Squarespace offers designers a powerful opportunity to turn their creativity into income. If you're looking to create and sell Squarespace templates, this guide will walk you through the essential steps— from design to promotion—so you can launch a profitable Squarespace template business.
Understanding the Squarespace Template Business
Before you dive into design, it's crucial to understand how the business model works. You're essentially creating digital products that other users can install and customize on their own websites. These are not hosted or sold directly through Squarespace but delivered via external means like digital downloads.
Passive income potential. Once you create Squarespace templates for sale, you can earn recurring revenue without ongoing involvement.
Ideal for creatives. Designers can showcase their style while helping clients avoid designing from scratch.
How to Create a Squarespace Template to Sell
Squarespace doesn't support uploading themes in the traditional sense, but you can design starter layouts using their tools and export them as shareable products. Here's how:
1. Use Squarespace Developer Platform
This enables deeper access to code and structure. You can export templates, edit HTML/CSS, and create more dynamic layouts.
2. Build with Fluid Engine
The Fluid Engine editor allows flexible, responsive designs—perfect for crafting premium templates.
3. Customize Templates for Clients or Buyers
Ensure that your layout is easy to personalize. Add demo content and clear structure to help users edit quickly.
How to Package and Upload Templates
Squarespace doesn't offer direct template uploads. Instead, you'll need to package your product externally.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Design and launch a demo website using Squarespace. |
| 2 | Duplicate the site and remove any sensitive content. |
| 3 | Export a share key or provide instructions on how to recreate the layout. |
| 4 | Create documentation for customization. |
Pricing and Licensing Squarespace Templates
How you license and price your templates impacts revenue and legal clarity. Consider these options:
- Single-Use License: For one client or website only.
- Extended License: For designers reselling to multiple clients.
- Bundle Pricing: Sell multiple templates as one digital package.
Pricing can range from $50 to $300 per template depending on features and niche.
Promote Templates on Creative Marketplaces
After packaging your template, you need to get it in front of potential buyers. Here’s where to market:
- Creative Market
- Etsy (popular for digital products)
- Gumroad or SendOwl for self-hosted delivery
- Social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest
Digital Product Sales Strategy
Once your templates are listed, ongoing marketing is essential. Consider:
Build an Email List
Offer freebies like mini-templates or design guides in exchange for emails.
Content Marketing
Write blog posts or tutorials about customizing templates for clients. This builds trust and SEO visibility.
Affiliate Partners
Let influencers or designers earn a commission by promoting your templates.
Client Support and Automation
Buyers will need help setting up. Streamline your business with:
- Pre-recorded video tutorials
- PDF user guides with screenshots
- FAQs embedded on your shop or demo page
For automation, use email responders and tools like Zapier to deliver purchases instantly.
Useful Links
Squarespace Developer Platform FAQ – Learn how to use the Developer Platform to access and modify your site's code, enabling advanced customizations for your templates.
Editing Your Site with Fluid Engine – Discover how to utilize the Fluid Engine editor for flexible, responsive design layouts in your Squarespace templates.
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Conclusion
Knowing how to sell Squarespace templates of your own design is a rewarding way to earn passive income while helping others build beautiful websites. From design and packaging to licensing and marketing, every step matters. Use the tools and strategies above to launch your Squarespace template business with confidence and sustainability.
