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Editor’s note: Squarespace recently declared Squarespace Refresh, an annual release of new features and updates (including video monetization and custom business tools). We will update this content with additional information in the coming weeks.
In this gig economy day and internet age, no writer is a writer anymore. A writer is an idea collector, a pitcher, a negotiator, an SEO expert, a proofreader, a self-promoter and a professional invoice sender. At this point they can be a whole brand, depending on whether they buy into it Twitter discourse. They are Of course A processed caffeine snob.
That being said, you’d be hard-pressed to find a few writers who think of themselves as particularly talented developers. English, journalism and creative writing courses aren’t exactly packed with opportunities to learn how to build websites, and self-led bootcamps can be intimidating if you don’t have coding or HTML experience. Whether you’re trying to showcase a portfolio, attract new clients, sell a book, or simply need a personal website, this can feel like a huge hurdle. blog.
Enter: Square space(opens in new tab)A popular website building platform that bills itself as an all-in-one solution for designing and managing a website (plans start as low as $14 per month(opens in new tab)) going live is as easy as choosing one of its modern, mobile-optimized templates and customizing it with your branding; Technical work such as website metrics, SSL security, video storage and updates are all handled by the platform. Additionally, it maintains a full feature Processor(opens in new tab) It allows you to edit your site on the go, including updating pages, adding new images, writing blog posts, reviewing site analytics, and managing your online store’s inventory.
With a couple hundred templates available until 2022, it can be difficult to decide which one suits your needs as a freelancer, writer, journalist, copywriter and/or poet. Keep scrolling for a detailed guide and a list of our current favorites.
What is a Squarespace template?
A Squarespace template (or theme) is a pre-built demo website Support site. Each can be used whole or cooked in different colors. Font collections(opens in new tab), Layout pages(opens in new tab)And Content blocks(opens in new tab).
Templates work differently depending on where you’re running Squarespace version 7.0 or 7.1, two iterations of the platform it currently supports. Contains version 7.0 (launched in 2014). 91 templates(opens in new tab) It classifies them into “families” that share the same basic structure and style structures. Some features are exclusive to specific families, making it difficult to transfer between templates without at least some partial reconfiguration.
Meanwhile, version 7.1 (launched early 2020) is available 143 templates(opens in new tab) It is linked in a family. They all share similar features and design options, making it easy to change templates on the fly.
The best Squarespace templates for blogs about food, travel, fashion and more
Some experienced Squarespace designers still use version 7.0 because of a few of its Advanced functions Haven’t moved yet, but if you’re new to the platform we recommend starting with version 7.1: it’s more flexible. (Especially recently launched Fluid engine(opens in new tab)Squarespace’s next-generation, grid-based content editor.)
Whatever you decide to use, keep that in mind Moving between versions Often requires a complete rebuild and has the risk of affecting your site’s search rankings. Fortunately, Squarespace offers a free 14-day trial, so you have a chance to play with both versions before officially building your site.
Is Squarespace Good for Writers?
Squarespace is a ton useful Features(opens in new tab) There are many types of writers to take advantage of, including pre-made portfolios and blogs Layout pagesmobile editing, Newsletter modules(opens in new tab), Social media integration(opens in new tab), Email campaign(opens in new tab) coordination, tag and category(opens in new tab) support, Many writers(opens in new tab) Support, Google Analytics Support, Ability Table posts(opens in new tab)And a built-in Feedback system(opens in new tab) Content moderation and abuse filters (plus Disqus(opens in new tab) integration). It also added a recent tool Member Areas(opens in new tab)It allows you to access and monetize the content on your site.
Squarespace is, in a nutshell Very much Good for writers – again, even if you have no prior coding experience.
How to choose the right Squarespace template?
Squarespace Templates library(opens in new tab) Gives you the option to sort them by category (Online Store, Portfolio, Memberships, Blog, Planning and One Page) and topic (eg, Media & Podcasts, Professional Services and Personal & CV). Click on any template’s “Preview” button to view its demo content, which will give you an idea of what it looks like in the wild.
Square space Recommends(opens in new tab) It focuses mainly on “specific colors and layouts that appeal to you” rather than the content you see there, but adds that “it’s easier for you to start with a design that’s closer to how you want your site to look.” We will use Suhama(opens in new tab) And Dev(opens in new tab) For example templates:
Credit: Squarespace
Credit: Squarespace
Both are one-page personal & CV templates, but Suhama (left) is already pre-configured as a portfolio site for the writer with sections for clips and work experience; Meanwhile, Devoe’s demo content is little more than a full-bleed banner image and contact information. That’s not to say Devo won’t or can’t be a good writer, but it takes a lot more tinkering to get to that point.
Overwhelmed by all your options? Below is a list of seven templates that we think will make great sites for writers with minimal effort.
Note: Most of our recommendations are from Squarespace version 7.1, but we’ve sprinkled in a few options that stand out from version 7.0. Templates are marked accordingly.
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