How to Choose the Best Squarespace Template for Your Business

Choosing the right Squarespace template can shape how your brand is perceived online. Whether you're launching a consultancy, online store, portfolio, or wellness practice, your website’s design plays a critical role in converting visitors into clients. But with so many templates available—especially between versions 7.0 and 7.1—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide breaks down how to confidently choose the best Squarespace template for your business—free or premium—based on your goals, brand, and functionality needs.

1. Understand the Difference Between 7.0 and 7.1

Squarespace offers two major template versions:

• Version 7.0: Uses template families (like Brine or Bedford) with distinct style limitations. Great for users who want niche design control or are using older tutorials.

• Version 7.1: Uses a universal style system, allowing every template to be customized equally. It's more flexible and future-proof for most businesses.

✅ If you're starting fresh, choose 7.1 — it supports more modern features and styling options.

2. Define Your Website Goals

What do you want your site to do? That answer determines your layout needs:

• Lead Generation → Choose a layout with clear CTAs, form integration, and mobile responsiveness.

• Portfolio/Creative Work → Look for gallery-heavy templates with strong image handling.

• Ecommerce → Prioritize templates with a clean store layout, product filtering, and built-in checkout flow.

• Content & SEO → Go for blog-forward layouts with great readability and sidebar options.

3. Use the Built-In Template Preview Tool

Squarespace offers a live preview tool, letting you test how different templates look with demo content. As you explore:

• Check how navigation menus, buttons, and forms look

• See how templates handle mobile responsiveness

• Pay attention to font and color systems — can you customize them easily?

4. Start With a Style, Not Just a Name

Instead of hunting for the “best template,” think in visual styles:

• Minimal and clean: Ideal for consultants, therapists, or premium services (e.g., Clune, Rally)

• Bold and image-led: Perfect for photographers or wellness brands (e.g., Noll, Pulaski)

• Professional and structured: Works for agencies or business coaches (e.g., Hester, Roseti)

All of these are customizable in Squarespace 7.1—meaning your chosen template is just a starting point.

5. Free vs Premium Squarespace Templates

Squarespace provides excellent free templates in 7.1. However, premium templates—offered by expert designers or agencies—often include:

• Built-in lead funnels

• Custom branding sections

• Conversion-optimized layouts

• Strategic user journeys

• Tutorial videos and setup help

If you're short on time or design confidence, investing in a premium template can save hours and produce better results.

6. Final Tips Before You Commit

• Don't overthink – You can switch templates in 7.1 easily.

• Start building with demo content and adapt as you go.

• Use real copy and images early – This helps visualize your brand faster.

• Mobile-first – Always check your layout on mobile.

✨ Summary

The best Squarespace template for your business depends on your strategy, not just style. Begin with your business goals, use version 7.1 for flexibility, and consider upgrading to a premium layout if you need built-in conversions. With a solid template as your foundation, your website can do more than look good—it can work for you.