If you’re thinking about creating a website and wondering how much it might cost to build one on Squarespace, you’re not alone. Whether you’re starting a blog, launching an online store, or creating a portfolio to showcase your work, Squarespace has become a popular platform for building websites due to its ease of use and sleek templates. But like any other service, the cost can vary based on what you’re looking for. So, how much does a Squarespace website really cost? Let’s break it down.
What is Squarespace?
Before diving into the costs, let’s quickly clarify what Squarespace is. In a nutshell, Squarespace is a website builder that allows you to create websites without needing to know how to code. You can choose from a variety of customizable templates, add your own content, and have a professional-looking website up and running fairly quickly. Plus, it’s packed with useful features like eCommerce options, SEO tools, and analytics.
Understanding the Pricing Tiers
Squarespace offers a few pricing plans, each designed to meet different needs. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in each plan and how much they cost.
1. Personal Plan – $16/month
The Personal plan is ideal for individuals who want a simple, professional website. It includes:
- Free custom domain for the first year (after that, it’s $20/year)
- Unlimited bandwidth and storage
- 24/7 customer support
- Mobile-optimized website
- SSL security certificate (important for keeping your site secure)
- SEO features to help your site show up in search results
However, the Personal plan does not include eCommerce features, so if you’re planning to sell products, you might want to consider a higher-tier plan.
2. Business Plan – $23/month
The Business plan is a great choice for small businesses or people who want more functionality on their websites. It includes everything in the Personal plan, plus:
- Ability to sell products (eCommerce)
- $100 in Google Ads credits to promote your site
- Premium integrations and blocks (e.g., marketing tools)
- Transaction fees of 3% on sales
If you plan to run a small online store or want to use your site for business purposes, the Business plan is a great option.
3. Basic Commerce Plan – $27/month
If you’re serious about building an online store, the Basic Commerce plan might be right for you. This plan includes everything in the Business plan, but with added perks like:
- No transaction fees (so you get to keep all your profits)
- More powerful eCommerce features, including inventory management
- Advanced shipping options
- Customer accounts
- A professional email from Google
It’s perfect for growing businesses that want to focus on their online store without worrying about transaction fees eating into their profits.
4. Advanced Commerce Plan – $49/month
For those who want the most robust set of features, the Advanced Commerce plan offers everything in the Basic plan, plus even more eCommerce tools, such as:
- Advanced shipping and discount options
- Priority customer support
- The ability to sell subscriptions
- Enhanced reporting
This plan is great for larger businesses or people who need a highly functional online store with advanced features.
Additional Costs to Consider
While Squarespace’s pricing is pretty straightforward, there are a few additional costs you might want to keep in mind when planning your budget.
1. Domain Name
As mentioned earlier, you get a free custom domain for the first year with any Squarespace plan (except for the personal plan). After that, it will cost you about $20 per year to renew your domain. You can also purchase domain names through Squarespace if you don’t already own one.
2. Email Marketing
Squarespace also offers email campaigns, which can be a great way to keep in touch with your audience. The pricing for email campaigns is based on the number of emails you send per month:
- 0–500 emails: $5/month
- 500–1,000 emails: $10/month
- 1,000–5,000 emails: $20/month
This is an optional cost but can be important if you’re trying to grow your audience.
3. Third-Party Apps and Integrations
If you want to add more features to your website, Squarespace has an array of third-party apps and integrations available. These might include things like additional marketing tools, social media integrations, or advanced eCommerce solutions. While many of these integrations are free, some may come with their own subscription fees.
4. Professional Services
If you don’t have the time or inclination to build the site yourself, you can hire a Squarespace expert to help you. This can range from a simple consultation to a full custom website build. Depending on the complexity of your project, the cost can vary widely, but expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour for professional services.
Is It Worth the Price?
Now that you know the costs involved, you might be wondering: is it worth it?
Squarespace is a fantastic option for individuals or businesses that want to create a beautiful, functional website without breaking the bank. It’s especially valuable for people who aren’t tech-savvy because of how user-friendly the platform is. You get a lot for your money, including responsive templates, built-in SEO tools, and the ability to set up an online store—all without any coding skills.
However, there are some downsides to consider. For example, the pricing is a bit higher than other website builders like Wix or WordPress.com. Also, Squarespace’s customization options, while great for most users, may not be as flexible as WordPress if you’re looking for extreme customizability.
How to Save on Squarespace Costs
While Squarespace isn’t the cheapest option available, there are a few ways to save:
- Commit to a longer plan: If you sign up for a year or more, you can save money compared to paying month-to-month.
- Look for promotions: Squarespace occasionally offers discounts, especially during special sales events. Keep an eye out for these deals if you want to save a little extra cash.
- Use free tools: Squarespace offers a ton of free tools and integrations, so try to stick with those to keep your costs down.
Final Thoughts
Building a Squarespace website can be as affordable or as expensive as you want it to be. The cost ultimately depends on the type of website you need and the features you require. For individuals or small businesses, Squarespace offers excellent value with its easy-to-use platform and all-in-one packages. Whether you’re starting a personal blog or an online store, you’ll find a plan that fits your needs.
The key is understanding what you need from your website and selecting the plan that best meets those needs. So, take your time, do your research, and soon enough, you’ll have a beautiful website up and running without breaking the bank.
Do you have any experiences with Squarespace? Share your thoughts or ask any questions below!