Getting Started with Squarespace Ecommerce Templates

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify the key features of ecommerce-optimized Squarespace templates
• Choose a template that matches your brand and business needs
• Understand what you can and can't customize within templates
• Make informed decisions about template switching to avoid costly mistakes

Introduction

Your template choice sets the foundation for your entire online store. Get it right, and you'll have a professional site that converts visitors into customers. Get it wrong, and you'll be fighting against design limitations from day one.

This chapter walks you through the practical steps of choosing and customizing a Squarespace ecommerce template. We'll focus on making decisions that support your business goals rather than just picking something that looks pretty.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Know What You Need Before You Look

Most people jump straight into browsing templates without thinking about their actual requirements. This leads to choosing based on looks alone, which often backfires later.

Step 1: Write down your product types and quantities

• How many products will you sell?
• Do you need large product images or detailed galleries?
• Will you offer variants like sizes or colors?

Step 2: List your must-have features

• Do you need a blog section?
• Will you run promotions or discount codes?
• Do you need customer accounts and wishlists?

Step 3: Consider your content needs

• How much text do you need for product descriptions?
• Will you display customer reviews?
• Do you need space for shipping information or policies?

Lesson 2: Navigate Squarespace's Template Library

Squarespace groups templates by purpose, but the categories aren't always obvious. Here's how to find what you actually need.

Step 1: Go to squarespace.com/templates and select "Online Stores"

• This filters to ecommerce-optimized templates only
• Don't be tempted by general templates that "can be customized" for ecommerce

Step 2: Use the preview feature properly

• Click "Preview" rather than just viewing the thumbnail
• Navigate through the demo store to see how products are displayed
• Check the mobile view using the device toggle

Step 3: Test the shopping experience

• Add items to the cart in the preview
• Go through the checkout process
• Notice how many clicks it takes to complete key actions

Lesson 3: Evaluate Template Flexibility

Not all templates are created equal. Some give you lots of customization options, while others lock you into a specific look and feel.

Step 1: Check the Style Editor options

• Look for templates with extensive font and color controls
• Avoid templates that only offer limited preset styles
• Test how much you can adjust spacing and layout

Step 2: Understand layout constraints

• Some templates force specific page layouts
• Others let you rearrange content blocks freely
• Note which approach works better for your content

Step 3: Consider future growth

• Will the template work if you add more product categories?
• Can it handle increased content as your business grows?
• Does it support advanced features you might need later?

Lesson 4: Make Your Final Decision

With your research complete, it's time to choose. This decision impacts everything that follows, so don't rush it.

Step 1: Narrow down to your top 3 templates

• Compare them side by side using your requirements list
• Consider how each handles your specific product types
• Think about your customers' shopping preferences

Step 2: Consider the technical implications

• Some templates load faster than others
• Mobile performance varies between templates
• SEO capabilities can differ significantly

Step 3: Make your choice and commit

• Perfect templates don't exist, so pick the best fit
• Start building rather than endlessly comparing options
• Remember you can always refine the design later

Practice

Choose three Squarespace ecommerce templates and evaluate them using these criteria:

1. Product Display: How well does each template showcase your type of products?
2. Navigation: How easy is it for customers to find what they're looking for?
3. Mobile Experience: How does the shopping experience work on a phone?
4. Customization: What can you change to match your brand?
5. Growth Potential: Will this template work as your business expands?

Create a simple scoring system (1-5 for each criteria) to help you make an objective choice.

FAQs

Can I switch templates after setting up my store?
Yes, but it's messy. You'll lose custom design work and may need to reconfigure product displays. Some content might not transfer properly. It's far better to choose carefully from the start.

Do all ecommerce templates support the same payment options?
Yes, payment processing is handled by Squarespace's commerce system, not the template. All ecommerce templates support Stripe, PayPal, and Apple Pay.

Which templates work best for fashion retailers?
Templates like Brine, Bedford, and Farro offer excellent image galleries and clean product displays that work well for clothing and accessories.

Are there templates specifically for digital products?
Any ecommerce template can sell digital products, but simpler layouts often work better since you don't need extensive image galleries.

Jargon Buster

Ecommerce-Optimized Template: A template designed specifically for online selling, with built-in shopping carts, product pages, and checkout functionality.

Mobile Responsiveness: The ability of your website to automatically adjust its layout and functionality to work well on phones and tablets.

Style Editor: Squarespace's tool for customizing colors, fonts, and basic layout options within your chosen template.

Product Variants: Different versions of the same product, such as different sizes, colors, or materials.

Wrap-up

Choosing the right template is about matching functionality to your business needs, not just picking something pretty. Take time to understand your requirements before browsing, use the preview features properly, and prioritize flexibility over flashy design elements.

Your template choice affects everything from customer experience to how easy it is to manage your store. Get this foundation right, and the rest of your store setup becomes much smoother.

Next, we'll cover setting up your basic store structure and adding your first products to your chosen template.

Ready to join other successful store owners? Get access to our complete Squarespace ecommerce course at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership