How to Become a Squarespace Designer (2025)
Table of Contents Show
You've been thinking about starting a web design business... and something about Squarespace keeps catching your eye.
Maybe you're…
Staying up late googling "how to become a web designer" (hello again, 2am research rabbit holes)
Already playing around with Squarespace but wondering if you could ACTUALLY make this a business…?
Looking for a creative career that lets you work from anywhere (✈️ digital nomad dreams, anyone?)
I get it. Four years ago, I was right where you are - googling "Squarespace designer salary" and wondering if this could actually work. (Spoiler alert: it absolutely can!)
Let me walk you through exactly how to turn those late-night dreams into a thriving Squarespace design business... even if you're starting completely from scratch.
Why Squarespace? (And Why Now?)
Here's what makes Squarespace the perfect platform for new web designers in 2025...
Think of it this way: Small business owners want beautiful, professional websites but don't want to learn code or manage complex technical details. They need something that looks amazing AND that they can actually update themselves.
(That's exactly what I was looking for when I built my first website.)
Here's what makes Squarespace perfect for designers like us:
Zero coding needed to create gorgeous custom sites (though if you want to sprinkle in some CSS later, you totally can - and now I love coding!)
Built-in professional tools that handle alllll the technical stuff (SEO, hosting, analytics... it's all there)
Templates you can customize
Super easy for clients to manage after you hand off their site (which they LOVE... seriously, this is often what seals the deal!)
Read more: The Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Squarespace Designer
1. Start With the Foundations
First things first - you need to nail down the basics before jumping into the deep end! I see so many new designers rush into client work without understanding what makes a website actually work. Take some time to learn about user experience, conversion principles, and basic SEO. Even a crash course in these foundations will put you miles ahead of designers who only focus on the graphic design part. And honestly, these skills are what clients will ultimately thank you for (and refer you for!).
The aesthetic design gets them in the door, but the strategic foundations are what make their website actually perform.
Before you dive into Squarespace, you'll want to understand:
Design principles that make websites actually work (color theory, typography, white space... all those things that seem simple but make SUCH a difference)
Basic branding concepts (because clients will ask you about this, trust me!)
User experience fundamentals (aka how to make websites that don't just look good, but actually convert!)
You don't need a design degree to get started (I definitely didn't have one!). But understanding these basics will help you create sites that actually get results for your clients.
Where to learn these skills? I started with:
Skillshare courses on design basics (perfect for lunch break learning!)
YouTube tutorials on color theory (seriously, there are some amazing free resources)
Reading articles about user experience (my favorite evening wind-down activity)
For courses, I personally took and recommend:
Squarespace Secrets and Squarespace Business (Paige Brunton)
Standout Squarespace Foundations* (Rachel De Luna, Squarestylist)
Applet Studio* Squarespace Mastery 3.0
Read more:2. Master Your Squarespace Skills
Yes, Squarespace is intuitive... but there's still plenty to learn if you want to create truly custom sites.
Squarespace looks simple on the surface, but there's a massive difference between knowing how to drag and drop a few blocks and truly mastering the platform! Spend time exploring every feature, every setting, and every customization option. Test the limits of what you can do with CSS (even if it scares you at first). Join Squarespace forums and communities to learn those insider tricks that make clients go "wow!"
Remember, when a client hits you with a tricky request, your Squarespace knowledge is what will let you confidently say "yes, I can do that" instead of panicking behind your screen.
Here's what to focus on:
Start with the basics:
Understanding the Squarespace interface
Learning how templates AND starting from scratch both actually work
Mastering blocks and sections
Getting comfortable with style settings
Then level up with:
Creating custom layouts
Custom coding
Accessibility best practices
Building responsive designs
Setting up collections and galleries
Optimizing for mobile
Read more: I learned all of this through courses mentioned above and lots of practice building sample sites.
Speaking of practice...
3. Build Your First Sites
This is where the real learning happens!
You know what's better than reading about web design? Actually doing it!
Nothing beats hands-on experience. Before you try selling your services, build at least one complete website from start to finish. It could be your own site, a pretend client, or even recreating an existing website you admire. Pay attention to the entire process - from planning the structure to adding those final touches.
What takes longer than expected?
Where do you get stuck?
These insights are key. Take screenshots as you go to document your work, and don't rush through it. This practice site is your learning playground where mistakes don't cost you clients or reputation.
Here's your action plan:
Build your own website first (yes, it will take forever and you'll change it 100 times - that's normal!)
Create 2-3 practice sites for imaginary businesses (pick different industries, but make sure they’re in your niche)
Offer to help a friend or small business owner (more on this in a minute...)
Pro tip: Document EVERYTHING as you go. Take screenshots, save your color palettes, write down your process. This will become super valuable when you start working with real clients!
4. Get Real Experience
Time to put yourself out there...
Real-world projects teach you things no tutorial ever will. If you're nervous about charging full rates right away, consider offering discounted projects to friends, family, or local small businesses in exchange for testimonials and portfolio pieces. Be upfront about being new but confident in your abilities. These early projects might not be your highest paying gigs, but they're your ticket to building a solid portfolio and client communication skills.
Ready for your first real projects? Here's how to get started without feeling overwhelmed:
Start small:
Offer to redesign a friend's website
Help a local small business
Connect with other business owners in Facebook groups
Yes, you might need to do your first project for free or at a reduced rate. Maybe.
But make sure to:
Set clear expectations
Use a proper contract (even for free work!)
Ask for testimonials
Document everything for your portfolio
Every designer started somewhere. That website you're making for your friend's dog walking business? It's teaching you skills you'll use with future clients!
5. Level Up Your Business Skills
Honestly, being a great designer is only half the equation.
Running a successful web design business isn't just about making lovely websites. You need to master the business side too! It’s sadly all too easy for amazing designers to fail because they neglect the actual business side.
Start by creating simple templates for everything - your initial client emails, your consultation questions, even how you present design concepts. These don't need to be fancy, just functional. Document your process as you go, noting what works and what doesn't with each project. This creates a flywheel effect where each client experience improves the next. And please, learn to recognize red flags in potential clients early - that skill alone saved me countless headaches and thousands of dollars in my first year.
Client Communication:
How to handle inquiries (including the sales, marketing, onboarding, process… the whole system)
Running consultations that actually convert
Setting clear boundaries (trust me, you'll thank me later!)
Managing expectations and timelines
Business Basics:
Creating proposals that win projects
Writing contracts that protect you (and your clients!)
Setting up your workflow and systems
Managing projects like a pro
Pro tip: Start setting up these systems BEFORE you're super busy. Future you will be so grateful!
Read more: Business Terminology: 70+ Terms Every Solopreneur Needs to Know
How Project Management Can Save Your Business (And Your Sanity)
Setting Boundaries in Your Business (Without Feeling Guilty)
6. Create Your Portfolio That Converts
No, it doesn't need to be perfect yet... but it does need to exist!
Start with what you have, even if that means creating concept designs for imaginary clients or redesigning existing websites as practice projects. One of the benefits of a portfolio is telling compelling stories about the challenges you solved and the results you achieved. Potential clients need to see themselves in your work, thinking "this amazing designer understands businesses like mine!” Update your portfolio after each project, and don't be afraid to remove older work as you improve. Your portfolio should be a living document that grows with your skills.
Here's what to include:
Must-Have Elements:
Your best project screenshots (even if they're practice sites!)
The story behind each project
Clear explanation of your process
Client testimonials (yes, even if they're from free projects)
How EXACTLY you helped your clients
Your services and how you help
Your portfolio will evolve as you take on more projects. Don't let perfectionism stop you from getting started.
7. Price Your Services
Let's talk money... because you're running a business, not a hobby! Pricing can feel scary when you're new. One of the mistakes I see: focusing only on what others charge rather than the unique value you bring.
Before you set any prices, get clear on what makes your offerings different - maybe it's your background in conversion psychology, your eye for typography, or your knack for translating complex ideas into clean designs. Your specific strengths should influence your pricing strategy just as much as market research. And don't forget about your ideal client - are you targeting small local businesses or established brands with bigger budgets? Your pricing should attract the clients you actually want to work with, not just anyone with a website need.
Starting Out:
Research what other designers charge
Consider your market and target clients
Factor in your time AND expertise
Don't forget about business expenses!
And if you’re curious, here’s my personal story:
My First Project Pricing
First paid project: $2,500
Three months in: $3,000
Six months in: $4,000
Now: $5,500+ per project
Remember: Your prices should grow with your experience and confidence!
But also remember: Don’t price more just because internet gurus tell you that you should. Make sure you’re putting in the time to really learn your craft, deliver a stellar client onboarding and offboarding experience, and generally just making sure you’re delivering a TON of value!
8. Market Your Services
The biggest mistake I see new designers make is waiting until they feel "ready" or "expert enough" to start marketing. But clients don't expect perfection - they're looking for someone who understands their needs and can confidently help.
Begin sharing your expertise and connecting with potential clients about 2-3 months before you actually want projects to start. This gives people time to discover you, follow your work, and reach out when they're ready. Most new designers make the mistake of only marketing when their schedule is empty, then disappearing when they get busy - creating a frustrating feast-or-famine cycle.
Start sharing what you know and connecting with potential clients early on even as you're learning. Your beginner’s perspective is valuable!
Content Creation:
Share your design knowledge on social media
Write helpful blog posts (like the ones you wish existed when you started!)
Or - create helpful YouTube videos
Create case studies from your projects
Document your journey (people love seeing behind the scenes!)
Networking:
Join Facebook or other groups where your ideal clients hang out
Connect with other designers (seriously, community over competition!)
Engage genuinely in online conversations
Share your expertise when people ask questions
Pro tip: Pick ONE marketing channel to focus on first. Better to do one thing well than five things halfway!
Read more:Resources
A Few Courses to Explore:
Square Secrets by Paige Brunton (perfect for learning Squarespace)
Square Secrets Business (for the business side of things)
Fast Track to More Clients by Danbee Shin (for finding those first clients)
Grow With SEO* by Kate Scott (because websites need to be found!)
A Few Books to Start With:
"Building a StoryBrand" (for understanding client messaging)
"The Power of Consistency" (for building sustainable habits)
"The Design of Everyday Things" (for understanding user experience)
Starting a Squarespace design business takes work, but it's absolutely doable.
What to remember:
Everyone starts at zero
You don't need to know everything to get started
Your first website won't be your best (and that's okay!)
The design community is incredibly supportive
The most important thing: Just start. Take that first step, even if it's just playing around with a practice site tonight.
Ready to begin your Squarespace design journey? Download my free "Squarespace website launch" checklist to make sure you're starting off your and your clients’ site on the right foot!
