Squarespace Ecommerce Basics
Learning Objectives
- Understand what Squarespace Ecommerce is and how it works
- Learn how to add an online store to your Squarespace website
- Master basic product management and checkout setup
Introduction
Ready to start selling online? Squarespace Ecommerce transforms your website into a proper online store without needing separate platforms or complicated integrations. You'll handle everything from product listings to payments through your existing Squarespace dashboard.
This chapter builds on your Squarespace basics knowledge, showing you how to add ecommerce functionality to your site and manage your first products. By the end, you'll have a working online store ready for customers.
Lessons
Setting Up Your Online Store
Getting your store running takes three main steps:
Step 1: Enable Commerce Features
- Go to your Squarespace dashboard
- Click 'Commerce' in the main menu
- Select 'Get Started' to activate ecommerce features
- Choose your plan (Business or Commerce plans include selling features)
Step 2: Configure Store Settings
- Set your store location and currency
- Add your business details for invoices
- Choose your shipping regions
- Set up tax collection if required
Step 3: Pick Your Store Layout
- Browse ecommerce-ready templates or modify your current one
- Add product gallery pages where customers will browse items
- Create dedicated product pages for individual items
- Set up your shopping cart and checkout pages
Your store structure is now ready for products.
Adding and Managing Products
Here's how to list your first products:
Step 1: Create Your First Product
- Go to 'Commerce' then 'Inventory'
- Click 'Add Product'
- Upload clear product photos (at least 1000px wide works best)
- Write your product title and description
- Set your price and track inventory if needed
Step 2: Organise Products
- Create categories to group similar items
- Add product tags for better search functionality
- Set up variants for different sizes, colours, or options
- Enable or disable products as needed
Step 3: Configure Product Details
- Add SEO descriptions for search engines
- Set shipping weights and dimensions
- Choose whether items are physical or digital downloads
- Add related products to encourage more sales
This is the bit most people miss: test each product by viewing it as a customer would. Click through from your main site to make sure everything displays correctly.
Understanding Checkout and Payments
Your checkout process needs to work smoothly:
Payment Setup
- Connect Stripe (built into Squarespace) for card payments
- Add PayPal if you want that option
- Set up Apple Pay and Google Pay for mobile users
- Test payments with small amounts first
Checkout Customisation
- Review how your checkout pages look
- Add your logo and brand colours
- Set up email confirmations for orders
- Create clear shipping and return policies
Order Management
- Check orders come through to your dashboard
- Set up email notifications for new sales
- Test the customer journey from cart to confirmation
- Make sure receipt emails look professional
Roll your sleeves up and place a test order yourself. This shows you exactly what customers experience.
Practice
Add one product to your store and complete the full setup:
- Create a product with at least two photos
- Write a clear title and description
- Set a realistic price
- Choose appropriate categories
- Preview the product page
- Test the add-to-cart process
- Complete a test purchase if possible
Walk through your store as if you're a customer. Is everything clear and easy to use?
FAQs
Can I sell digital products on Squarespace?
Yes, you can sell both physical items and digital downloads. Digital products get delivered automatically after purchase.
What payment methods can I accept?
Squarespace supports Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Afterpay (in supported regions). Stripe handles most card payments.
Do I need a business licence to sell online?
This depends on your location and what you're selling. Check your local regulations for business registration and tax requirements.
Can I sell internationally?
Yes, but you'll need to set up shipping zones and consider currency, taxes, and customs regulations for international orders.
How do I handle returns and refunds?
Create clear return policies and process refunds through your payment processor. Squarespace helps track these in your dashboard.
Jargon Buster
- Commerce Plan: Squarespace's paid plans that include ecommerce features and transaction processing
- Inventory Tracking: System that monitors how many items you have in stock
- Payment Processor: Service like Stripe that handles card payments securely
- Product Variants: Different versions of the same item (sizes, colours, styles)
- Digital Products: Items delivered electronically like ebooks, courses, or downloads
- Checkout Abandonment: When customers add items to cart but don't complete the purchase
Wrap-up
You've now got the foundation for running an online store through Squarespace. Your ecommerce setup handles the technical side, so you can focus on your products and customers.
The key things to remember: keep your product information clear and complete, test everything from a customer's perspective, and make sure your checkout process works smoothly. These basics will serve you well as your store grows.
Ready to take your Squarespace skills further? Check out our advanced courses on marketing and automation.