Squarespace Requirements

Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for building websites, so it generally handles a lot of the technical requirements for you (like hosting and SSL certificates). However, there are a few basic things you'll need:

  1. A Squarespace Account: You'll need to create a Squarespace account. You can start with a free 14-day trial, which doesn't require a credit card. To publish your website and use a custom domain, you'll need to subscribe to a paid Squarespace plan.

  2. Internet Access and a Web Browser: You'll need a reliable internet connection to access the Squarespace platform and build your website. Squarespace is a web-based platform, so you'll use a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to interact with it. Ensure your browser is up to date for the best experience.

  3. Content for Your Website:

    • Text: All the written content for your pages (About Us, Services, Blog posts, etc.).

    • Images and Media: High-quality images, videos, and other media to make your site visually appealing. Squarespace has partnerships with Unsplash and Getty Images for stock photos, but you'll likely want your own unique content.

    • Branding Elements: If you have a logo, brand colors, and specific fonts, you'll want those ready to upload and apply to your site.

  4. A Domain Name (Optional, but Recommended): While your Squarespace trial site will have a built-in .squarespace.com URL, a custom domain (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com) is highly recommended for professionalism and branding. You can register a new domain directly through Squarespace (often included for free for the first year with an annual plan) or connect an existing domain you own from another provider.

  5. Payment Information (for Paid Plans): Once your trial ends and you're ready to publish, you'll need to provide payment information for your chosen Squarespace subscription plan.

  6. Understanding of Your Website's Purpose: Before you start, it's helpful to have a clear idea of what you want your website to achieve (e.g., sell products, showcase a portfolio, share a blog, provide information about your business). This will help you choose the right template and organize your content effectively.

No Coding Knowledge Required (Mostly!): One of the main advantages of Squarespace is that you don't need any coding knowledge. It's a drag-and-drop platform with customizable templates, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. However, for certain third-party integrations (like embedding a Google Calendar or other custom widgets), you might need to copy and paste pre-generated HTML or JavaScript code snippets into a Squarespace Code or Embed Block. This usually involves no actual coding from scratch, just careful placement of provided code, though minor adjustments might be needed to fine-tune its appearance.

Device Recommendation: You will need a desktop or laptop computer to build your Squarespace site for the best experience and full functionality of the editor. Tablets and phones are not recommended for building the actual site but can be helpful in previewing the experience and look of the site on these devices.

Cost Considerations: Beyond the base Squarespace subscription, there are additional costs to be aware of:

  • Ecommerce Features: Building an online shop, especially with advanced features like abandoned cart recovery or subscriptions, typically requires upgrading to a higher-tier Squarespace plan (e.g., Commerce Basic or Advanced Commerce). These plans often come with lower or zero transaction fees from Squarespace itself, though payment processor fees (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) will still apply.

  • Third-Party Apps/Extensions: While Squarespace offers many built-in features, you might want to integrate specific third-party applications (known as "Extensions" on Squarespace, or other external services). For example, Acuity Scheduling (Squarespace's integrated scheduling solution) requires its own separate subscription plan, even if you have a Squarespace website. Many other third-party extensions or services may also have their own monthly or annual fees. Always check the pricing for any external tools you plan to use.

  • Domain Renewal: After the first free year with an annual plan, your custom domain will require an annual renewal fee.

It's highly recommended to check the Squarespace pricing page for the most current and detailed information on plan features, transaction fees, and any additional costs for specific functionalities or integrated services.

In essence, the primary requirements for Squarespace are a desire to build a website, access to a desktop/laptop computer and the internet, and your content. Be mindful of potential additional costs for advanced features and third-party integrations.

Helpful Links:
www.squarespace.com
squarespace.com/pricing
support.squarespace.com/hc
Google Calendar (May require Google Workspace if addition features required)
acuityscheduling.com (Online Booking Schedule)