Squarespace Pros and Cons: What You Actually Need to Know

Squarespace has positioned itself as the go-to website builder for people who want beautiful sites without touching code. And to be fair, they deliver on that promise-their templates look genuinely polished out of the box.

But here's the thing: "pretty templates" doesn't tell you whether Squarespace will actually work for your business. After digging through real user experiences and testing the platform ourselves, here's the breakdown of what's actually good and what's going to frustrate you.

The Pros: Where Squarespace Actually Delivers

1. Templates That Actually Look Professional

Squarespace offers around 180+ templates, and unlike some competitors, they're all genuinely well-designed. On version 7.1 (what you'll get if you sign up today), all sites share the same template family, meaning you get access to every design feature regardless of which template you start with.

The Fluid Engine editor lets you customize layouts with drag-and-drop functionality. It's not as flexible as something like Webflow, but for most small business owners, it hits the sweet spot between customization and ease of use.

What makes Squarespace templates stand out is their attention to design detail. Every template is built with professional aesthetics in mind-proper spacing, typography that actually works, and color schemes that don't look like they came from a geocities site in the 90s.

The Fluid Engine Advantage

Released in July of 2022, Fluid Engine transformed how Squarespace sites are built. Unlike the classic editor that locked you into rigid column structures, Fluid Engine uses a grid-based system that gives you genuine drag-and-drop control.

You can now overlap elements, resize blocks by dragging corners, and position content exactly where you want it-similar to tools like Canva. The grid appears when you drag elements or press G on your keyboard, making it easy to align everything perfectly.

The biggest advantage? Independent mobile editing. Before Fluid Engine, Squarespace automatically stacked your desktop design for mobile, and you had no control over how blocks appeared on phones. Now you can customize your mobile layout separately without affecting your desktop version.

This matters because mobile accounts for over 60% of web traffic in many markets. Being able to reorder sections, resize elements, and create a truly mobile-optimized experience is a game-changer for user experience.

The only downside is that Fluid Engine isn't available everywhere-it doesn't work in blog posts, event descriptions, product additional information fields, or a few other specific areas that still use the classic editor.

2. Blueprint AI: Building Sites in Minutes

One of Squarespace's newest features is Blueprint AI, their artificial intelligence-powered website builder. Recognized by TIME as one of the "Best Inventions," Blueprint AI represents a significant leap forward in automated web design.

Unlike generic AI website builders that spit out templated garbage, Blueprint AI uses a five-step collaborative process to build genuinely customized sites. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Site Information - You enter your business name and choose your brand personality from seven options: Professional, Playful, Sophisticated, Friendly, Bold, Quirky, or Innovative. This personality choice affects everything from color schemes to the tone of AI-generated copy.

Step 2: Homepage Structure - Blueprint AI recommends sections based on your business type and goals. You can preview different layout options for each section using the Layout Switcher, giving you instant visual feedback.

Step 3: Additional Pages - Select from pre-designed page types like About, Contact, Shop, Services, Appointments, and Course pages. Each comes pre-populated with relevant content you can customize.

Step 4: Color Palette - Choose from curated color schemes that align with your brand personality. These aren't random combinations-they're professionally designed palettes that actually work together.

Step 5: Typography - Select from 14 font pairings, with two suggestions per brand personality. Each pairing has been tested for readability and visual appeal.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes and generates a website from 1.4 billion possible design combinations. The result is a fully functional site with high-quality images, brand-appropriate copy, and a cohesive design system.

What makes Blueprint AI different from other AI builders is that it's built on 20 years of Squarespace's design expertise. The AI doesn't just generate generic content-it creates websites that meet Squarespace's design standards while remaining flexible for customization.

You can still edit everything afterward using the full Squarespace editor, including the Fluid Engine. Blueprint AI is just a faster starting point that eliminates the blank page problem.

3. All-in-One Platform

Squarespace bundles hosting, SSL certificates, and website management into one package. You're not juggling separate hosting bills, security plugins, or server maintenance. Every plan includes unlimited bandwidth and storage for files and images-though video hosting is capped at 30 minutes on the Basic plan and scales up to 15 hours on the Advanced plan.

They also offer built-in tools for email campaigns (starting at $7/month), scheduling through Acuity, and basic ecommerce. It's convenient if you want everything under one roof.

The all-in-one approach means you're not dealing with plugin conflicts, compatibility issues, or the constant security updates that plague platforms like WordPress. Everything is maintained by Squarespace, and updates roll out automatically without breaking your site.

4. Solid Support

Squarespace offers 24/7 support via ticket system and live chat. In testing, their support team was responsive and helpful-they've even been known to record quick screencasts showing you exactly how to solve issues. The knowledge base is comprehensive enough that you can usually find answers without waiting.

Unlike many platforms that outsource support to lowest-bid contractors, Squarespace maintains quality control over their support team. Response times are typically measured in hours, not days.

5. Decent Blogging Features

If you're planning to blog, Squarespace's blogging tools are genuinely robust. You get multi-author functionality, post scheduling, AMP support, and a feature-rich commenting system. You can even host a podcast directly on the platform. For content-focused sites, this is a real strength.

The blog editor includes categories, tags, excerpt customization, and the ability to set featured images. You can also create multiple blogs on the same site, which is useful for businesses that want separate blogs for different topics or audiences.

6. Mobile-Responsive Out of the Box

Every template is designed to look good on mobile devices automatically. All templates have built-in responsive design that scales to fit different devices and screen sizes without extra work on your end.

With Fluid Engine, you now get even more control. You can customize your mobile layout independently from desktop, ensuring your site looks perfect on every device. This is especially important given that Squarespace maintains a "mobile-first" standard to align with search engine requirements.

7. Built-in AI Tools Throughout the Platform

Beyond Blueprint AI, Squarespace has integrated AI assistance throughout the platform through what they call "Design Intelligence." This includes:

Beacon AI - An AI assistant that helps generate SEO-friendly copy, email campaigns, and product descriptions directly within the dashboard. You can use it to create meta descriptions, alt text for images, and website copy that matches your brand voice.

AI SEO Tools - Automatically generate page titles and descriptions optimized for search engines. The system uses your brand identity and target keywords to create content that helps you rank higher.

AI Alt Text Generator - Automatically generates descriptive alt text for your images, which is critical for SEO and accessibility. This saves massive time compared to manually writing alt text for hundreds of images.

Layout Switcher - Uses AI to generate new layout recommendations as you add, remove, or edit content blocks. You can preview different arrangements with a single click.

Content Generation - Throughout the editor, you can use AI to draft, rewrite, expand, or simplify text. Just highlight text and tell the AI what changes you want.

The AI tools are designed to unlock creativity rather than replace it. They handle the mundane tasks like writing alt text and meta descriptions, freeing you to focus on strategy and unique content.

8. Strong Ecommerce Foundation (For Small Stores)

While Squarespace won't compete with Shopify for serious ecommerce operations, it offers solid basics for small sellers. You can sell unlimited products on any plan (even Basic), accept multiple payment methods, and manage inventory from a clean dashboard.

The Core plan and above include 0% Squarespace transaction fees on physical products, though payment processor fees (typically 2.9% + 30¢) still apply through Stripe or PayPal. Digital products carry higher transaction fees (5% on Core, 1% on Plus, 0% on Advanced).

Squarespace Payments is available in the US, UK, and Canada, offering fully integrated payment processing. Other payment options include Stripe (global), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna for buy-now-pay-later options.

For businesses selling a handful of products alongside services, or creators monetizing digital content, Squarespace's ecommerce tools work well without the complexity of dedicated ecommerce platforms.

9. Professional Business Tools Built In

Squarespace includes several professional features that competitors charge extra for:

Invoicing - Create and send branded invoices directly from the platform, including recurring invoice options. You can manage payments and client information all in one place.

Acuity Scheduling Integration - Built-in appointment booking that syncs with your calendar. Clients can book services, pay deposits, and receive automated reminders.

Email Campaigns - Native email marketing with templates that match your site design. Segment subscribers, automate campaigns, and track performance without leaving Squarespace.

Member Areas - Create gated content, online courses, or membership communities with recurring billing and access control.

Analytics Dashboard - Track visitor behavior, sales metrics, and conversion data with built-in analytics. No need to configure Google Analytics (though you can integrate it for more detailed tracking).

These tools transform Squarespace from a simple website builder into a complete business platform for service providers, consultants, and small online stores.

10. Regular Feature Updates

Squarespace consistently rolls out new features and improvements. Their annual "Refresh" events introduce major updates, with dozens of smaller improvements released throughout the year.

Recent additions include Finish Layer (pro-grade design tools for advanced animations), improved anchor link functionality, enhanced SEO scoring, and expanded mobile editing capabilities.

Unlike platforms that stagnate after launch, Squarespace continues investing in their product. This means your site gets better over time without requiring migrations or rebuilds.

The Cons: Where Squarespace Falls Short

1. Limited Third-Party Integrations

This is the big one. Squarespace only offers about 45-48 official extensions through their Extensions marketplace-and many are ecommerce or accounting focused. If you need to integrate a specific email marketing provider (besides Mailchimp), CRM, or marketing tool, you might be out of luck.

Compare this to platforms like WordPress with 60,000+ plugins, or Shopify with 8,000+ apps. The Squarespace Extensions marketplace feels sparse.

Available categories include:

Want to add a Facebook pixel on the Basic plan? Can't do it. Need Zapier integration? That's locked to Core and above. For businesses that rely on a tech stack of connected tools, this is a dealbreaker.

The limitation extends to custom code injection. On the Basic plan, you can't add custom CSS, JavaScript, or tracking pixels. You need the Core plan ($23/month) or higher to unlock code injection capabilities.

While third-party plugin developers like Elfsight, SquareKicker, and Will Myers offer workarounds through code snippets, these aren't officially supported by Squarespace. If something breaks, you're on your own.

2. Ecommerce Limitations for Serious Sellers

Squarespace's ecommerce features work fine for small stores, but they fall short for serious sellers. Key pain points include:

The transaction fee structure also penalizes certain business models:

If you're selling digital products like courses, memberships, or downloads, the 5% fee on the Core plan adds up fast. A creator making $3,000/month in digital sales pays $150/month in transaction fees-on top of the $23/month subscription and payment processor fees.

If ecommerce is your primary focus, platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce offer significantly more functionality. Squarespace works if you're selling a few products alongside services, but it's not built for product-first businesses.

3. No Custom CSS/JavaScript on Basic Plan

Want to go beyond Squarespace's standard visuals? On the Basic plan at $16/month (annually), you can't add custom CSS or JavaScript. That means no advanced design tweaks, no custom tracking pixels, and no adding your own features through code.

You need the Core plan at $23/month or higher to unlock code injection. For comparison, competitors like Shopify and BigCommerce give you full access to CSS and HTML on all plans.

This restriction limits your ability to:

For businesses that need custom branding or specific integrations, the Basic plan simply won't work.

4. Can't Switch Templates on 7.1

Here's something that catches people off guard: on Squarespace 7.1, you can't switch templates after you've started building. All 7.1 templates share the same underlying system, so technically you're not "locked in," but if you want a completely different look, you might need to rebuild significant portions of your site.

This is different from version 7.0, where you could switch between templates (though you'd still lose some customization). On 7.1, you change the design by adjusting styles and layouts rather than swapping templates entirely.

The Squarespace team argues this approach gives you more flexibility because you're not constrained by template-specific features. Every 7.1 site has access to all design features. But it does mean you need to get your initial design direction right, or be prepared to spend time redesigning.

5. SEO Has Some Quirks

Squarespace offers basic SEO features-customizable page titles, meta descriptions, alt tags, and Google Analytics integration. But there are known issues:

The new AI SEO Assistant helps by automatically generating optimized page titles and descriptions, and an SEO Score feature alerts you to missing metadata and alt text. But these are surface-level improvements.

For basic SEO, Squarespace is fine. For advanced optimization and content strategies, you'll hit walls quickly. WordPress with proper SEO plugins (Yoast, Rank Math, All in One SEO) will always give you more control.

6. No Backup Feature

Squarespace doesn't provide a backup feature beyond exporting product and blog data. If something goes wrong with your site-whether from a bad edit, a broken integration, or a platform glitch-there's no easy restore button.

You can export:

But you can't export your entire site design, page layouts, or custom code. If you accidentally delete a page or section, you're rebuilding it from scratch or hoping Squarespace support can help.

Competitors like Wix offer automatic site backups that let you restore to previous versions. WordPress users can install backup plugins that save complete site snapshots.

For critical business websites, this lack of backup functionality is concerning. Your best defense is creating duplicate pages before making major changes, or maintaining documentation of your customizations.

7. Pricing Climbs Quickly

The Basic plan at $16/month (annual) looks reasonable, but it's missing key features. Most businesses need at least Core at $23/month. The Advanced plan jumps to $99/month annually-or $139/month-to-month.

Also worth noting: Squarespace previously honored your sign-up rate indefinitely, but they've since changed this policy. Be prepared for pricing increases at renewal. While they typically give advance notice, your $16/month plan might not stay $16/month forever.

When you factor in additional costs, Squarespace can get expensive:

A fully-featured Squarespace setup can easily cost $100-200/month once you add necessary tools and services.

8. Limited Design Flexibility Compared to Competitors

While Fluid Engine improved design control significantly, Squarespace still lags behind platforms like Webflow or even Wix for true design freedom.

You're working within Squarespace's design system, which means:

The new Finish Layer feature (released in late 2025) adds pro-level design tools like block animations, skewing, rotating, and independent mobile layouts. But you're still working within Squarespace's framework.

For most small businesses, these constraints actually help maintain good design. But creative professionals or agencies building unique brand experiences may find Squarespace limiting.

9. No App or Mobile Editing Limitations

Squarespace offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, but functionality is limited. You can:

But you can't edit your site design using Fluid Engine from the app. For layout changes, custom styling, or adding new sections, you need a desktop browser.

This isn't unique to Squarespace-most website builders limit design editing on mobile. But if you need to make quick site updates while traveling, your options are restricted.

10. Learning Curve for Advanced Features

While Squarespace markets itself as beginner-friendly, the Fluid Engine editor has a steeper learning curve than the classic editor. New users report needing time to understand:

The increased flexibility comes with increased complexity. You can now break your design more easily by overlapping elements incorrectly, misaligning content, or creating mobile layouts that don't work.

Squarespace offers webinars, tutorials, and documentation to help, but expect to invest time learning the platform if you want professional results.

Squarespace Pricing Breakdown

Here's what you're actually looking at (prices are for annual billing):

PlanMonthly Price (Annual)Key FeaturesTransaction Fees
Basic$16Unlimited pages, basic ecommerce, no code injection, 30min video storage2% on all sales
Core$23Custom code, premium integrations, pop-ups, 5 hours video storage0% physical products, 5% digital products
Plus$39Customer accounts, advanced ecommerce, abandoned cart, 15 hours video storage0% physical products, 1% digital products
Advanced$99All features, subscriptions, API access, priority support, unlimited video storage0% all products

Monthly billing adds roughly 30-40% to these prices. All annual plans include a free custom domain for the first year (renewals are typically $20-40/year depending on the domain extension).

Payment processor fees apply to all plans regardless of Squarespace transaction fees. Squarespace Payments charges 2.9% + 30¢ on Basic and Core plans, dropping to 2.7% + 0¢ on Plus and 2.5% + 0¢ on Advanced. If you use Stripe or PayPal, their rates apply instead (typically 2.9% + 30¢).

For most small businesses, the Core plan is the sweet spot. It removes transaction fees on physical products and unlocks the integrations and customization options you'll actually need. If you're selling digital products heavily, you'll want Plus to reduce that transaction fee from 5% to 1%.

The Advanced plan makes sense for established ecommerce businesses processing significant volume, businesses selling subscriptions or memberships, or companies that need API access for custom integrations.

For detailed pricing analysis, check out our full Squarespace pricing breakdown and see if there's a Squarespace coupon available.

How Squarespace Compares on Features

Website Building

Squarespace excels at visual design and ease of use. The 180+ templates are among the best-looking in the industry, and Blueprint AI can generate a complete site in minutes. Fluid Engine provides genuine drag-and-drop editing with grid-based precision.

However, design flexibility is more limited than Webflow or WordPress with a page builder. You're working within Squarespace's design system, which maintains quality but limits creativity for advanced users.

Ecommerce Capabilities

For small stores selling products alongside services, Squarespace works well. You get unlimited products, basic inventory management, discount codes, and integration with major payment processors.

But it lacks features serious sellers need: multi-currency support, advanced inventory management, sophisticated shipping rules, extensive third-party integrations, and robust analytics. Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce are better choices for dedicated online stores.

Blogging and Content

Squarespace's blogging platform is surprisingly strong. Multi-author support, scheduled publishing, categories and tags, commenting systems, and AMP support make it suitable for content-focused sites.

SEO capabilities are basic but functional. You can customize meta data, alt text, and URL slugs. The new AI tools help generate optimized content. But WordPress with proper SEO plugins offers more advanced capabilities for content marketing strategies.

Business Tools

Built-in invoicing, scheduling (via Acuity), email campaigns, and member areas transform Squarespace into a complete business platform for service providers. This integration is cleaner than cobbling together separate tools.

The analytics dashboard provides useful insights without requiring Google Analytics setup (though you can integrate it for deeper data).

Performance and Reliability

Squarespace handles hosting, security, and uptime automatically. Sites are fast and reliable without requiring optimization plugins or caching configurations. SSL certificates are included and automatically renewed.

The managed hosting approach means you're not dealing with server administration, security patches, or technical maintenance.

Support and Resources

24/7 customer support via chat and email is genuinely helpful. Response times are quick, and support agents often create custom video tutorials for your specific issues.

The knowledge base is comprehensive, and Squarespace offers regular webinars for learning the platform. A large community of designers and developers creates tutorials and shares solutions.

Who Should Use Squarespace

Squarespace makes sense for:

Who Should Skip Squarespace

Look elsewhere if you:

Squarespace vs. Alternatives

Not sure if Squarespace is right for you? Here's how it compares:

Squarespace vs. Wix

Wix offers more apps (over 800 vs. Squarespace's 45), a free plan, and more design flexibility with their ADI builder. The app market means you can add almost any functionality you need.

However, Squarespace templates are generally more polished and professional-looking. Wix sites can look amateurish if you're not careful with design. Wix's editor also uses absolute positioning, which can create mobile responsiveness issues.

Squarespace wins for design-focused businesses and creative professionals. Wix wins for businesses needing extensive third-party integrations or wanting to start with a free plan.

See our Squarespace vs Wix comparison for detailed analysis.

Squarespace vs. WordPress

WordPress is infinitely more flexible with 60,000+ plugins and complete customization control. It's better for SEO, content marketing, complex functionality, and scalability.

But WordPress requires more maintenance-plugin updates, security patches, hosting management, and compatibility troubleshooting. You're responsible for keeping everything working.

Squarespace is fully managed with no maintenance required. Updates roll out automatically without breaking your site. It's simpler but less flexible.

WordPress wins for businesses with technical resources or complex requirements. Squarespace wins for businesses wanting simplicity and professional design without ongoing maintenance.

See our Squarespace vs WordPress breakdown for more details.

Squarespace vs. Shopify

Shopify is purpose-built for ecommerce and wins decisively for serious online stores. It offers superior inventory management, abandoned cart recovery on all plans, multi-currency selling, extensive shipping options, and 8,000+ apps for any functionality you need.

Squarespace wins for businesses where ecommerce is secondary to content or services. If you're primarily a service business that also sells some products, Squarespace's integrated approach is cleaner than adding Shopify to the mix.

Shopify wins for product-first businesses. Squarespace wins for content-first businesses with light ecommerce.

See our Squarespace vs Shopify comparison for detailed analysis.

Squarespace vs. Webflow

Webflow offers significantly more design control and is preferred by professional web designers building unique, custom sites. You can create complex animations, interactions, and layouts that Squarespace can't match.

But Webflow has a much steeper learning curve. It's essentially a visual development platform that generates clean code. Non-technical users often struggle with it.

Squarespace is more accessible for beginners while still producing professional results. Webflow is for design professionals or businesses willing to invest significant time learning the platform.

Webflow wins for design agencies and professionals needing maximum creative control. Squarespace wins for small business owners wanting professional results without technical expertise.

See our Squarespace vs Webflow analysis for more details.

Squarespace vs. GoDaddy

GoDaddy offers cheaper starting prices (around $10/month) but with more limited features. Their website builder is simple but less sophisticated than Squarespace.

Squarespace costs more upfront but offers superior templates, better design tools, and more advanced features for creatives and businesses wanting a polished presence.

GoDaddy wins for budget-conscious businesses with basic needs. Squarespace wins for businesses prioritizing design quality and professional appearance.

Real User Experiences: What People Actually Say

Based on user reviews and community feedback, here are common themes:

What Users Love

"The templates are genuinely beautiful" - This is the most consistent praise. Users appreciate that they can create professional-looking sites without design skills.

"Customer support actually helps" - Multiple users mention support going above and beyond, creating custom videos and staying with issues until resolved.

"Everything works together" - The integrated approach means no plugin conflicts or compatibility issues. Everything just works.

"Updates don't break things" - Unlike WordPress where updates can break custom code, Squarespace updates roll out smoothly.

What Users Hate

"Integration limitations are frustrating" - This is the most common complaint. Businesses hit walls when their required tools don't integrate.

"Fluid Engine learning curve is steep" - Users transitioning from the classic editor report frustration learning the new system.

"Can't export the full site" - Businesses wanting to migrate off Squarespace discover they can only export blog posts and product data, not the complete site design.

"Transaction fees add up" - Sellers of digital products on lower plans complain that the 5% transaction fee significantly impacts profitability.

"Price increases at renewal" - Users who signed up years ago at lower rates report frustration with forced plan migrations and price increases.

Getting Started: First Steps with Squarespace

If you've decided to try Squarespace, here's how to start effectively:

1. Take Advantage of the Free Trial

Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. This gives you full access to build and test your site before committing to paid plans.

Use this time to:

2. Choose Your Starting Method

You have three options when starting:

Blueprint AI Builder - Best for users who want guided setup and AI-generated content. Takes about 10 minutes and creates a complete site you can customize.

Template Selection - Best for users who see a template that perfectly matches their vision. Browse by industry or style.

Blank Canvas - Best for experienced designers who want to build from scratch using Fluid Engine.

Most beginners should start with Blueprint AI or a template. You can always customize extensively afterward.

3. Plan Your Content Structure

Before diving into design, outline:

Having this mapped out makes the building process faster and more focused.

4. Gather Your Assets

Collect before you start building:

The AI tools can help generate content, but having your actual brand assets ready produces better results.

5. Focus on Mobile First

With Fluid Engine's independent mobile editing, design your desktop version first, then switch to mobile view and optimize specifically for smaller screens. Don't assume the automatic responsive behavior is good enough-test and adjust.

6. Use AI Tools Strategically

The AI assistants work well for:

But always review and personalize AI-generated content. It's a starting point, not a final product.

7. Test Before Publishing

Before going live:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' errors saves time and frustration:

1. Starting on the Wrong Plan

Many users start on the Basic plan thinking they'll upgrade later, only to discover they need code injection or integrations immediately. If you know you'll need custom code or premium integrations, start with Core.

2. Not Backing Up Content Externally

Since Squarespace doesn't offer site backups, maintain your own copies of important content, custom code, and design documentation. If something goes wrong, you'll be grateful.

3. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Don't just check that your mobile site works-optimize it specifically. Reorder sections, adjust text sizes, and simplify navigation for mobile users.

4. Over-Using Templates Sections

Templates come with pre-built sections, but you don't need to use them all. Remove what you don't need and focus on the content that matters to your business.

5. Not Planning for SEO from the Start

Set up proper page titles, meta descriptions, and alt text as you build. Going back to add SEO elements later is time-consuming and easy to miss pages.

6. Choosing the Wrong Template

Pick a template based on the features you need, not just aesthetics. Some templates are better for ecommerce, others for portfolios. Starting with the right foundation saves work later.

7. Not Testing Integrations Early

If your business depends on specific integrations, test them during your free trial. Don't build your entire site only to discover your critical tool doesn't integrate.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

Once you're comfortable with Squarespace basics, these advanced techniques unlock more capability:

Custom Code Injection

On Core plans and above, use code injection to add:

Inject code at the site-wide level (Settings > Advanced > Code Injection) or page-specific level (Page Settings > Advanced).

Using Third-Party Plugins

Developers like SquareKicker, Will Myers, Beyondspace, and others create plugins that extend Squarespace functionality. These aren't officially supported, but popular options include:

Research carefully before adding third-party code. Use reputable developers and test thoroughly.

Leveraging the API

The Advanced plan includes API access, allowing custom integrations and automation. Use cases include:

This requires development skills but opens possibilities beyond the standard interface.

Advanced SEO Techniques

Beyond basic optimization:

Membership Site Strategies

If building a membership site:

The Bottom Line

Squarespace is a solid website builder for people who prioritize design and simplicity over flexibility and advanced features. The templates genuinely look professional, the all-in-one approach reduces headaches, and for the right use case, it's worth the price.

The addition of Blueprint AI and Fluid Engine significantly improved the platform, making it easier to build beautiful sites quickly while maintaining quality standards. The integrated business tools transform Squarespace from a simple website builder into a complete platform for service businesses and small online stores.

But it's not for everyone. If you need serious ecommerce capabilities, extensive third-party integrations, advanced SEO control, or maximum design flexibility, you'll bump into limitations. The platform is modern and easy to use for beginners, but it can feel restrictive as your needs grow.

The 45-app extension marketplace is the most significant limitation. Businesses with complex tool stacks or specific integration requirements should verify compatibility before committing. The lack of multi-currency support eliminates international sellers. The backup limitation creates risk for mission-critical websites.

For creative professionals, service businesses, consultants, small stores, and anyone prioritizing design quality over technical flexibility, Squarespace delivers excellent value. The managed hosting eliminates technical headaches. The design system ensures professional results even for non-designers. The integrated tools cover most small business needs without cobbling together separate services.

For product-first businesses, international sellers, content marketing teams running sophisticated SEO strategies, or businesses needing extensive customization and integrations, other platforms serve you better.

The 14-day free trial lets you test everything before committing. Start there, build out a few pages, test your critical integrations, and see if the limitations matter for your specific situation. Blueprint AI can generate a complete site in 10 minutes, giving you a realistic preview of what's possible.

Most users either love Squarespace for its simplicity and design quality or hit frustrating limitations around integrations and customization. Knowing which camp you'll fall into depends on your specific business requirements and technical comfort level.

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Already tried Squarespace? Read our full Squarespace review from actual users, or check out the Squarespace tutorial to see if the platform fits your workflow. Looking for more options? Browse our guide to the best website builders for small business or explore Squarespace alternatives.