How Much Does a Squarespace Website Cost?
In 2023, a website isn't just an asset; it's a business necessity.
Understanding website costs
Factors influencing website costs
Squarespace web designer pricing
Budget considerations
Choosing the right Squarespace package
Additional costs to consider
Conclusion
A website is more than just a digital presence – it's a reflection of your brand, a tool for engagement, and a platform for growth.
Gone are the days when a basic 5-page website was enough. In 2023, websites have become hubs for business operations, marketing, and customer interaction. So, how much should a website cost? And what do business owners actually need?
Understanding Website Costs
In 2017, HuffPost suggested that a standard website might cost between $2,000 and $30,000 (£1,200 - £24,000). Fast forward to 2024, and WebFX indicates a range between $12,000 and $150,000 (£10,000-£120,000). This increase isn't just about inflation; it reflects a fundamental shift in the role and complexity of websites.
Today, a website is first point of contact for many potential customers, serving as a business card, booking system and lead generating machine, all rolled into one. The first impression it creates can have a lasting impact on your business's image and credibility. So, when considering the cost of a website, it's essential to weigh not just the financial outlay but the value it brings to your company.
Top 3 Factors Influencing Website Costs
Scope: The scope of your website significantly impacts the cost. A straightforward one-page site naturally demands less investment compared to a comprehensive 15+ page website. Each additional page multiplies the work that goes into layout, content, and various interactive features. And it’s not just about quantity; the complexity and customisation of each page also play a significant role in determining the cost.
Customisation: Customisation adds to the budget. If you want a site with bespoke features such as custom menu options, animations, or integrated third-party services, you’ll need to factor custom coding into the budget. Working with a Squarespace designer skilled in CSS or JavaScript can transform a basic site into a unique digital experience, but keep in mind that this level of customisation requires a higher budget.
Expertise: The skill and experience level of your Squarespace designer are perhaps the most critical factors affecting cost. A seasoned designer brings more than just technical know-how; they are able to work strategically, creating a website that resonates with your brand and audience. Remember, with expertise comes a higher price tag.
When seeking a web designer, especially for a platform like Squarespace, businesses should look for specific areas of expertise to ensure they get a website that not only looks great but also performs effectively. Here are some key examples of expertise to look for:
Proficiency with the Squarespace Platform: Look for a designer who is highly experienced with Squarespace's unique features and limitations. They should know how to leverage its design environment and customisation options to create a site that aligns with your brand and goals.
Custom Coding Skills: While Squarespace offers a range of templates that are great for DIY options, a great Squarespace designer will usually start from a blank slate integrating custom coding (CSS, HTML, and JavaScript) to set your site apart. A designer with coding skills can create unique features that aren’t available in standard templates.
SEO Knowledge: An expert in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial. They should understand how to optimise your site for search engines, from structuring content for readability to using the right keywords and implementing metadata effectively.
Responsive Design Skills: With the increasing use of mobile devices, your website must perform well across all platforms. A designer proficient in creating responsive designs ensures your site is effective and user-friendly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
User Experience (UX) Focus: A web designer with a strong grasp of UX principles can create a site that’s not only visually appealing but also intuitive and easy to navigate for visitors, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
Graphic Design Ability: Good visual design skills are essential. The designer should be able to create or select appropriate graphics, layout, colour schemes, and fonts that align with your brand and appeal to your target audience.
Content Strategy Expertise: A designer who understands content strategy can help structure your website’s content for better engagement and conversion. They should assist in creating or organising content that speaks to your audience effectively.
E-commerce Integration: If you’re planning to sell products or services online, find a designer with experience in setting up and optimising Squarespace’s e-commerce features, including payment processing, product listings, and shopping carts.
Knowledge of Current Trends: A web designer who keeps up with the latest design trends and technologies can ensure your website feels current and relevant, rather than dated.
Project Management Skills: An experienced designer should also be an effective project manager. They should communicate clearly, meet deadlines, and manage the project efficiently from start to finish.
The ideal Squarespace web designer should offer a blend of technical skills, creative ability, and strategic thinking. They should not only be able to create a visually appealing site but also ensure it's optimised for search engines, mobile-responsive, user-friendly, and aligned with your business objectives.
Squarespace Web Designer Pricing
Squarespace web design pricing can vary significantly based on several factors, primarily the level of expertise and experience of the designer. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay based on the designer’s level of expertise.
Entry-level Squarespace Website Designer
Entry-level designers usually have a basic to moderate understanding of Squarespace’s functionalities and offer simpler, less customised designs. Pricing for entry-level designers typically falls in the lower range, making them a viable option for businesses with limited budgets or those requiring basic websites without complex features.
Price Range: Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from less than £600 to around £2,000+ (depending on scope & experience).
What to Expect: Entry-level designers are suitable for straightforward projects that don’t require intricate custom coding or advanced SEO strategies. They are often better suited for creating small, simple websites or using existing Squarespace templates with minimal customisation.
Mid-weight Squarespace Designers
Mid-weight designers have a more robust portfolio and a better grasp of the Squarespace platform. They can offer more customisation and may possess some skills in areas like custom coding or SEO.
Price Range: Prices for mid-weight designers typically range from £2,000 to £4,000+.
What to Expect: This tier is often the middle ground for businesses that seek a balance between cost and customisation. Mid-weight designers can provide more tailored solutions than entry-level ones and may offer more guidance on best practices for layout, design, and basic SEO.
Expert Squarespace Website Designer
At the top end of the spectrum are expert Squarespace designers. These professionals bring a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the platform, and often additional skills such as advanced SEO, custom coding, and a strong eye for design. They can create fully customised, high-functioning websites that align closely with a business’s branding and strategic goals.
Price Range: Expert Squarespace designers typically charge from £4,000 to £20,000 and beyond, depending on the project scope & complexity.
What to Expect: Opting for an expert means you’re investing in a premium online presence. These designers can create bespoke websites with advanced features, integrations, and customisations. They are ideal for established businesses or those requiring a website to perform complex functions, such as e-commerce, intricate design elements, or extensive content strategy.
The variability in Squarespace web designer pricing reflects the diverse range of skills, experiences, and service levels available in the market. While junior designers offer affordability, expert designers bring a depth of knowledge and skill that can transform a website into a powerful business tool.
Budget Considerations
The right budget for a website varies depending on the type and size of the business, as well as its specific requirements. Understanding the trade-offs between cost and quality is essential in making an informed decision that aligns with both your business goals and budget restrictions.
Realistic Budget Expectations
Start-ups and Small Businesses: If you're just starting out or run a small business, your budget might be limited. For such cases, a junior Squarespace designer might be a suitable choice. Budgeting between £600 to £2,000 can get you a functional, aesthetically pleasing site that covers basic necessities. However, remember that a less experienced designer might not offer the same level of customisation or expertise as more seasoned professionals.
Growing Businesses: Businesses that are scaling up and require more sophisticated features, such as e-commerce capabilities or advanced SEO, should consider intermediate-level designers. A budget ranging from £2,000 to £4,000 can provide a more customised experience, improved design quality, and additional functionalities that support growth.
Established Businesses: For established businesses or those needing highly customised websites, investing in an expert Squarespace designer is advisable. These projects may require budgets exceeding £4,000, but the result is a top-tier website with advanced functionalities, bespoke designs, and the potential for a higher return on investment.
Balancing Cost and Quality
Cost vs. Customisation: Generally, the more you pay, the more customised and aligned with your brand your website can be. Higher budgets allow for more intricate designs, custom features, and advanced SEO strategies, which can significantly enhance the user experience and efficacy of your website.
Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term Value: While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, consider the long-term implications of your choice. A cheaper website might serve immediate needs but could require costly redesigns or updates in the future. Conversely, a higher initial investment in a quality website can lead to better performance, fewer future costs, and a stronger online presence.
Quality and Credibility: The quality of your website directly impacts your brand’s credibility. A well-designed, professional website can establish trust and confidence in your target audience, while a poorly designed site might deter potential customers.
Setting a realistic budget for your website project involves understanding your business needs, the level of customisation required, and the long-term value a well-crafted website brings. It’s a balance of cost, quality, and the potential return on investment. Whether you're a small startup or a large established company, choosing the right Squarespace designer within your budget can significantly contribute to your online success.
Choosing the Right Squarespace Package
Selecting the appropriate Squarespace package is crucial for aligning your website's capabilities with your business needs. Squarespace offers various packages, each designed to cater to different requirements, from basic web presence to comprehensive e-commerce solutions. Understanding what each package includes will help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Squarespace Packages
Personal Plan: Ideal for individuals or small businesses just starting out. It includes all the basic features needed for a professional web presence, such as website templates, mobile-optimised design, and SSL security. However, it limits some advanced features, such as complete customisation and e-commerce functionality.
Business Plan: A step up from the Personal Plan, the Business Plan is suited for growing businesses that need more advanced features. This plan includes everything in the Personal Plan, plus additional features like premium integrations and blocks, complete customisation with CSS and JavaScript, advanced website analytics, and the ability to sell unlimited products with a 3% transaction fee.
Basic Commerce Plan: Perfect for businesses ready to dive into online selling. This plan removes the transaction fees present in the Business Plan and adds more powerful e-commerce tools, like customer account creation, secure checkout on your domain, and powerful commerce analytics.
Advanced Commerce Plan: The most comprehensive plan, designed for businesses that need advanced e-commerce capabilities. It includes everything in the Basic Commerce Plan, plus features like abandoned cart recovery, real-time shipping rates, and advanced discounts, making it ideal for scaling e-commerce businesses.
Choosing the Best Package for Your Business
Identify Your Needs: Assess what you need from your website. Is it simply to provide information, or do you need advanced e-commerce capabilities? Your requirements will dictate which package is best for you.
Consider Your Budget: Each plan comes at a different price point. Balance the features you need against what you're willing to invest. Remember, investing in a higher plan can offer more value in the long run.
Growth Potential: Think about the future. If you anticipate your business will grow or evolve, consider a plan that allows for scalability. It's easier to start with a plan that can grow with you rather than needing to upgrade later.
E-commerce Requirements: If your business revolves around selling products or services online, consider the Basic or Advanced Commerce Plans. These offer more robust tools for managing and scaling your online store.
Evaluate the Extras: Consider the value of additional features like advanced analytics, which can provide deeper insights into your website's performance and customer behaviour.
Choosing the right Squarespace package involves a careful consideration of your business’s current needs and future growth potential. Evaluate each plan based on the features offered, your budget constraints, and your long-term business goals. Remember, the right package not only meets your current needs but also supports the future expansion of your online presence.
Additional Costs to Consider
Additional costs can vary depending on the complexity of your website and the specific features you need. Here's a breakdown of common additional costs that you might encounter:
Domain Registration: While Squarespace provides a free domain for the first year, there will be annual renewal fees thereafter. The cost can vary depending on the domain extension (.com, .net, .org, etc.) and the registrar you choose.
Custom Plugins and Integrations: Squarespace's built-in features cover a wide range of functionalities, but you might need specific plugins or integrations for advanced features. These could include third-party email marketing tools, appointment scheduling software, or e-commerce extensions. Some plugins are free, while others require a one-time purchase or a subscription.
Custom Coding: If you're aiming for a unique look or specific functionalities not available in the standard Squarespace design environment, you may need custom CSS or JavaScript coding. Hiring a developer for custom coding can significantly increase your costs, depending on the complexity of the work involved.
Professional Photography and Graphics: High-quality images and graphics are crucial for a professional-looking website. If you don't have these already, you may need to invest in professional photography or purchase stock images. Additionally, custom graphics or logo design can add to your costs.
SEO Services: While Squarespace provides basic SEO tools, for a more robust strategy, you might consider hiring an SEO expert. This could involve additional costs for keyword research, content optimisation, and ongoing SEO maintenance to improve your site's visibility and ranking.
Content Creation: Crafting compelling and engaging content for your website might require the expertise of professional copywriters, especially if you're looking to optimise your content for SEO or create a specific tone and style.
Maintenance and Updates: Regular updates and maintenance are vital to keep your website running smoothly. This might include updating content, managing security settings, or making design tweaks. If you're not handling these tasks yourself, you may need to pay for ongoing support.
Marketing and Advertising: Once your website is live, you'll likely want to invest in digital marketing and advertising to attract traffic. This can include social media marketing, pay-per-click advertising, email marketing campaigns, and more.
Conclusion
A well-designed Squarespace website can serve as a powerful tool for branding, customer engagement, and ultimately, business growth. While the initial investment might seem significant, the long-term benefits—a professional online presence, increased credibility, and improved customer reach—far outweigh the costs.
A Squarespace website offers flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for businesses of various sizes and industries. Remember, your website is often the first point of interaction with potential customers. It's your digital storefront, and making it impactful, user-friendly, and reflective of your brand's essence is crucial.
Are you ready to take your online presence to the next level with a Squarespace website that truly reflects your brand's identity and meets your business goals? At Licorne AGENCY, we specialise in creating bespoke Squarespace websites that look great, and perform even better.
Get in touch today for a personalised consultation.
Licorne Agency was founded with one goal in mind:
To offer fully managed web and branding solutions that let SMEs focus on what they do best—running their business.
If you want us to look after your website or branding, please get in touch.
