Ever wondered if you can build a website on Squarespace without spending a dime? You’re not alone—tons of creative minds and small business owners search for a free way to launch their online presence. With so many website builders out there, it’s important to know what’s possible and what’s not.
This article breaks down exactly how you can create a Squarespace website for free, what limitations exist, and smart tips to make the most of your experience.
Can You Build a Free Squarespace Website? Your Complete Guide
If you’ve ever thought about creating a website, chances are you’ve seen Squarespace pop up in your searches. It’s known for its beautiful templates and easy-to-use design tools. But many people ask: can you get a free website on Squarespace? The answer is both simple and a bit nuanced. Let’s break down exactly how Squarespace’s “free” offer works, what you can and can’t do, and share helpful tips to make the most of their platform without breaking the bank.
Understanding the “Free” in Squarespace
Squarespace is a premium website builder, but it does offer a way to try its features at no cost. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Trial: Squarespace provides a 14-day free trial. During this period, you can explore its tools, design your site, and test features.
- No Ongoing Free Plan: After the trial, you need to purchase a subscription to make your website live to the public.
- No Credit Card Required Initially: Starting the trial is commitment-free. This lets you experiment safely.
So, while you can’t keep a Squarespace site running fully free forever, you do get an ample taste of what’s possible, and that’s perfect for experimentation or building before you invest.
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Free Squarespace Website
Let’s walk through how to make the most of the Squarespace free trial.
1. Sign Up for a Trial
- Visit the Squarespace website.
- Click “Get Started” or “Start Free Trial.”
- Pick your favorite template from dozens of modern, responsive options.
- Create an account — use your email, Google account, or Apple ID.
2. Build Your Site
- Access the drag-and-drop editor to start customizing.
- Add pages, images, videos, contact forms, and more.
- Experiment with colors, fonts, and layouts.
- Use built-in tools for blogs, portfolios, or e-commerce stores (test features like product listings and carts).
3. Explore Core Features
During your trial, you can:
- Preview your site on desktop and mobile.
- Play with SEO settings and analytics.
- Try integrating tools like mailing lists, appointment schedulers, or third-party widgets.
4. Collaboration Options
- Invite teammates or clients to preview the site and make suggestions.
- Share a private preview link (your site won’t be public yet, but you can get feedback).
5. Decide to Go Live
- When you’re ready, you can subscribe to a paid plan that fits your needs.
- Connect a custom domain (free for the first year with annual payment).
- Publish your site and share it with the world.
Benefits of Trying Squarespace for Free
There’s a lot you can achieve within the trial period:
- Experience the Design Tools: No limitations during the trial. Every template and feature is available.
- No Risk: With no up-front payment, you only invest your time.
- Test Different Templates: Switch designs easily before you commit.
- Experiment with Storefronts: Set up an online store as a test run.
- Assess Support: Chat or email customer support with real questions before deciding.
Limitations of the Free Trial
While the trial is generous, there are clear stops to what you can do:
- No Public Launch: Your website remains private until you pay and publish.
- No Custom Domain: Your trial site uses a built-in Squarespace domain (like yoursite.squarespace.com); custom domains only activate post-payment.
- Limited Third-Party Integrations: Some integrations and advanced commerce features require an active paid plan.
- Email Campaigns Restricted: To launch full campaigns or use some marketing benefits, a subscription is necessary.
Practical Tips to Maximize Your Free Trial
If you want to get the most out of Squarespace’s free offering, keep these strategies in mind:
Plan Your Content and Structure
- Sketch out your site layout and what content (text, images, products) you need.
- Gather your materials before starting the trial, so you can move quickly.
- Use placeholder images or text if you’re waiting on real content.
Schedule Your Work
- The trial is 14 days, but you can extend it by another 7 days if needed. Request the extension before your trial ends.
- Map out each day — for example, dedicate Day 1 to template selection, Days 2-4 to content, Days 5-6 to ecommerce, and so on.
- Use reminders so you don’t lose progress or let the trial expire before you’re ready to decide.
Test Responsiveness
- Use the built-in preview to see how your site looks on phones, tablets, and desktops.
- Tweak design elements to make sure everything is user-friendly and visually appealing on all devices.
Get Feedback
- Share preview links with friends, colleagues, or clients.
- Ask for honest opinions on navigation, style, and content.
Prepare for Transition
- Before your trial ends, decide which paid plan makes sense for your goals.
- Budget for the ongoing subscription, especially if you plan to keep the site active.
Is There a Way to Keep a Site Live for Free?
You might wonder if there are hidden tricks to keep a Squarespace website public without ever paying. Here are the realities:
- No Permanent Free Plan: Unlike some other website builders, Squarespace does not offer a permanent free tier. Your site must be on a paid plan to be public and use a custom domain.
- Designers and Clients: If you’re a web designer, you can create multiple trial sites for clients and let them decide to pay when ready. But again, the live site requires payment.
- Portfolio Pages: You can use the trial for demos or to build portfolios, but you must purchase to make them live.
Squarespace vs. Other Free Builders
If you need a website permanently at no cost, you may consider alternatives. Squarespace focuses on quality and comprehensive features rather than unlimited free plans. Here’s what differentiates it:
- Better Templates & Customization: The design quality is generally higher than most free builders.
- Ad-Free Experience: During your trial and on paid plans, Squarespace doesn’t clutter your site with ads.
- Brand Control: Your domain and branding are yours once you pay — no third-party watermarks.
- Robust E-commerce and Marketing: These tools are often locked or limited on free plans with other platforms.
Cost-Saving Tips for Using Squarespace
Building a professional website can be a valuable investment. Here’s how to control expenses with Squarespace:
- Start Free: Use the trial to get your site exactly right before subscribing.
- Annual Payments: Paying annually is usually cheaper per month and often includes a free custom domain for the first year.
- Choose the Right Plan: Only pay for features you’ll use. Personal plans are perfect for blogs or portfolios; Business and Commerce plans are for online stores.
- Optimize Content First: Avoid premium stock photos or outside services unless they’re essential.
- Use Official Tools: Squarespace templates, fonts, and integrations are included. Stick to these to save money.
- Look for Discounts: Sometimes, Squarespace runs promotional offers or discount codes for new signups.
Best Practices for Getting Started
You don’t need to be a designer or developer. Here’s how to give your site the best chance for success:
- Focus on Clarity: Choose a simple, clean template with easy navigation.
- Quality Images: Use crisp, professional photos (free resources are available online).
- Strong Headlines: Write clear titles and calls-to-action so visitors know how to engage.
- SEO Readiness: Fill out page titles, meta descriptions, and other SEO tools even in the trial.
- Accessibility: Use descriptive text and high-contrast colors for better accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I keep my Squarespace website for free after the trial?
No. When the trial ends, your website becomes inactive and private. To publish your site and make it publicly accessible, you’ll need to choose and pay for a Squarespace plan.
2. Will my work be lost when the free trial ends?
Your content is saved even after the trial expires, but your site goes offline. If you need more time, Squarespace offers a 7-day extension. After purchasing a plan, your saved work appears as you left it.
3. Do I need a credit card to start a Squarespace trial?
No, you do not need to provide payment details to start your free trial. You only enter payment information when you decide to subscribe and make your site live.
4. Can I connect my own domain name during the free trial?
You can test the process, but your custom domain won’t go live on the website until you start a paid plan. During the trial, your site uses a temporary Squarespace URL.
5. What happens if I decide not to subscribe after the trial?
Your website is not deleted, but it’s hidden from public view. You can still access your account, review your content, or export certain data if needed. If you decide later to subscribe, you can publish your site again.
In Summary
Squarespace makes it easy to build a stunning website with no upfront cost through its 14-day free trial. While you can’t keep a site live permanently for free, the risk-free trial gives you time to test, design, and plan before paying. Use this period to get your content ready and make wise choices, so when you subscribe, your site is polished and ready to shine.
If website quality, professional design, and peace of mind are important to you, Squarespace’s free trial is a smart way to start your online journey—without spending a cent until you’re absolutely ready.