find Squarespace the easiest to use, which compelled me to learn how to manipulate its features and blocks creatively. The challenge was to make the website a piece of creative work while ensuring it's easy for the client to manage. This approach has several benefits:
Reduced Support Needs: Clients can make edits and adjustments without constantly reaching out for help.
Preserved Design Integrity: There's nothing scarier than showcasing a website in your portfolio, only to find later that the client has altered the layout drastically. Squarespace minimizes this risk by limiting how much the client can change.
Key Considerations
Each section of your Squarespace site becomes an opportunity to innovate within constraints. Here's how to embrace the limitations:
Master and Manipulate Squarespace's Content Management System
Depending on your website strategy, especially if you're focused on content, Squarespace offers powerful tools like Collection Pages and displaying content through Summary Blocks. Mastering how to manipulate these features can make content management look amazing.
Collection Pages:
Types: Shop, Blog, Events, Courses, Videos.
Benefits: These pages allow you to organize content efficiently, making it easy to manage and update.
Summary Blocks:
Dynamic Content Display: Use Summary Blocks to showcase content from your Collection Pages in different parts of the website.
Examples of Use:
Featured Products: Display best-selling items on the homepage.
Latest Blog Posts: Show recent articles in the footer or sidebar.
Upcoming Events: Highlight events on multiple pages without manual updates.
By utilizing these features, you can:
Stay Organized: Use tags and categories appropriately to filter and manage content effectively.
Enhance User Experience: Dynamic content keeps the website fresh and engaging.
Build Upon the Basic Feautures
I like to think of Squarespace as providing a solid basic foundation—it's up to us as professionals to build upon what's there. Here are ways to enhance your Squarespace site:
Custom CSS: Adjust styles to match your vision. For example, add custom hover effects or tweak spacing.
JavaScript Manipulations: Introduce interactive elements or modify existing functionalities.
Plugins and Extensions: There are numerous amazing Squarespace plugins designed to help you create and add custom functionality with ease.
Code Shop: Check out my collection of plugins designed to enhance Squarespace functionality.
Other Shops: Explore offerings from Ghost Plugins, SQSP Themes, SquareWebsites, and Square Refresh.
Examples:
Hover Effects: Make images change when a user hovers over them, adding an interactive layer to the design.
Custom Filters: Create a portfolio page where users can filter projects by category without navigating away.
I think building upon what’s already included in Squarespace can keep the design and theme focused. By having a limited set of tools, you're encouraged to prioritize what's most important for the website's functionality and user experience, and then you can build more branded customized features.
Enhance Creativity
Constraints push you to think creatively. How can you achieve a desired effect using the tools at your disposal? This often leads to unique solutions that set your work apart.
Draw Inspiration: Look at websites you admire —even those built on different platforms, and challenge yourself to recreate features within Squarespace's framework. Check out my curated library of websites I appreciate -> Bookmarked.
Educational Resources: There are many excellent courses and tutorials that teach you how to push the boundaries of Squarespace. One of them being this site! Here are also some amazing resources:
Will Myers: Offers in-depth tutorials on advanced Squarespace techniques.
Squarestylist: Provides resources on customizing Squarespace sites.
ilovecreatives: Provides courses on all things freelancing business.
By leveraging these resources, you can push the boundaries of what's possible on Squarespace, creating websites that not only meet your clients' needs but exceed their expectations.
Stay Inspired and Keep Learning!
Explore amazing Squarespace websites here.
Utilize Third-Party Tools and Integrations
I don’t believe there are any platforms that can perfectly include everything you need to match your branding and features expectations. Third party-tools can help extend functionality. Connect with services like Mailchimp, OpenTable, or Acuity Scheduling to add advanced features. Learning how to use APIs will also deliver customized solutions. This can be a bit of a learning curve, but definitely worth the time.
Read my article on Automating Squarespace with Make.com.
Improve Client Satisfaction
A simpler backend means clients are more comfortable making updates, reducing errors and preserving your design.
For designers who may feel frustrated with Squarespace, remember that its limitations are actually strengths when it comes to client management.
Simplify the Backend: A less complex backend means clients are less likely to break something.
Use Summary Blocks: Create dynamic content areas that clients can update without affecting the layout.
For detailed strategies on client handoff, read my article on Effective Client Handoffs in Squarespace.
Conclusion
By embracing Squarespace's limitations, you turn potential frustrations into opportunities for innovation. The platform's structure not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also results in websites that are both beautiful and client-friendly.
Consider what your project needs are and how you work best. This approach may not suit everyone, but for those willing to embrace it, Squarespace becomes a powerful tool in your arsenal.
Limitations aren't barriers—they're catalysts for creativity and innovation.
FAQs
Q: Is Squarespace bad for SEO?
A: Quite the opposite! Squarespace offers solid SEO tools right out of the box, including customizable meta tags and clean URLs.
Q: Can I really customize Squarespace with code?
A: Yes! With custom CSS and code injection, you can push the boundaries of what's possible on Squarespace.
Q: What if my client wants more flexibility later on?
A: Squarespace scales well. For more complex needs, you can integrate third-party services or consider transitioning to Squarespace's Developer Platform.
Q: How can I make client handoff smoother?
A: Simplify the backend using tools like Summary Blocks and provide interactive guides. For more tips, read my article on Effective Client Handoffs in Squarespace.
