How to Build a Website in Squarespace (That Actually Works for Your Business)
If you’ve been Googling how to build a website in Squarespace, you’ve probably realised there’s no shortage of tutorials out there. But here’s the thing….most of them show you how to click around the platform, not how to create a website that’s going to actually grow your business.
As a Squarespace website designer, I’ve built dozens of high-converting sites for coaches and service providers. And here’s my hot take: Squarespace is one of the best website builders out there if you use it strategically.
So, let’s break down how to build a website in Squarespace that’s not just beautiful -but also gets results.
1. Start With a Clear Website Strategy
Before you even touch a template or the web builder, you need clarity on:
Your target audience -Who are you speaking to, and what are they struggling with?
Your website goals - More discovery calls? Email sign-ups? Download a freebie?
Your core message - What do you want visitors to know, feel, and do?
Without this, you’ll end up with a pretty but pointless website. Squarespace gives you the tools - but strategy is what makes them work for you.
2. Choose the Right Squarespace Template
Squarespace templates aren’t all created equal. Some are better for photographers, some for restaurants, and some (my favourites) are perfect for coaches and service-based businesses.
When choosing:
Look for clean, flexible designs that can grow with your business.
Make sure the template is mobile-friendly (most are, but double-check).
Don’t obsess over colours and fonts - you can change those later.
3. Customise Your Design
Here’s where your brand personality comes in. Update:
Fonts to reflect your brand’s tone - serif for elegant, sans-serif for modern.
Colours that align with your brand palette and appeal to your audience.
Images that are high-quality and tell your story (no cheesy stock photos, please).
Pro tip: Consistency is everything. Your Squarespace website design should match your social media, marketing materials, and overall brand vibe.
4. Build Your Core Pages
A strategic Squarespace website usually includes:
Home Page - First impressions count. Show your value and connect with visitors straight away.
About Page - Connect with your audience on a personal level and share your story.
Services Page - Clearly outline what you offer, why it matters and how to book.
Contact Page - Make it easy for people to get in touch.
Blog - Helps with SEO and positions you as an expert in your field.
Each page should have a clear call-to-action - because your website’s job is to guide visitors towards taking the next step.
5. Add the Essentials
Squarespace makes it easy to integrate:
Booking forms or scheduling tools like Acuity (built-in).
Email sign-up forms linked to your email marketing platform.
Social links so people can connect with you beyond your site.
SEO settings for each page - update your page titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
6. Optimise for SEO
If you want your Squarespace website to show up on Google, you’ll need to do more than just publish it.
Make sure to:
Use your target keywords naturally throughout your copy.
Add alt text to images that describes the content.
Create keyword-rich headings and subheadings.
Link to other relevant pages on your site.
Publish fresh content regularly (blogging is your SEO best friend).
7. Test Before You Launch
Click through every page. Test every link. View your site on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Ask a friend (or better yet, a potential client) to navigate your site and give feedback.
8. Publish & Promote
Once your site is live, don’t just wait for traffic - share it everywhere:
Post it on your social channels.
Email your list.
Add it to your email signature.
Tell people about it on discovery calls and in networking groups.
Squarespace Works When You Work It
Learning how to build a website in Squarespace is straightforward. Building one that actually books clients? That’s where strategy comes in.
If you’re a coach or service provider and you want a site that’s done right from the start, I can help you create a strategic Squarespace website that reflects your brand and converts visitors into dream clients.