Start Your Squarespace Trial

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Set up a Squarespace account and start your free trial
• Choose and preview templates that suit your project
• Use the drag-and-drop editor to add content to your pages
• Navigate the basics of your Squarespace dashboard

Introduction

Starting with Squarespace means you can build a professional website without needing to code. This chapter walks you through setting up your account, starting your free trial, and getting familiar with the basics. We'll cover everything you need to know to go from zero to having your first pages live.

Lessons

Setting Up Your Squarespace Account

Getting started means creating your account first. Here's how to do it properly:

Step 1: Head to squarespace.com and click "Get Started"
Step 2: Enter your email address and create a password
Step 3: Check your email and click the confirmation link to activate your account

Starting Your Free Trial

Once your account is active, you can begin your 14-day free trial:

Step 1: Log into your new account
Step 2: Browse the template library and select one that fits your project
Step 3: Click "Start with this template" to begin customising

Your trial starts automatically when you choose a template. You get full access to all editing features during this period.

Using the Drag-and-Drop Editor

Squarespace's editor lets you move content around without touching code:

Step 1: From your dashboard, click "Pages" then select a page to edit
Step 2: Click the "+" icon to add content blocks
Step 3: Drag blocks from the menu onto your page where you want them
Step 4: Click any block to edit its content, styling, or settings

The editor works with blocks. Text goes in text blocks, images in image blocks, and so on. You can drag these blocks around to rearrange your page layout.

Practice

Create a simple "About" page using the drag-and-drop editor:

1. Add a text block with a headline about yourself or your business
2. Add an image block with a relevant photo
3. Add another text block with a paragraph of description
4. Drag the blocks around to try different layouts
5. Preview your page to see how it looks to visitors

FAQs

How long does the free trial last?
Squarespace gives you 14 days to build and test your site. You can publish it during the trial, but you'll need to choose a paid plan to keep it live after the trial ends.

Can I change templates after I start building?
Yes, but be careful. Switching templates can affect your content layout and styling. Always preview the new template first and be prepared to adjust your content afterwards.

What happens if I don't upgrade after the trial?
Your site becomes inaccessible to visitors, but your content stays saved. You can return later, upgrade to a paid plan, and your site will be back online.

Do I need to enter payment details for the trial?
No, Squarespace doesn't require payment information to start your trial. You only add payment details when you're ready to upgrade to a paid plan.

Jargon Buster

Template: A pre-designed website layout that provides the structure and styling for your site. You add your own content and customise the design.

Content Block: Individual elements like text, images, or buttons that you can add to pages using the drag-and-drop editor.

Dashboard: Your main control panel where you manage all aspects of your website, from design to settings.

Preview Mode: A way to see how your site looks to visitors before publishing changes.

Wrap-up

You now have a Squarespace account and know how to start your free trial. You've also learned the basics of using the drag-and-drop editor to add content to your pages. The next step is to start building your actual site content and exploring more of Squarespace's features. Take your time during the trial period to experiment with different layouts and content types.

Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership for more detailed tutorials and support.