Getting Started with Your Squarespace Free Trial
TL;DR:
- Squarespace gives you 14 days to test everything for free
- No credit card needed to start your trial
- You get full access to all features and templates
- Pick a paid plan before the trial ends or your site goes offline
Starting a new website can feel overwhelming, but Squarespace makes it easier with their 14-day free trial. You get full access to everything without handing over your credit card details upfront.
How to Start Your Free Trial
Head to the Squarespace website and click "Get Started". You'll create an account with just your email and password. That's it. No payment details, no hidden commitments.
Once you're in, you can pick any template and start building. The trial gives you complete access to all features, whether you want to build a simple portfolio or a full online store.
Making the Most of Your 14 Days
Your trial period is your chance to properly test Squarespace. Don't just browse templates and call it done. Actually build something.
Try switching between different templates to see how your content looks. Test the mobile editor to check how your site appears on phones. If you're planning to sell products, add a few items to the store and walk through the checkout process.
The image editor is worth testing too. Upload your photos and see how the built-in editing tools work. Same goes for the SEO settings and analytics dashboard.
Pixelhaze Tip: Set up a proper test site with your real content rather than placeholder text. You'll get a much better feel for how Squarespace handles your specific needs.
What Happens When Your Trial Ends
You have three options when your 14 days are up:
- Choose a paid plan to keep your site live
- Let the trial expire and your site goes into "unpublished" mode
- Download your content and move elsewhere
If you don't pick a plan, your site won't disappear completely. Squarespace keeps it on their servers, but visitors can't access it. You can always come back later and reactivate it by choosing a subscription.
Choosing Your Plan
Squarespace offers four main plans: Personal, Business, Commerce (Basic), and Commerce (Advanced). The Personal plan covers most simple websites, while the Commerce plans are for online stores.
During your trial, you can test features from any plan level. This helps you figure out exactly what you need before committing to monthly payments.
FAQs
Can I extend my free trial beyond 14 days?
Squarespace doesn't offer trial extensions. Once your 14 days are up, you need to choose a paid plan to keep your site live.
Will I lose my work if I don't choose a plan immediately?
Your site content stays saved in your account even after the trial ends. It just won't be visible to the public until you subscribe to a plan.
Can I change my plan after subscribing?
Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan anytime through your account settings. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.
Do I get a discount for paying annually?
Squarespace offers significant savings when you pay for a full year upfront instead of monthly billing.
Jargon Buster
Template: A pre-designed website layout that you can customize with your own content and branding.
Mobile Editor: Squarespace's tool for adjusting how your website appears on smartphones and tablets.
Commerce Plans: Subscription tiers specifically designed for online stores, including payment processing and inventory management.
Unpublished Mode: When your website is saved in Squarespace but not accessible to visitors on the internet.
Wrap-up
The 14-day free trial gives you plenty of time to decide if Squarespace fits your needs. Use these two weeks to build something real rather than just browsing features. Test the tools you'll actually use and see how your content looks across different devices.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace? Join the Pixelhaze Academy for step-by-step tutorials and expert tips: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership