Introduction

Your website exists. But does it actually work?

You know the feeling:

  • The design looks “okay” but doesn’t feel premium.
  • Pages are slow, clunky, or weird on mobile.
  • Leads don’t come in consistently.
  • You paid for branding or a Figma design… and now you have no idea how to turn it into a real Squarespace site without breaking everything.

Squarespace is supposed to make websites simple. And it does — up to a point. But as soon as you want custom layouts, conversions, animations, mobile polish, or a proper redesign, the drag-and-drop experience hits a wall.

That’s where working with a Squarespace expert becomes the difference between:

“Yeah, we have a site.” vs “Our site looks premium, loads fast, and helps us close clients while we sleep.”

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • When you actually need a Squarespace expert (and when you don’t).
  • The difference between design, redesign, and Figma-to-Squarespace builds.
  • How a pro approaches UX, structure, SEO, and mobile — not just “make it pretty.”
  • The exact process to turn a Figma file into a clean, maintainable Squarespace site.
  • What to ask, what to expect, and how to avoid costly redesign regrets.

Whether you’re:

  • A founder or small business owner
  • A designer with Figma skills but no time for development
  • A marketer stuck with a “good enough” site that’s hurting conversions

…this is your roadmap to building (or rebuilding) a Squarespace website that actually supports your business, not just your ego.

Why Squarespace Is Popular — and Where It Starts to Limit You

Before we talk experts, let’s be real about the platform itself.

Why People Choose Squarespace

Squarespace is loved because it:

  • Gives you beautiful templates out of the box.
  • Handles hosting, SSL, and a lot of technical overhead.
  • Includes built-in tools for blogging, basic SEO, ecommerce, and booking.
  • Lets non-developers update content without breaking layouts.

For many businesses, it’s the perfect sweet spot between:

  • DIY WordPress chaos, and
  • Expensive fully custom development.

Where Things Break Down Without an Expert

Over time, most businesses outgrow their original Squarespace setup:

  • The template feels generic and doesn’t match the brand.
  • Pages get bolted on over months/years → structure becomes messy.
  • You want custom sections, advanced layouts, or interactions that templates don’t support.
  • Mobile layouts look off, and you don’t know how to fix them without wrecking desktop.
  • You’ve got a beautiful Figma design — but no one to implement it properly.

Squarespace can absolutely handle high-end design and conversions. It just rarely happens by accident.

That’s where a Squarespace expert earns their keep.

What a Squarespace Expert Actually Does (Beyond Drag-and-Drop)

Let’s redefine the role. A good Squarespace expert is not “just someone who knows where the buttons are.”

They Think in Systems, Not Just Sections

A pro doesn’t start by dragging random blocks. They start by understanding:

  • Your business model
  • Your offers/services
  • Your ideal clients
  • Your primary conversion goals (leads, calls, purchases, signups)

Then they build a site structure that supports that:

  • Clear homepage hierarchy
  • Strong service/product pages
  • Trust-building sections (social proof, FAQs, case studies)
  • Simple, intuitive navigation
  • Clean URL structure

They Design for Conversions, Not Just Aesthetics

Anyone can create something “pretty.” A Squarespace expert designs for:

  • Clarity: Who you are, what you offer, and who it’s for — above the fold.
  • Flow: Logical sections that lead visitors toward action.
  • Trust: Reviews, logos, results, and proof integrated into the layout.
  • Frictions removed: Confusing forms, cluttered pages, vague CTAs — all fixed.

They Bridge Figma and Reality

If you (or your designer) have a Figma file, a real expert can:

  • Analyze what’s possible natively in Squarespace.
  • Decide where to use sections, blocks, or custom CSS.
  • Maintain design fidelity without turning your site into a hacky mess.
  • Optimize for performance and future edits (so you’re not locked in forever).

We’ll break that Figma-to-website process down in detail later.

Design vs Redesign vs Figma-to-Site: What Do You Actually Need?

Not every project is the same. Understanding what category you fall into will save you money and miscommunication.

1. Brand-New Squarespace Design (From Scratch)

Best if you:

  • Don’t have a site or your current one is not worth salvaging.
  • Recently rebranded and need a site that matches.
  • Want a clean, fresh build with the right structure from day one.

What the expert focuses on:

  • Strategy, structure, and wireframes.
  • Design aligned with your branding.
  • Full Squarespace build (pages, sections, content, basic SEO setup).
  • Performance, mobile, and conversion basics.

2. Squarespace Redesign (Improve What You Already Have)

Best if you:

  • Already use Squarespace, but your site feels dated or messy.
  • Have traffic but low conversions.
  • Don’t want to migrate platforms — just make your current site good.

What the expert focuses on:

  • Site audit: structure, design, content, performance, SEO basics.
  • Identifying what to keep, fix, or rebuild.
  • Reorganizing pages and navigation.
  • Updating design system (fonts, colors, buttons, sections) for consistency.
  • Improving CTAs, forms, and key flows (services, booking, checkout, etc.).

3. Figma to Squarespace Website (Design Handoff)

Best if you:

  • Have a designer who built your layouts in Figma.
  • Want the live site to actually match those designs.
  • Need a front-end implementer who’s fluent in Squarespace, not a generalist.

What the expert focuses on:

  • Translating Figma frames into structured Squarespace sections.
  • Using the right blocks and layout tools (not everything as images).
  • Injecting custom CSS or code blocks where needed — cleanly and safely.
  • Ensuring mobile and tablet variants match the intent of your Figma file.
  • Keeping everything editable for you/your team later.

If you’re not sure which bucket you’re in, an expert will usually clarify this in a discovery or strategy call.

The Process: How a Good Squarespace Expert Works

Every expert has their own flavor, but great projects tend to follow a similar flow.

Step 1: Discovery & Goals

They’ll ask things like:

  • What does “success” look like for this site in 3–6 months?
  • Who are your ideal visitors and buyers?
  • What actions should visitors take on the site?
  • What’s working in your current website (if any)? What’s not?
  • Do you already have branding, copy, and Figma designs?

This isn’t fluff — it drives every design decision that follows.

Step 2: Site Architecture & Strategy

Before any pixels move, a strong expert maps:

  • Page tree (home, about, services, portfolio, blog, FAQs, contact, etc.).
  • URL structure (SEO-friendly, readable, logical).
  • Internal linking and navigation.
  • Content priorities (what must be above the fold vs lower).

You’ll often see:

  • A visual sitemap
  • Simple wireframes or low-fidelity mockups
  • Notes about conversion paths (“Homepage → Services → Booking”)

Step 3: Design or Figma Review

If there’s no Figma yet:

  • The expert (or your designer) creates a visual design system:

    • Typography scale
    • Color palette & usage rules
    • Button styles, cards, section layouts
    • Imagery style and treatments

If Figma already exists:

  • They review it for:

    • Layout feasibility in Squarespace
    • Components vs one-off elements
    • Mobile considerations
    • Accessibility (contrast, font size, interaction)

The goal: avoid surprises later like “Oh, that animation just isn’t possible here.”

Step 4: Build in Squarespace

This is where the platform knowledge matters.

A real expert will:

  • Choose the right Squarespace version and template family (modern stack, not outdated systems).
  • Use native tools as much as possible for longevity and ease-of-use.
  • Create reusable section patterns so your site feels cohesive.
  • Use spacing, grids, and alignment intentionally — not “eyeballed.”
  • Implement custom CSS and code in a structured, documented way (not randomly scattered).

If it’s Figma-to-Squarespace:

  • They’ll build section by section, matching:

    • Layout
    • Typography
    • Colors
    • Components (cards, pricing tables, forms, etc.)

  • They’ll test in-browser as they go, not just assume it “works.”

Step 5: Content, SEO Basics & Performance

Good Squarespace experts don’t treat content and SEO as someone else’s problem.

They’ll at minimum:

  • Set up page titles and meta descriptions.
  • Use proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3 etc.).
  • Optimize images (sizes and alt text).
  • Configure basic URL slugs, redirects (if it’s a redesign), and 404 handling.
  • Check core performance basics (image weight, clean code, no unnecessary embeds).

They may also collaborate with you or a copywriter on:

  • Messaging hierarchy
  • CTAs
  • Service/product descriptions

Step 6: Testing & Mobile Polish

This is where inexperienced builders often fall short.

A Squarespace expert will test:

  • On multiple screen sizes (desktop, laptop, tablet, mobile).
  • In common browsers.
  • For weird layout wraps, overlaps, and scroll issues.
  • For tap targets on mobile (buttons, menus, links).

They’ll tweak:

  • Section padding and margins
  • Font sizes on smaller screens
  • Stacking order of columns
  • Image crops and focal points

You’d be surprised how much “expensive design” is ruined by skipping this step.

Step 7: Handoff, Training & Support

The project doesn’t end at launch.

A solid expert will:

  • Walk you through updating pages, blog posts, and key content.
  • Document any custom CSS and “don’t touch” areas.
  • Provide a short Loom video or live call for your team.
  • Offer ongoing support or retainer options if you need them.

The goal: you’re not held hostage. You should feel confident making updates without breaking everything.

Figma to Squarespace: Doing It Right (Not Just “Close Enough”)

If you’re coming from Figma, this part’s for you.

Why Figma-to-Site Projects Often Go Wrong

Common issues when someone unqualified tries to build your Figma design in Squarespace:

  • They recreate layouts as flat images instead of real text + blocks (bad for SEO, accessibility, and edits).
  • They hack things with endless spacer blocks, empty columns, and inline styles.
  • Mobile looks nothing like the Figma design.
  • Future content changes blow up the layout.

What a Pro Does Differently

A Squarespace expert approaching a Figma handoff will:

  1. Break designs into components and patterns, not individual pixels.

  2. Map each pattern to a specific implementation:

    • Section → Squarespace section
    • Column grid → columns/stacking + custom CSS if needed
    • Repeating cards → summary blocks / lists styled consistently

  3. Respect Figma’s design intent rather than forcing a 1:1 “every pixel must be identical” approach where Squarespace constraints apply.

  4. Build with real content, not lorem ipsum, as early as possible.

  5. Document any deviation from Figma clearly — so no one is surprised.

What You Should Provide for a Smooth Build

You’ll get the best result if you hand over:

  • Clean Figma file with pages grouped clearly.
  • Color + typography styles defined as Figma styles.
  • Desktop + mobile variants (or at least clear direction on mobile behavior).
  • Real content (or at least finalized copy structure).
  • Brand guidelines if available.

With that, a Squarespace expert can build something that:

  • Looks like the Figma design.
  • Works like a premium, fast website.
  • Can be edited by non-developers later.

When to Hire a Squarespace Expert (and When DIY Is Fine)

You don’t need an expert for everything.

DIY Is Fine If…

  • You’re just starting out and need a basic online presence.
  • You’re comfortable working from a template.
  • You don’t yet have clear offers, services, or messaging finalized.
  • Budget is extremely tight and design isn’t your main bottleneck yet.

Start with a good template, keep it simple, and focus on content and proof.

You Should Hire an Expert If…

  • Your site looks “okay” but doesn’t match the level of your product/service.
  • You’re embarrassed to send people to your website.
  • You have traffic but low conversions or bad engagement.
  • Your Figma design is done, and you need a proper implementation.
  • You’re wasting time fighting sections and CSS instead of running your business.

Rule of thumb:

If your website is supposed to bring you leads, bookings, or sales and you’re relying on it for revenue — treat it like a professional asset, not a weekend experiment.

What to Look For in a Squarespace Expert

Don’t just hire the first person with “Squarespace” in their bio.

Non-Negotiables

  • Portfolio of real Squarespace builds, not just screenshots of Figma or generic templates.

  • Experience with both design and implementation, or a clear workflow with your designer.

  • Proof they understand:

    • UX and conversion basics
    • Mobile-first thinking
    • SEO fundamentals
    • Performance and accessibility basics

Green Flags

  • They ask you about business goals, not only colors and fonts.
  • They show examples of before/after or redesigns.
  • They talk about structure, conversion paths, and navigation — not only visuals.
  • They have experience with Figma handoffs or other design tools.
  • They provide scope, timeline, and expectations clearly.

Red Flags

  • “We’ll just install a template and tweak a bit” for a serious business.
  • No real Squarespace URLs to show — only Dribbble/Behance shots.
  • No mention of mobile, SEO, or performance in their process.
  • They propose a ton of heavy custom code for simple problems.

Bullet Points / Quick Takeaways

  • Squarespace is powerful, but serious design, redesign, and Figma-to-site builds benefit massively from an expert.
  • A Squarespace expert thinks beyond drag-and-drop: strategy, UX, conversion, SEO, and maintainability.
  • There are three main project types: new build, redesign, and Figma-to-Squarespace — know which one you’re in.
  • A strong process includes discovery, architecture, design/Figma review, clean implementation, SEO basics, mobile polish, and proper handoff.
  • Figma-to-Squarespace should never be “close enough” hacked layouts — it should be structured, editable, and faithful to the design intent.
  • DIY is fine early on, but once your website affects revenue, cutting corners on design and build becomes expensive.
  • Look for experts who show real Squarespace sites, talk about results and experience, and care about your business goals — not just “making it look pretty.”

Call to Action (CTA)

If your current Squarespace site feels generic, messy, or stuck in “good enough” — or you’re sitting on a great Figma design with no clean way to bring it to life — it’s probably time to bring in a specialist.

Start simple:

  1. Audit your current site honestly:

    • Does it reflect the quality of your work?
    • Is it easy to understand what you do and who it’s for?
    • Would you trust your own brand if you landed there cold?

  2. Decide what you need: new build, redesign, or Figma-to-Squarespace.

  3. Reach out to a Squarespace expert with:

    • Your goals
    • A clear budget range
    • Timeline
    • Any existing assets (Figma, brand, copy)

Your website is often the first serious impression of your brand. Make it look, feel, and perform like a professional asset — not an afterthought.

FAQ Section

1) Why should I hire a Squarespace expert instead of using a template myself? Templates are a great starting point, but they’re not tailored to your business. A Squarespace expert customizes structure, layouts, and flows based on your goals, audience, and brand. They also handle UX, mobile, performance, and SEO basics — things templates can’t do for you.

2) Can you really match my Figma design on Squarespace? You can usually get very close — and in many cases, identical in layout and feel. A good expert will map Figma components to real Squarespace sections, blocks, and CSS, while respecting the platform’s constraints. The result: a site that looks like your Figma and still works perfectly on mobile and is easy to edit.

3) How long does a typical Squarespace redesign or Figma-to-site project take? It depends on scope and how prepared you are. A small, focused site with clear content and Figma ready can be done relatively quickly; larger, multi-page sites with complex layouts, content creation, or strategy work take longer. A professional will give you a timeline after reviewing your pages, assets, and goals.

4) Do I need to know code to maintain the site after working with an expert? No — not if the build is done correctly. A good Squarespace expert structures everything so you can edit text, images, and sections inside the Squarespace editor. Custom CSS or code is documented and kept in predictable places so you don’t have to touch it.

5) Is Squarespace still a good choice if I want to scale my business? Yes, if your needs match what Squarespace does well: marketing sites, portfolios, service-based businesses, smaller ecommerce, content-driven brands. If you later outgrow it, a well-structured site and clear design system make it easier to migrate. But for many businesses, a properly designed and built Squarespace site is more than enough to support real growth.