What you need to know before changing a website whether it is Squarespace template, Wix , or even WordPress. Right. The reason you want to do it. Main reason of Squarespace template change is unsatisfactory performance of the existing Squarespace template.  But before we go any further it is important to go through necessary step to access why we need to change it. To understand the process more specifically I decided to introduce a Checklist of How to change Squarespace template.

Squarespace change template Checklist:

·      Assessing the reason why we need to change the template.

·      Defining what we want from new template.

·      Try to find exact match to our criteria.

·      Comparing pros and cons of taking action.

Reason to change Squarespace template.

There is a number of reasons why people want to change Squarespace templates.   Obscure graphic, unsatisfactory lay out, unoptimized SEO performance, lack of Flexibility to update the website and align it with your needs. Whatever reason it is, we should clearly assess it before going any further.

Graphic

For example, if our main reason for Squarespace template change is obscure graphic, then we need to assess this issue specifically. What we need to do is to understand what we do not like.

Are you unsatisfied with pictures, or may be layout or general design. This is very important to know.

 Our understanding of exact graphic flaws would enhance our chances of getting right template. A template that would match our expectations.

Another reason for change could be the structure of the website. It often happens that people initially love their templates. But as long as their business grows, it requires more structural updates.

But rigid lay out of the existing Squarespace template leaves little space for amendments.

In order to make any deep change you have to impact website graphic significantly. This, in turn, deteriorates general outlook of the website.

Unoptimized rigid structure can not only impact the look of the website but also does not allow for a necessary update. Let’s say you need add couple of new pages with links to those pages from the front page. It would be really hard to execute as there is no space to put extra block of content to lead those pages.

SEO

Faulty search engine optimization is another problem that arises from rigid lay out of the website. This is another big reason that pushes people to change Squarespace template towards modern ones. Some templates have no place to put right text that would fit both SEO performance and deliver the message of the website.

Of course, it is hard to get a good search engine optimized text  that would clearly express your message. But it is even harder if you have even far more limitations like design and layout restrictions.

Squarespace needs alignment.

It is not a secret for anybody that the prime usage of a Squarespace was to create an online shop to sell the stuff over the internet.  However, Squarespace developed itself to such a point, that even bloggers, coaches and photographers are buying its templates.

It mostly happened due to significantly improved user interface in Squarespace 7.1 and relatively less rigidity during customization.

But the hardest thing happens when person decides to switch its activity within same template.

For example, a blogger decides to start selling some courses. Or, on the contrary, the former seller decides to start a blog and proceed with media.

From the first point it seems not a big deal. Current Squarespace drawing tool has all the options to integrate blocks of any kind. But, as we mentioned in a previous paragraph, would it look as neat and polished as before.

To eliminate all the issues stated above each Squarespace user has two options, try to change an existing template or buy a new one.

Defining what we want from new template.

Before answering on dilemma above we need to investigate the final goal of changing the Squarespace template. The actual goal was to access exact flaws of the existing template to make conclusion regarding the new one. Long story short. If your current performance is unsatisfactory and there is no way to change it, then you need to change.

The goals for the Squarespace template changes are unsatisfactory performance of existing website with no easy fix.

For example, if your graphic design looks outdated and you cannot change it then you need to make it your primary goal. What I mean by it is when you choose a new template you should watch for best graphic outlook and only then check the functions and texts.

If your reason for change is rigidness of content, then your best bet would be to find a website with great graphic and at least middle performance.

Rigid lay out leaves little space for content optimization. If you have such a case, what you need to do is to find the website that has flexible layout and would allow you to put and update your content as you want.

Sometimes the reason for change is lack of new function on Squarespace template that limit owners’ ability to develop its platform. At the same time adding those functional blocks to a website may negatively affect the outlook and text performance.

In this case scenario you may hunt for a big flexible Squarespace template that already incorporates major functions. This would give you a new level of flexibility. Having such fully functional template you may use just part of its functions putting some of the pages into offline area.

Finding the best needs correspondence Squarespace match.

To get a template that matches your requirements is a hard work. There are so many templates nowadays with lots of fake reviews. Apart from that, a template can look nice in the beginning but lacking some vital functions later. The minimum match of a new site that you should bet for is 66%. This is the bottom line when you are looking for templates that can fix your issues.

How to change Squarespace template after you found one.

If you finally picked up a template you should account for expenses derived from purchasing of a new template.

If you have an existing template, your old subscription would not be credited back. Also, you would need some time get used to work with the new template. Another thing is to customize the content that way so no old visitors of the website would find it inconvenient. Remember it is easier to save the custom.

So, what you need to be ready for is to pay for a fresh Squarespace subscription, get some time to menu customization, and have some tune up with functionality setting up. Overall, it looks a bit harder than editing an existing template in the beginning. But as you go along you will feel all the beauty of working with new flexible Squarespace templates.