Squarespace Ecommerce Planning Basics
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Plan and structure your ecommerce website layout effectively
- Map out customer journeys that convert visitors into buyers
- Choose and configure the right ecommerce tools for your Squarespace site
- Create a functional wireframe that guides your site build
Introduction
Building a successful online store starts long before you pick colours or upload product photos. The planning phase determines whether your customers can easily find what they need and complete their purchases without frustration.
This chapter covers the essential planning steps for your Squarespace ecommerce site. You'll learn how to map out your site structure, plan customer journeys, and choose the right features for your business needs. Good planning now saves you hours of rebuilding later.
Lessons
Understanding Ecommerce Site Structure
Your site structure affects everything from customer experience to search rankings. Here's how to get it right.
Step 1: List all your product categories and subcategories
Step 2: Create a simple site map showing how pages connect
Step 3: Plan your main navigation menu (keep it under 7 items)
Step 4: Decide on your homepage layout priorities
Your homepage should answer three questions within seconds: what you sell, who you serve, and why customers should choose you. Plan for a clear hero section, featured products, and easy navigation to your main categories.
Planning Customer Journeys
Map out the paths customers take from first visit to purchase. This helps you identify where people might get stuck or leave your site.
Step 1: Identify your main customer types and their needs
Step 2: Map the journey from landing page to checkout
Step 3: List potential obstacles at each stage
Step 4: Plan solutions for common problems
Common journey stages include: discovery (how they find you), browsing (looking at products), evaluation (comparing options), and purchase (checkout process). Each stage needs different support.
For example, browsers need clear categories and search functions. Evaluators need detailed product information and reviews. Buyers need a simple, secure checkout process.
Choosing Your Squarespace Commerce Plan
Different plans offer different features. Choose based on your actual needs, not just the cheapest option.
Business Plan includes:
- Basic ecommerce features
- 3% transaction fee
- Limited customisation options
Basic Commerce Plan includes:
- No transaction fees
- Advanced ecommerce features
- Customer accounts
- Better inventory management
Advanced Commerce Plan includes:
- Everything in Basic Commerce
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Advanced shipping options
- Subscriptions and gift cards
Step 1: Estimate your monthly sales volume
Step 2: Calculate costs including transaction fees
Step 3: List features you actually need
Step 4: Choose the plan that makes financial sense
Setting Up Essential Ecommerce Features
Configure these key features during your planning phase:
Payment Processing:
- Connect Stripe for card payments
- Add PayPal for broader payment options
- Set up Apple Pay and Google Pay if relevant
Shipping Configuration:
- Define shipping zones and rates
- Set up free shipping thresholds
- Configure local delivery options if applicable
Tax Settings:
- Enable automatic tax calculation
- Set up tax rates for your locations
- Configure VAT settings for UK/EU sales
Inventory Management:
- Plan your product categories
- Set up inventory tracking
- Configure low stock alerts
Practice
Create a simple wireframe for your ecommerce site:
- Sketch your homepage layout on paper
- Map out your main navigation structure
- Plan your product category pages
- Design your checkout flow
Focus on functionality over appearance. Mark where key elements go: search bar, shopping cart, main navigation, product grids, and call-to-action buttons.
Test your wireframe by walking through different customer scenarios. Can a first-time visitor easily find and buy a product? Can returning customers quickly reorder?
FAQs
Which Squarespace plan do I need for ecommerce?
You need at least the Business plan for basic ecommerce features, but the Basic Commerce plan removes transaction fees and adds important features like customer accounts and better inventory management.
How many product categories should I have?
Keep your main categories between 5-7 for easy navigation. You can use subcategories to organise products further without cluttering your main menu.
Can I change my site structure after launching?
Yes, but it's disruptive. Changing URLs affects search rankings and breaks bookmarks. Plan thoroughly before launching to avoid major restructuring later.
What payment methods should I offer?
At minimum, offer card payments through Stripe and PayPal. Consider Apple Pay and Google Pay for mobile customers. Research what your target audience prefers.
How do I handle shipping costs?
Calculate your average shipping costs and either charge accurate rates or build shipping into your product prices and offer "free" shipping. Free shipping often increases conversion rates.
Jargon Buster
Wireframe – A basic visual guide showing where elements go on your website pages, focusing on structure rather than design
Customer Journey – The path a customer takes from first discovering your business to making a purchase and beyond
Conversion Rate – The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, like making a purchase
Abandoned Cart – When customers add items to their cart but leave without completing the purchase
Transaction Fee – A percentage of each sale that payment processors or platforms charge for handling transactions
Wrap-up
Good ecommerce planning prevents expensive mistakes and creates better customer experiences. You've learned how to structure your site, plan customer journeys, choose the right Squarespace plan, and configure essential features.
Next, you'll learn how to set up your products and collections in Squarespace, turning your plans into a working online store.
Ready to start building your ecommerce site? Join our membership for step-by-step guidance: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership