Overwhelmed by Tech? Here’s How to Easily Customize Your Squarespace Template
Hey there! So, you’ve just snagged one of my shiny Squarespace templates from my shop and you're super excited to get started.
But then it hits you—you’re not exactly tech-savvy. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! Customizing your website doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, it can be fun and surprisingly simple once you know where to start.
This guide is here to hold your hand (metaphorically, of course) through the entire process. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s turn that beautiful template into an amazing website that feels just like you.
(And if you haven’t yet decided whether or not one of my squarespace templates is a good fit for you, check out this post I made to help you decide)
→ Template vs. DIY, Which is Best for You?
Customizing Your Squarespace Site Is a Breeze
You’re Not Alone
First off, take a deep breath.
I’ve designed these templates with beginners in mind. You’re not expected to be a tech wizard to make your website look amazing.
If you can drag and drop, you can customize your site. We all start somewhere, and you’re doing great just by taking this step.
Specifically Designed for Tech-Phobic Folks
I know the thought of customizing a website can be daunting, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. But trust me, you’ve got this! The templates are built to be incredibly user-friendly, with intuitive controls and straightforward instructions.
If you can use a smartphone, you can handle this. The best part? You don’t need any coding skills at all. It’s all about clicking, dragging, and dropping.
User-Friendly Interface
Squarespace is built to be intuitive. The interface is clean and straightforward, which means you won’t be bombarded with tech jargon or complicated steps.
Everything is laid out in a way that makes sense, even if you’re not tech-savvy. Think of it as decorating a room: you have all the pieces, and you just need to arrange them to your liking.
What Tech Skills Do You Really Need to Customize a Squarespace Template?
To further ease your nerves, here's a concrete list of the basic tech skills you'll need to customize your template:
Basic Computer Skills
If you can browse the internet, use email, and manage files on your computer, you're all set.
Clicking and Dragging
Most of the customization involves clicking on different options and dragging elements around on the page.
Typing
Adding text to your website is as simple as typing in a document.
Uploading Files
You'll need to know how to upload images and documents from your computer. It's as easy as attaching a file to an email.
Following Instructions
The templates come with straightforward, step-by-step instructions that guide you through each customization process.
See? It’s nothing you haven’t done before in your daily computer use. Plus, every step is designed to be as intuitive and simple as possible.
Getting Started: Your Custom Squarespace Template is Ready
When you purchase a template from my shop, I take care of the heavy lifting. I transfer the template directly to your Squarespace account, so you don’t have to worry about importing or setting it up yourself.
All you need to do is log in and start customizing. This takes the stress off your shoulders right from the get-go.
Logging Into Squarespace and Navigating the Dashboard
Once your template is transferred, here’s how you get started:
Log In: Head over to Squarespace and log in to your account.
Dashboard Overview: You’ll land on your dashboard, which is your control center. Here’s a quick rundown:
Home: Overview of your site and quick links to essential areas.
Pages: Manage, add, and organize your pages.
Design: Customize the look and feel of your site.
Settings: General settings for your site.
Don’t let the dashboard intimidate you. It’s designed to be straightforward, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Want more deets on what to include on each of your pages? Check out this post I made Must Have Pages Every Therapist Needs
Customizing Your Squarespace Template: Step-by-Step
Now comes the fun part—making it yours. Let’s break it down into simple steps:
Changing Colors
Colors set the mood for your site. They convey emotions and can significantly impact how visitors perceive your brand.
If you need some inspiration, check out my blog post on color palettes. Here’s how to change them:
Go to Design: Click on the “Design” tab in your dashboard.
Colors: Select “Colors” and start playing around. You can choose from preset palettes or create your own.
Save: Once you’re happy, hit “Save” and admire your handiwork.
Tips for Choosing Colors
Stay True to Your Brand: Pick colors that reflect your brand’s personality. For instance, if you’re a therapist, you might want soothing, calm colors.
Keep It Simple: Don’t go overboard with too many colors. A primary color, a secondary color, and a few accent colors usually work best.
Consider Accessibility: Make sure your color choices are easy on the eyes. High contrast between text and background improves readability.
Changing Fonts
Fonts are like the voice of your site. Whether you want something professional or playful, there’s a font for that. Need ideas? Check out my font combinations. Here’s how to switch things up:
Go to Design: Head back to the “Design” tab.
Fonts: Click on “Fonts” and start exploring.
Customize: Choose a header, paragraph, and accent font that speak to you.
Save: Don’t forget to save your changes!
Tips for Choosing Fonts
Readability First: Choose fonts that are easy to read. Fancy scripts might look beautiful but can be hard to read in large blocks of text.
Limit Your Fonts: Stick to 2-3 fonts to keep your site looking clean and professional.
Match Your Brand: Make sure your fonts align with your brand’s tone. For example, a modern sans-serif might work well for a contemporary coach, while a classic serif might suit a more traditional therapist.
Layout and Style
This is where you really get to put your stamp on things. You can adjust the layout, style, and more.
One of the best parts about your new template is that it’s intentionally designed to include all the sections a good therapist needs, with proven effective copywriting and marketing formulas in mind.
This means you’ve already got a solid foundation that’s set up for success, and now it’s time to make it uniquely yours.
Go to Pages: In the dashboard, click on “Pages.”
Edit: Select the page you want to edit and click “Edit” in the top right corner.
Drag and Drop: Move sections around, add new blocks, and delete anything you don’t need. Feel confident knowing that each section in your template is purposefully crafted to help you showcase your services, connect with clients, and build trust, using strategies that have been proven to work.
Style: Click on individual blocks to style them—think borders, spacing, and more. This is where you can really let your personality shine through and create a website that feels like a true reflection of you and your practice.
Adding Your Content
Your content is what brings your site to life. Here’s how to add text, images, and more without pulling your hair out.
Before diving into the specifics, remember to keep your content authentic and true to your voice. Check out my authentic voice writing guide for more tips.
Adding Text
Adding text is simple and intuitive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Edit Mode: Make sure you’re in “Edit” mode on the page you want to change.
Text Block: Click the “+” icon to add a text block.
Type Away: Just click and start typing. It’s that easy!
Style: Use the toolbar to style your text—bold, italic, headers, etc.
Tips for Writing Content
Be Authentic: Write in a way that reflects your personality and brand. Don’t try to sound overly formal if that’s not you.
Keep It Simple: Clear, concise language works best. Break up long paragraphs to make your content more readable.
Engage Your Audience: Ask questions, share stories, and use a conversational tone to connect with your readers.
Adding Images
Images can make your content more engaging and visually appealing. Here’s how to add them:
Edit Mode: Again, make sure you’re in “Edit” mode.
Image Block: Click the “+” icon and select “Image.”
Upload: Drag and drop your image or click to upload from your computer.
Style: Adjust the size, alignment, and other settings to fit your style.
Tips for Using Images
High Quality: Use high-resolution images to make your site look professional.
Consistent Style: Stick to a consistent style for all your images to create a cohesive look.
Optimize for Speed: Large images can slow down your site. Use tools to compress images without losing quality.
Enhancing Your Site with Extras
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s add a little extra flair to your site. These extras can make your site more engaging and user-friendly.
Adding Videos
Videos can be a great way to engage your audience and add a dynamic element to your site.
Edit Mode: Make sure you’re in “Edit” mode.
Video Block: Click the “+” icon and select “Video.”
Embed: You can either upload a video file or embed one from a site like YouTube or Vimeo.
Style: Adjust the size and placement to fit your design.
Adding Forms
Forms are perfect for capturing leads, gathering feedback, or allowing visitors to contact you.
Edit Mode: Make sure you’re in “Edit” mode.
Form Block: Click the “+” icon and select “Form.”
Customize: Add fields, labels, and any other necessary details.
Connect: Link your form to an email address or a service like MailChimp to capture responses.
Making Customization Easier and Quicker
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. Here are some resources and tips to make customizing your site even easier:
How to Attract Your Ideal Client Quiz
Take a one min quiz and get custom recs for color palettes, website style and font combo.
My Copywriting Workbook offers easy fill-in-the-blanks for each section that fit perfectly with my templates.
It takes the guesswork out of writing and helps you create compelling content effortlessly.
Color Palette Blog Post
Check out my Color Palettes blog post for inspiration and guidance on choosing the right colors for your brand.
My Font Combinations blog post can help you find the perfect fonts to match your style and enhance readability.
Use my Authentic Voice Writing Guide to ensure your content sounds just like you and connects with your audience.
What to Do If You’re Overwhelmed
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are options to help you out:
Take a Break: Sometimes stepping away for a bit can give you a fresh perspective.
Ask for Help: Reach out to me or join a community of other Squarespace users. There are plenty of forums and support groups where you can get advice and tips.
Use the VIP Day Service: If all this still feels like too much, consider my VIP Day service. Here’s what you get:
Pick a Template: Choose one of my beautifully designed templates.
All the Goodies: Get the Authentic Voice Writing Guide, Copywriting Workbook, Blog Toolkit, and Branding Workbook included.
One-Day Setup: I’ll put everything together for you in a day, so you can have a fully customized, professional website without the stress.
Keeping It Simple and Manageable
Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the basics and gradually move to more detailed customizations. It’s like decorating a new home—start with the furniture, then add the accents.
Regular Updates
Keep your site fresh by updating it regularly. Add new content, tweak the design, and make sure everything is running smoothly. This doesn’t have to be a chore; think of it as giving your site a little TLC.
Tips for Maintenance
Content Updates: Regularly update your blog or news section to keep your content fresh.
Check Links: Periodically check that all links are working and point to the correct pages.
Backup: Regularly back up your site to prevent any loss of data.
You’ve Got This!
Customizing your website is all about making it reflect you and your brand. Don’t stress about getting everything perfect on the first try. Play around, experiment, and have fun with it. Happy customizing!
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, personalized website that you can be proud of. Remember, every great website started with someone taking the first step, just like you are now. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the process. You've got this!
Hey! I’m Ellie, therapist slash web designer.
I help therapists like you build authentic, beautiful websites to fill their schedules with best fit clients- minus the overwhelm!
