What’s worth knowing in the Squarespace world.
For designers, developers, and people building businesses around Squarespace.
GhostPlugins Squarespace Template Review
I always thought using templates was kinda like cheating. Not that I ever objected to them, but you definitely get a an advantage starting with a website template vs. starting from scratch.
It’s what attracted me to Squarespace back in 2012. At the time there were a handful of templates that were really clean, really dope, and weren't as popular online as they are now.
One thing I anticipated was that one day, people would want more templates, templates that are outside the box and Ghost delivers on that.
If you’re interested in browsing even more 3rd party Squarespace templates you can check out our directory here.
Anyway back to the review.
I recently announced I’d be launching or should I say reviving a new Squarespace themed brand at Sqsp.Guru.
I thought it’d be dope to have a signature template associated with the site.
Introducing GhostPlugins Guru Template
GhostPlugins is a little over a year old, and have already built up a huge catalog of free plugins and now paid templates. I recently interviewed founder, Cody Draiken on the Unofficial Squarespace Entrepreneur podcast to get behind the scenes of he and his team Moov and iterate so quickly.
I got to learn first hand when just 3 days after my announcement I get a message in my inbox with a link to the Guru Template.
Nice!
Pricing
GhostPlugins Templates are $250. But you can get access to their entire rapidly growing selection by joining Ghost+ or Ghost Mini for $199/mo or $99/mo respectively.
How it works and what you get
Once you check out they promise to have your template sent to you fully installed in under 24 hours.
I got mine in 10 minutes.
Your template includes special read me page which includes info on how to customize your template (no different than any other Squarespace template).
Any additional CSS is included along with a link to download all the assets.
Support
I haven’t had to use support but if I did I’m confident I’d get whatever help I need.
Final thoughts
I’m actually really excited to customize it. You’ll see the final result in another month at Sqsp.Guru so subscribe over there for updates.
Your Guide to Hiring the Best Squarespace Website Designer for Your Project
What to expect, where to look, and how to find the right fit for your project
Squarespace is a fantastic platform for building your own website—but sometimes, DIY isn’t the best use of your time (or energy).
Whether you’re launching a new business, refreshing an outdated site, or just want a polished, professional design, hiring a Squarespace website designer can make all the difference.
If you’ve ever asked:
“Can someone build my Squarespace website for me?”
“Where do I find a good Squarespace designer?”
“How much does a Squarespace website cost?”
…this guide is for you.
Can Squarespace Build My Website for Me?
Not directly. Squarespace is designed as a DIY website builder, but they don’t offer in-house design services. To get a custom site without doing it yourself, you’ll need to hire a Squarespace designer or developer.
What exactly does a Squarespace designer do?
A Squarespace designer is a web professional who specializes in building, customizing, and optimizing websites using the Squarespace platform.
Here’s what they bring to the table:
Custom Design – Beyond templates: brand-aligned layouts, typography, and visuals.
User Experience (UX) – Intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and clean flow.
Conversion Strategy – Smart placement of CTAs, lead capture tools, and booking integrations.
Technical Help – Styling, code tweaks, SEO setup, integrations, and more.
Ongoing Support – Site updates, edits, and consulting to help you grow long-term.
Hiring a pro saves you time, stress, and often money in the long run.
But isn't Squarespace supposed to be easy? Why hire a pro?
Good question! Squarespace is beginner-friendly, but…
You have better things to do than drag and drop blocks for hours.
Templates look the same. A designer helps your brand stand out.
They know the platform inside out—and can bend it further than most people realize.
So how do you find the designer that’s right for you?
There are a lot of Squarespace freelancers and agencies out there. Finding the right one comes down to three things:
1. Know What You Need
Are you looking for:
A designer (visual, layout, brand styling)?
A developer (custom code, advanced features)?
Some pros do both, but many specialize—so clarify your needs upfront.
2. Use This Checklist
Here’s what to look for:
Portfolio Fit – Does their work align with your style?
Squarespace Mastery – Look for platform-specific experience (not just general web design).
Clear Communication – They should listen well, explain clearly, and respect timelines.
Transparent Pricing – Ask about packages, hourly rates, and what’s included.
Client Reviews – Testimonials reveal a lot about the working relationship.
Where to Find Squarespace Designers
1. Squarespace Marketplace
The official expert directory: vetted pros with verified experience.
➡️ Search the directory here
2. Upwork
Find freelance Squarespace designers and developers of all experience levels.
Best for: Custom builds, ongoing support, and niche expertise.
Tip: Use filters to narrow by rating, location, and skillset.
3. Fiverr
Budget-friendly gigs and fast turnaround options.
Best for: Quick edits, small projects, or starter websites.
Tip: Choose based on reviews and real portfolio examples.
4. Facebook Groups
Try communities like:
Squarespace Circle Community
These are full of freelancers, designers, and folks who’ve hired them
💸 How Much Does a Squarespace Website Cost?
It depends. But here’s a general breakdown:
| Project Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Quick edits or tweaks | $50 – $300 |
| Basic site (1–3 pages) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Full custom design | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Ongoing support / consulting | $75 – $150/hr |
Factors that affect cost:
Number of pages
E-commerce setup
Custom features or code
Whether you provide content upfront
Designer’s experience + location
⏱️ How Long Does It Take to Build a Squarespace Site?
It can be done in a day… or take up to 8 weeks, depending on the scope.
Fast-track options: Some designers offer VIP Days or 1-day build packages.
Workshops: I personally offer a 1-day workshop where you can build your own site with guidance.
Full custom projects: Usually take 3–8 weeks (longer if content or feedback is delayed).
Pro tip: Projects move faster when you provide content (images, copy, logos) early.
✋ Final Tips Before You Hire
Don’t just go by price. The cheapest option can cost you more in fixes later.
Ask questions about process, timelines, revisions, and support.
Make sure your goals are clear—and that your designer understands them.
👋 Need a Recommendation?
If you’re looking for a Squarespace expert and not sure where to start, feel free to reach out here.
Tell me a little about your project, and I’ll help point you in the right direction.
🔎 TL;DR – FAQs
Can someone build my Squarespace website for me?
Yes—but it won’t be Squarespace itself. You’ll hire a freelancer or agency that specializes in it.
How do I find a good Squarespace designer?
Use the official marketplace, freelance sites like Upwork, or communities like Square Design Guild and Facebook groups.
How much does it cost?
Anywhere from $500 to $5,000+, depending on your needs.
How long does it take?
1 day to 8 weeks—depends on project complexity, content, and collaboration.
How I Used Google Ads to Get 24 Squarespace Leads in 14 Days
Real campaign breakdown + lessons learned
Results
The Challenge
Most solopreneurs shy away from Google Ads.
They either think:
“Ads are for big brands.”
Or:
“I don’t want to pay just to maybe get leads.”
I used to feel the same. But as a marketer, I believe in testing everything I recommend.
So I ran a Google Search Ads campaign to generate leads for a specific offer:
my Squarespace Tweaks Service.
My goal?
Get at least one paying client per $100 spent.
Even just breaking even would be a win—because I'd learn what works.
Here’s what happened.
The Strategy
Before spending a cent, I set a simple framework:
Max budget per lead: $100
Target cost per click (CPC): $5 or less
Goal: At least 1 sale per 20 clicks
This meant I’d need:
Targeted keywords (based on buyer intent)
Ad copy that aligned with that intent
A landing page that sealed the deal
🔍 Step 1: Keyword Research
I focused on keywords people type in when they need help now—not just when browsing.
Here were my core keywords:
“Squarespace developer”
“Squarespace designer”
“Squarespace help”
“Squarespace expert”
These keywords are high intent. If someone’s searching these, they’re already in solution-seeking mode.
✍🏽 Step 2: Writing the Ads
Each ad set matched a specific keyword theme.
The copy was simple, direct, and benefits-focused:
"Hire a Squarespace Developer – Get Help Today"
"Need Squarespace Help? Custom Fixes, Fast Turnaround."
Every ad promised clarity and relief:
✔️ Fast help
✔️ Real expert
✔️ No more DIY stress
📄 Step 3: Landing Page
This is what sealed the deal.
Here’s the original page I sent leads to:
(Yes, that’s a throwback—but it worked.)
What I focused on:
Empathy first: “Need help with Squarespace? You’re not alone.”
Clear offer: Quick turnaround Squarespace fixes
Trust builders: Testimonials front and center
The real conversion driver?
✨ Candid, real testimonials
People trusted them. They saw themselves in the stories.
📊 Step 4: Conversion Tracking
No point running ads if you don’t track results.
I set up a thank-you page and added Google’s conversion tracking tag there.
When someone filled out the form, they were redirected to that page—so I knew exactly which clicks turned into leads.
📈 The Results
I ran the campaign for 14 days.
Budget: ~$10/day
Total leads: 24
Inbox status: Blessed 🙌🏽
(Redacted screenshot of my inbox with Squarespace inquiries)
I paused the campaign early—not because it wasn’t working, but because I got too many leads to handle.
🧠 Biggest Takeaway
Every part of the funnel has to feel like an answer to your prospect’s prayer.
From the search term they type...
to the ad headline they click...
to the page they land on...
…it all has to say:
“Yes. This is exactly what I needed.”
Want Help Setting This Up?
If you’d like help setting up your first lead generation campaign (with or without ads), I offer strategy consults.