In 2025, Squarespace is still one of the top website builders around.
It offers four premium plans that range from $16 to $99 per month when billed yearly. This makes it a popular choice for small business owners, creatives, and online stores that want great-looking websites without the hassle.
But when planning a new website, it's not just about picking a plan. You also need to know the full Squarespace web design cost, including setup, design help, and any extra tools.
Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a pro, knowing the real costs up front helps you stay on budget and avoid surprises later.
As web design experts, we've seen how clear planning leads to better launches and faster results.
So, how does Squarespace pricing work in real life? And what should you expect to pay a designer in 2025? Let's break it all down.
Key Takeaways:
- Squarespace design costs in 2025 vary significantly.
Prices typically range from ₹10,000 to ₹200,000 ($150 to $3,000+), depending on customization, features, and whether you hire a designer.
- Your design approach affects both cost and quality. DIY works for basic sites, but professional design delivers better results for businesses focused on branding and growth.
- Be prepared for extra expenses beyond your plan. These may include premium plugins, stock media, payment setup, SEO, and ongoing maintenance.
- Budgeting wisely helps you launch smarter. Knowing what to handle in-house and what to outsource can save money and improve your site's performance.
Squarespace in 2025: Still User-Friendly, But Is It Scalable?
Squarespace has kept its place as one of the most user-friendly website builders in 2025. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to create a clean, modern site.
You don't need to know how to code. Whether you're starting a blog, launching a portfolio, or opening a small online store, Squarespace keeps things simple.
That's a big reason why it's popular with startups, creative freelancers, and boutique e-commerce brands.
The platform comes packed with helpful tools like mobile-ready templates, built-in SEO settings, email marketing, and online payment features. These tools make it easy to launch fast and grow your brand from day one.
But simplicity doesn't mean you're stuck with cookie-cutter designs. You can start with a ready-made template or go further by customising everything to match your brand.
If you're planning to grow or need something truly unique, hiring a pro helps you get more from the platform.
We've worked with many clients who started with a template but later upgraded to a custom layout. The result is often a better user experience, stronger branding, and higher performance.
Of course, that means your Squarespace web designer cost might be higher, but the value is worth it.
Scalability depends on your goals. For many, Squarespace is more than enough. For others, a custom touch takes their site to the next level.
Squarespace Pricing Plans in 2025: What You'll Pay
Squarespace keeps its pricing simple, but it's important to know what each plan includes and what it might really cost you.
In 2025, there are four main subscription tiers. Each one fits a different type of user or business.
Personal Plan: $16/month (billed annually)
Best for personal blogs, portfolios, or small websites. It includes basic templates, SSL security, and a free custom domain for the first year.
However, it does not support e-commerce features.
Business Plan: $23/month (billed annually)
A good fit for freelancers or small businesses. It includes marketing tools, full website customisation, and the ability to accept payments.
Keep in mind there's a 3% transaction fee on sales.
Commerce Basic: $27/month (billed annually)
Designed for small online stores. It removes the transaction fee and adds features like customer accounts, product reviews, and inventory management.
Commerce Advanced: $49/month (billed annually)
Ideal for growing e-commerce brands. You get advanced shipping options, cart recovery, and more detailed analytics.
While these plans look simple, watch out for hidden costs. These can include custom email services, premium templates, paid domains after the first year, and certain plugins.
Even small things like stock images or scheduling tools can add to your bill.
Understanding how each plan fits your goals helps you avoid surprises later. If you're unsure, we usually recommend the Business Plan for service providers and Commerce Basic for smaller online stores.
When factoring in everything, your actual Squarespace web design cost depends not just on the plan, but also on your features, tools, and long-term goals.
Read more: Web Design Cost for Small Business: What to Expect in 2025
DIY vs Professional Design: Which Approach Suits You?
Squarespace is known for being beginner-friendly. If you're building a simple site, you might think doing it yourself is enough.
And sometimes, that's true. You can pick a template, add your content, and go live within a day.
But there's a trade-off. Going the DIY route means you'll need to spend time learning the platform, adjusting layouts, and testing the site on different devices.
If you don't have design experience, your site might look basic or feel off-brand.
That's where a certified expert comes in. A Squarespace web design cost may be higher upfront, but hiring a pro can save you time and help your site stand out.
You get a custom design that fits your brand, loads faster, and performs better with SEO.
As an IT service provider, we've seen clients struggle with DIY builds that lacked structure or polish. Many ended up spending more later to fix problems.
When your time is valuable or your site is for business, hiring help often delivers a better return.
So, if your goal is to grow your brand, build trust with visitors, or run an online store, working with a professional is usually the smart move.
How Much Does a Squarespace Designer Cost in 2025?
Hiring a professional to design your Squarespace website is a smart investment if you want a polished, high-performing site.
But how much should you expect to pay?
In 2025, the Squarespace web designer cost depends on your project size, the level of customisation you need, and who you hire.
Here's a breakdown based on current market trends:
Basic site setup: ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 (roughly $150 to $300)
This covers template-based websites with a few pages, ideal for blogs or simple portfolios.
Mid-tier design with custom branding: ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 (about $400 to $1,000)
This includes layout adjustments, design elements, brand colors, and a better user experience. Great for small businesses or service providers.
Advanced or e-commerce websites: ₹90,000 to ₹200,000 and above (starting at $1,200)
These are full-scale websites with custom sections, online stores, advanced integrations, and SEO optimisation.
The type of designer you work with also affects cost. Freelancers often charge less, but may focus only on design.
Agencies offer a full team to handle everything from visuals to SEO. Squarespace Circle members, who are certified by Squarespace, provide specialised expertise and early access to new features.
As an experienced IT service provider, we believe in clear, upfront pricing. Every project begins with a consultation, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
We don't just build websites. We design tools that help your business grow.
Key Factors That Affect Squarespace Web Design Costs
When building a website on Squarespace, the cost depends on more than just the plan you choose. Several important factors influence how much you'll end up spending on professional design.
Whether you're working with a freelancer or an agency, knowing what drives cost will help you make smarter decisions.
Number of Pages and Overall Scope
The size and structure of your site play a big role in pricing. A basic five-page website with a homepage, about page, and contact form is usually quicker to complete than a larger site with custom landing pages, service sections, FAQs, and blogs.
More pages mean more layout design, content formatting, and testing.
If your website requires unique layouts for multiple page types, the time and cost increase further. Planning your site map early helps you and your designer stay on the same page and avoid delays or scope creep.
Custom Integrations and Tools
Squarespace supports many third-party tools, but connecting and styling them often requires custom coding or advanced setup.
For example, adding tools like Calendly for scheduling, Mailchimp for email marketing, or Stripe for payments takes more effort than using built-in Squarespace blocks.
If your site needs integrations with CRMs, booking systems, or inventory tools, expect higher development time and a bigger budget.
These features improve your website's function but add to the Squarespace web design cost.
SEO Setup and Site Performance
Even the most beautiful website won't perform well if no one finds it. SEO setup ensures your site can rank in search results.
This includes optimising page titles, meta descriptions, image alt tags, and mobile responsiveness.
Designers may also help with speed optimisation by compressing images and using best practices in layout and loading behavior.
A well-optimised site not only looks good but also attracts more visitors. Investing in SEO at the design stage saves you time and money in the long run.
Branding and User Experience
Your website should reflect your brand's identity clearly. This means more than just adding your logo and colors.
A professional designer can build layouts that guide your users, highlight key messages, and create a smooth experience from page to page.
Custom icons, animations, typography, and transitions all improve the visual impact but take additional time to design.
Businesses that want a branded experience often choose to go beyond templates and invest in a fully custom look that sets them apart.
Add-On Services and Support
Many clients need help beyond layout and design. Common extras include content writing, blog setup, domain configuration, content migration from an old website, and setting up tools like Google Analytics.
These services aren't always included in basic packages and may be priced separately.
Ongoing support, such as website updates or troubleshooting after launch, can also add to the total cost depending on your service agreement.
It's important to ask upfront what's included and what counts as an add-on.
How to Balance Features with Budget
From our experience working with a wide range of clients, the best approach is to focus on your primary goals first.
Start with the essential features you need to launch, then add extras over time. This staged approach helps control costs while still giving you room to grow. An experienced designer or agency can help you prioritise features that bring the most value early on.
That's how we approach every project: by aligning features with function so you get the best return on your investment without overspending.
Additional Expenses You Shouldn't Overlook
Squarespace gives you a lot out of the box, but building a fully functional and professional website often comes with extra costs.
Many of these are not included in the basic design or subscription plans. Knowing what to expect helps you avoid budget surprises down the road.
Paid Plugins and Advanced Integrations
While Squarespace includes many built-in tools, some features require third-party plugins. You might want booking systems, membership areas, or advanced form builders.
These tools often come with monthly or one-time fees and may require setup time.
Connecting these plugins properly and making sure they match your site's design can also increase the total Squarespace web design cost.
Premium Stock Media or Custom Assets
Great visuals can elevate your website, but not all images are free. You may need to purchase high-quality stock photos, videos, icons, or graphics that fit your brand.
In some cases, clients request custom illustrations or branded animations. These assets make your site look more professional but should be factored into your design budget early on.
Payment Processor Setup (Stripe, PayPal)
If you plan to sell products or services online, you'll need to set up payment gateways. Squarespace works well with platforms like Stripe and PayPal, but configuration takes time.
This includes setting up shipping, tax rules, currency settings, and testing checkout flows.
These steps are often part of eCommerce packages and may increase your design costs depending on the complexity of your store.
Enhanced Security and Backup Features
Squarespace includes basic SSL for all sites, but businesses with sensitive customer data or compliance requirements may need extra layers of protection.
This can include third-party backup tools, firewall configurations, and data privacy settings.
While some of this is handled by Squarespace, more advanced protection is sometimes added through paid tools or IT support packages.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
A website is not a one-time task. Once your site is live, it may still need updates, fixes, performance checks, and content changes.
Some clients handle this in-house, but many choose to keep a designer or agency on retainer for peace of mind.
Ongoing support is often billed monthly or hourly and should be included in your long-term cost planning.
Why We Always Include These Costs in Our Proposals
As an experienced IT service provider, we've seen how these "hidden" expenses can catch clients off guard.
That's why we include them in our project proposals right from the start. We believe in full transparency, so you know exactly what to expect before you begin. This approach helps you make smarter choices, stay on budget, and launch with confidence.
Cost Comparison: Squarespace vs Competitors (2025 Edition)
When choosing a website builder, it's important to look beyond the base subscription price. True value comes from how much you spend to launch, maintain, and grow your website over time.
In 2025, the most common alternatives to Squarespace are Wix, WordPress with Elementor, and Shopify.
Squarespace is known for its all-in-one setup. It includes templates, hosting, SEO tools, and eCommerce features under one roof.
Prices range from $16 to $49 per month when billed yearly. It's a great choice for creatives, service providers, and small businesses who want a stylish website without coding or juggling plugins.
Wix has similar pricing, starting around $17 per month, but it charges extra for some advanced features and integrations.
While its drag-and-drop design is flexible, it can feel cluttered, and some users end up needing a developer for layout fixes.
WordPress with Elementor can be powerful, especially for those who want full control and advanced features.
However, it requires separate hosting, theme licensing, and plugin management. While it may start at a lower cost, long-term expenses often rise due to maintenance, security needs, and frequent plugin updates.
Shopify is tailored for online stores and comes with the most robust eCommerce tools. However, it's also the most expensive.
Monthly plans start at $29 and go up based on features and volume. Additional app fees, transaction costs, and developer support can raise your overall spending.
When Squarespace Offers the Best Value
From our experience, Squarespace provides the best value for those who need a balance between function, flexibility, and cost.
It works especially well for small eCommerce stores, professional portfolios, startups, and service-based businesses. If you don't need heavy backend customization, Squarespace gives you everything you need in one place.
Unlike platforms that require plugins and third-party tools, Squarespace includes most features you need right out of the box.
This keeps your overall Squarespace web design cost lower and makes the website easier to manage over time.
Why Some Clients Make the Switch
Many of our clients have moved to Squarespace from other platforms due to rising costs, complexity, or reliability issues.
One startup switched from WordPress after dealing with broken plugin updates and hidden hosting fees. Another client left Shopify because they didn't need advanced eCommerce tools and wanted a cleaner, branded experience with fewer monthly charges.
In both cases, they reduced costs, improved user experience, and gained the ability to manage their websites in-house.
Read also: How Much Web Design Costs in 2025: Complete Pricing ...
Smart Budgeting Tips for Your Squarespace Project
Designing a Squarespace website isn't just about picking a plan and publishing pages. It's about building a site that reflects your brand, meets your goals, and performs well over time.
That requires thoughtful planning and smart budgeting. Whether you're a solo creator or a growing business, making the most of your budget starts with understanding where your money should go.
Look Beyond Just the Monthly Subscription
Squarespace offers plans starting at $16 per month, but the total cost of launching a successful website includes much more.
You'll need to budget for visual design, built-in tools, add-ons, and possibly ongoing support.
Design covers how your website looks and functions, including layout, branding, and user experience. Tools include integrations like scheduling, forms, or payment processing.
Add-ons might include stock images, advanced features, or content writing. Support ensures your site keeps running smoothly after launch.
By breaking your budget into these categories, you'll have a clearer idea of what you need and how much to invest.
This helps manage your overall Squarespace web design cost with confidence.
Know What to DIY and What to Outsource
You don't have to hire a designer for everything. If you're comfortable using Squarespace, you can handle tasks like uploading content, updating product listings, or selecting a basic template.
This saves time and money for simpler projects.
However, advanced features like custom layouts, SEO setup, and mobile responsiveness usually require expert help.
These areas directly affect how your website performs and how users interact with it. Getting them right from the start can prevent bigger problems and expenses later.
Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring a Designer
If you're planning to work with a Squarespace expert, it's important to ask the right questions before signing any agreement.
This ensures your project stays on track and within budget. Here are a few smart questions to ask:
- What's included in your design package?
- Will the site be mobile-optimized and SEO-friendly?
- Do you provide support after launch?
- Can you train my team on how to update the site?
- Are there any extra costs I should know about?
Clear answers will help you avoid hidden fees and find a partner you can trust.
Use a Simple Checklist to Stay on Budget
A well-structured checklist helps you prioritize features that deliver real value. Start with the essentials:
- Fast loading and mobile-friendly design
- Branded visuals that reflect your identity
- Clear navigation and calls to action
- On-page SEO for all pages
- Integrated contact forms and analytics
You can always add more later. But launching with a solid foundation ensures your site works for your audience from day one without stretching your budget.
What We Recommend Based on Experience
As a professional IT service provider, we always guide clients to align their spending with business goals. You don't need every feature at launch.
Focus on what helps you reach your audience, convert visitors, and build trust.
We've seen many clients overspend on design while skipping essentials like SEO or speed optimization. That's why our approach balances creative design with technical performance and user experience.
It's not about spending more; it's about spending smart.
Conclusion
Building a Squarespace website in 2025 means understanding more than just the monthly subscription. From basic templates to fully customized designs, the total cost can range from ₹10,000 to ₹200,000 or more, depending on your needs and goals.
Working with the right design partner doesn't just improve how your site looks. It helps you launch faster, avoid costly mistakes, and get more value from your investment.
At Developers.dev, we focus on delivering clear pricing, flexible packages, and expert support every step of the way.
Your website should work for you. When planned right, it's not just an expense; it's a tool that helps your business grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Squarespace web design cost in 2025?
In 2025, the cost of a professionally designed Squarespace website typically ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000 or $150 to $3,000.
The final price depends on design complexity, number of pages, and added features like SEO, eCommerce, or content migration.
Is Squarespace cheaper than WordPress or Shopify?
For many small businesses and creative professionals, Squarespace can be more affordable than WordPress or Shopify.
It includes hosting, templates, and basic features, which reduces the need for additional tools or developer support.
What's the difference between DIY and hiring a Squarespace designer?
DIY design involves using built-in templates and handling setup yourself. Hiring a Squarespace designer gives you access to custom layouts, SEO setup, brand integration, and expert support, which often results in a more polished and effective site.
Are there hidden costs with Squarespace websites?
Yes, there can be additional costs such as premium plugins, email tools, stock media, payment gateway setup, and post-launch maintenance.
It's important to budget for these items alongside your core plan and design fee.
What should I ask before hiring a Squarespace designer?
Ask about what's included in their pricing, whether SEO and mobile optimization are part of the package, and if post-launch support is available.
It's also smart to confirm timelines and revision policies upfront.
Can I update my Squarespace site after it's live?
Yes. One of the key benefits of Squarespace is its user-friendly interface. Once your site is live, you can make edits, add pages, and update content without needing to code.
Let's Build a High-Impact Squarespace Site Together
Ready to turn your vision into a fully functional, beautifully designed website? At Developers.dev, our team of experienced Squarespace designers delivers tailored solutions that fit your goals, brand, and budget.
Whether you need a simple portfolio or a feature-rich eCommerce site, we'll help you launch faster and smarter. Book your free discovery call today and get expert guidance on planning, design, and cost; no surprises, just results.
