Squarespace websites
We use the highly user-friendly Squarespace platform to create powerful and contemporary websites for our clients. This article introduces Squarespace, explains our reason for using their system and offers advice on creating a website using their platform.
Who is Squarespace?
Squarespace launched in 2004 and is a website building and hosting service operating worldwide. Their system uses pre-built templates as a starting point; these are highly customisable, using a drag and drop system to rearrange the layout and add content.
Maid of the Loch Website
Save our Steamship Website
Our relationship with Squarespace
We are a Squarespace Circle developer and have created many websites using this platform. Due to the volume of websites we create we receive 20% off of the price of the first year’s subscription charges for each new website, a saving that we happily pass on in full to our customers.
Our Squarespace portfolio
Click here for a full portfolio of Squarespace websites we have created for our clients. As you will see, the type of client and sector they are in vary tremendously. Company size is also not a barrier, as we have developed websites for micro and multi-million turnover businesses and everything in between.
Why Squarespace?
We deliberately sought a platform that would be reliable over the longer term, one that was able to adapt to changing technology. We want our clients to have peace of mind that technically their websites will perform effectively and are fully compliant.
With the technical elements taken care of by Squarespace, our role is to focus on our client websites quality of presentation and content. We are passionate about creating websites that help to grow businesses.
Here are seven more detailed reasons as to why we became Squarespace developers.
1) No plug-ins and coding
Squarespace websites have similar functionality to WordPress, without requiring plug-ins. Plug-ins generally need updating after a year, which can be a hidden cost. We like that with Squarespace, all functionality is included within one affordable annual fee.
2) Affordable websites
The annual costs of running a Squarespace website is very reasonable, often less than web providers charge for hosting. Click here to see their pricing plans.
There is an excellent entry-level option that is very affordable: Upgradeable to provide premium features, and where required, e-commerce facilities.
The Oak Tree Inn website
Applus Rope Access website
3) User-friendly websites
The websites are straightforward to update. You could build one yourself; however, we can do all the work for you, saving you lots of time and drawing on our extensive experience using the platform. Ultimately, you have complete control of your website, layout, and course content.
4) 24/7 support
Squarespace has call centres in Dublin, New York and Seattle, with support available either by online chat or email. We have found this support to be fast, personal and practical. There is also access via the Squarespace website to many tutorials, some of which contain video.
Naturally, we will always be here to support you. However, it is peace of mind for you to know that you can contact Squarespace directly and receive support, should you need it.
5) Mobile compatible
Typically, over half of all traffic to a website is viewed via mobile. Therefore, Squarespace websites smoothly re-size to be easily viewable on different devices, such as mobile, tablet or desktop.
If your website isn’t mobile compatible, you will be providing visitors with a bad user experience. Google will penalise any website that is not mobile compatible in search results. So, this is an essential consideration.
6) Features
Squarespace website effortlessly works with many other online systems and features. From embedding a video to your website from YouTube to connecting Mailchimp for email databases, it is straightforward to create a rich experience to promote your business. In addition, a blog is an excellent way to grow traffic to your site.
Falkirk Distillery Website
Drymen Village Website
7) Apps
When on the move, you can update your site and check the analytics, including the number of site visitors using the free Squarespace app. If you have an e-commerce site, you can quickly review your orders, which is helpful.
How does it work?
If you want us to create a website, we will find out about your requirements and suggest page navigation and functionality. The next stage is to create a plan to build the website and populate it with content (we can help with text, video, photography etc.).
Once you approve the design and content of your new website, we will put it live and transfer complete control and ownership to you. We will provide you with training and support to update the website, although some clients prefer to engage us to do this for them.
What are the costs?
There is an annual cost for using the Squarespace platform, payable directly to Squarespace. Remember we pass on the 20% saving for the first year that we get through our Circle Developer status.
In addition, there is the cost for us to design and build the site. That will depend on the number of pages and whether you want us to create text/visual content for the website, we can provide a price list on request.
Why use us?
We have a strong understanding of the Squarespace platform and can create different looking websites bespoke to the client’s brands and requirements. Our expertise is about market positioning. Our aim is for each website to be a solid and positive representation of the business, its products, services and its unique position in its market.
We can also create any digital content required, such as video, text copy, social media, photography, social media development etc. Clients like that we offer the ‘total solution’.
The Clachan Inn website
Loch Lomond Hideaways Website
What’s next?
Understandably many people feel a sense of dread when contemplating commissioning a new website for their business—overwhelmed by different options and choosing where to start. Don’t worry; we can create a site to drive your business and brand!
Thanks for reading.
About
Based in Loch Lomond, Paul Saunders Marketing works with clients throughout Scotland, providing marketing consultancy and creative digital media for businesses, charities and organisations of all sizes. Services include marketing, commercial photography, brand design, website design, video production and social media, events & PR. Call Paul on 01360 661029 or get in touch via the contact page to find out more.
