How to Customize a Squarespace Template Without Losing Your Mind

Friend, I see you. You’ve picked a Squarespace template, you’re staring at the screen… and suddenly it feels like a lot. Fonts, images, buttons, banners — where do you even begin?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own, and you definitely don’t need to be a designer to make your website look beautiful and feel like you. I’m going to walk you through a simple, step-by-step approach to customizing your Squarespace template — without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re building your first website or giving your brand a much-needed refresh, these tips will help you move forward with confidence and ease.

And if you’re starting from scratch? I’ve got a few favorite templates that are beginner-friendly and come with a full video tutorial library — so you can launch your dream site without second-guessing every click. My Harper Squarespace Template is a great place to start.

1. Choose the Right Template for Your Vision (Not Just the Niche)

Let’s bust a myth right away: You don’t need to find a template labeled for your specific niche. You can absolutely take a photographer’s template and turn it into a site for your coaching business — what matters is how the layout flows and whether it supports the type of content you want to share.

Look for templates that:

• Match your content needs (think: services, testimonials, blogs, booking)

• Have the kind of structure or aesthetic you naturally gravitate toward

• Feel aligned with your brand vibe — whether it’s warm and inviting, polished and professional, or fun and creative

Pro tip: Don’t stress about getting it perfect upfront — just start with a solid base. Templates like Harper are built with service-based businesses in mind, offering strategic layouts that are easy to adjust as your brand evolves.

Browse my template shop here — each one comes with a full video tutorial library so you’ll know exactly what to do, step by step.

2. Prep Before You Dive In — Clarity First, Customization Second

One of the biggest mistakes I see? Jumping straight into customization without knowing what you’re trying to say. The more clarity you have going in, the smoother and faster your build will be.

Take a pause and gather:

• Your brand colors and fonts

• Your logo and headshots or brand images

• A rough outline of your website copy (you don’t need to be a writer — just focus on connection!)

• A list of the pages you need and what each one should include

Need help organizing this? My Website Audit Checklist is a great free resource to guide you through this foundational work.

3. Customize in Phases (No Need to Do It All in One Sitting)

Here’s the truth: your website is never really “done.” And that’s okay. Give yourself permission to build it in layers.

Try this approach:

• Phase 1: Structure — Start with the pages and layout. Add your core pages (Home, About, Services, Contact).

• Phase 2: Style — Update your fonts, colors, and buttons to match your brand. Squarespace makes this easy with Style Settings.

• Phase 3: Content — Add your copy, headlines, and images. Don’t overthink it — clarity and connection matter more than perfect grammar.

Think of it like decorating a home. You don’t need every room styled before you invite someone in. Set the foundation, then layer in the personality as you go.

4. Use Squarespace’s Built-In Features to Your Advantage

Squarespace is designed to make customization easier — if you know where to look.

Some features I love:

• Drag-and-drop editor: Easily move sections, rearrange content, and adjust layout spacing

• Section templates: Pre-styled sections help you stay cohesive and save time

• Style settings panel: Update fonts, colors, and buttons site-wide in just a few clicks

• Mobile responsiveness: Your site automatically looks good on phones and tablets

And don’t forget — you can duplicate a page to test changes without messing up your original version. It’s a lifesaver when experimenting!

5. When to Call in Help (Or Start with a Done-for-You Template)

There’s no shame in wanting a head start. Maybe tech isn't your thing. Maybe you just want to spend more time in your zone of genius (like working with clients or creating content).

If that’s you, starting with a done-for-you Squarespace template is a game changer.

My Harper Template is designed specifically for service-based entrepreneurs who want a clean, high-converting layout that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re a coach, virtual assistant, or creative business owner — Harper gives you structure, style, and simplicity all in one.

Best part? Every purchase comes with access to my step-by-step video library so you can customize your site confidently and get launched faster — without hiring a designer (unless you want to 😉).

Explore the Harper Template here — it’s ready to help you build a website you’re proud to share.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Friend

Customizing your website doesn’t have to leave you overwhelmed, frustrated, or ready to give up. With the right template, a clear plan, and a little bit of patience, you can create a website that not only looks beautiful — but actually works for your business.

So take a deep breath. Start small. Customize in layers. And remember: the goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

You’re building something meaningful — and your website should reflect that.

Ready to Launch Without the Stress?

✨ Shop my Squarespace templates here — each one includes a full video training library so you can launch with confidence.
✨ Try the Harper Template — a strategic, service-based design made for entrepreneurs like you.
✨ Need help? Book a free consultation here — I’m here to support you whether you DIY or want to hand it off.