How to Pick the Right Squarespace Template
(Without the Overwhelm)
Let’s be honest—once you decide to DIY your website, you feel kind of proud of yourself.
You open up Squarespace, start browsing templates, and think:
“Okay, this looks easy enough.”
…Until it isn’t.
There are so. many. options.
They all look sleek and modern. You don’t know what "Brine family" even means. And suddenly you’re questioning your entire business.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need the perfect template.
You just need one that supports your business goals without sending you into design burnout.
Let’s break it down (no jargon, no fluff—just clarity).
1. Start with your website goal (not the vibe)
This is where most people get stuck.
They pick a template based on looks—because the demo is full of sleek fonts and dreamy stock photos. But that demo wasn’t made for your business.
Before you fall in love with a design, ask yourself:
👉 What do I actually need my website to do?
Are you trying to:
Book more clients?
Sell your products?
Share your portfolio?
Grow your email list?
The best Squarespace template for your business is the one that makes those actions easy.
2. Focus on the layout—not the aesthetic
Don’t let the fonts and colours distract you.
Squarespace templates are fully customizable (yes, even the parts that look locked in the demo).
What actually matters:
Where is the navigation menu?
How is the homepage structured?
Does it suit the kind of content you have?
Can you update it easily in the future?
You want a layout that makes your content easy to read, easy to navigate, and easy to trust.
3. Always check mobile view first
Here’s the reality check: most of your website visitors are on their phones.
If your gorgeous desktop design becomes chaotic on mobile? That’s a no from me.
Before you commit to a template, preview it on mobile and ask:
Can people scroll comfortably?
Is the menu intuitive?
Are the buttons and text easy to tap?
Do the sections stack in a way that makes sense?
If your content turns into a scrollathon or disappears entirely, it's not the one.
Free Squarespace templates I recommend (and why)
Squarespace has a library of free templates included in your subscription. These are fully customizable and work beautifully when paired with the right strategy.
Here are a few of my go-to free Squarespace templates for small businesses:
Paloma – Great for service-based businesses. Clear layout, strong calls to action.
Clune – A minimalist dream. Ideal for personal brands, creatives, and coaches.
Devoe – Clean and content-focused. Perfect for blogs or resource hubs.
Foster – Product-first layout. Great for small e-commerce shops.
Hyde – Bold design for modern online stores and creatives.
Cailles – Light and clean. Ideal for portfolios and photographers.
All of these are included in your Squarespace plan. No extra fees. No extra tools.
What if you want something more styled?
If you're looking for something that's more unique or styled out of the box, there are some amazing paid Squarespace templates from trusted creators.
Here are a few premium Squarespace template shops I love:
They cost more, but they come with more pre-built layouts and brand personality. Just remember: even premium templates still need strategy to truly work.
💬 Final thoughts
Choosing a Squarespace template shouldn’t make you question your entire business.
It’s not about finding the most beautiful one. It’s about choosing a layout that makes your content shine, your message land, and your audience feel like they can trust you.
Your content is what converts.
The template is just the frame that holds it together.
Still stuck? Email me (hello@msedigitaldesigns.com) what your biz does and I’ll send you 3 templates that are actually a good fit.
Emese
Squarespace Designer & Chaos-into-Clarity Wizard
