What Squarespace Going Private Means for Users and Designers
If you haven’t heard, Squarespace has made a big move, going private through a major deal with private equity firm Permira. If you're a Squarespace user or designer, you might be wondering: what does this mean for me?
Let’s get into the possible implications of this change, and why it could be a game-changer for both DIY site builders and seasoned web designers.
Squarespace is Staying Squarespace
First things first, Squarespace isn’t going anywhere. The platform will remain the same one we all know and love, with its drag-and-drop tools, beautiful templates, and all the features you're used to. The deal won’t suddenly make your site disappear or change the platform in a way that forces you to learn a new system. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, writing a blog, or showcasing your creative portfolio, the platform you are familiar with is still here. The big difference? Squarespace might have more resources to invest in new tools and features. We could see even more advanced features being rolled out—especially as they’ve been focusing on AI tools.
Andrew Young of Permira hinted at the potential for AI-driven innovations (Not surprised, AI is taking over and if you don’t get with the program you could end up like Blockbuster), meaning we could see more customization, and personalization, and optimization tools very soon. This is exciting for everyone, from small business owners to designers, as these tools could make building and managing websites much faster and smarter.
What Does This Mean for Designers?
Big transitions like this tend to take time. Squarespace has made it clear that its focus is on continuing to support users and make the platform even better. So, don’t worry about any immediate changes or disruptions. Your website and workflow should keep running smoothly. For designers, like myself, I think this is a hopeful sign. But I also think this shift is a signal to stay updated and diversify your skills. Because one of Squarespace’s focus is more resources to rival Go Daddy and Wix this could mean more customization options, better integrations, and enhanced tools that help us deliver even better results for clients. If you've ever felt limited by certain design features, we could see those gaps filled as the company invests in improving the platform. We might see improvements that give you more creative freedom, such as advanced customization features and enhanced SEO and marketing tools.
Here’s how to get ahead of the curve:
Stay Updated: Make it a priority. Big transitions like this tend to take time. Squarespace has made it clear that its focus is on continuing to support users and make the platform even better. So, don’t worry about any immediate changes or disruptions. Your website and workflow will keep running smoothly. y to follow the latest Squarespace updates in 2024. Being ahead of the game means you can use these features before your competition.
Leverage New Features: As new AI tools roll out, look for ways to incorporate them into your workflow. Smarter websites in less time? That’s a win for both you and your clients.
Diversify Your Skills: If you haven’t already, get familiar with Squarespace’s e-commerce features. With Squarespace Payments likely getting an upgrade, understanding how to set up a seamless shopping experience could make you even more valuable to your clients.
Invest in Your Brand: Now’s the perfect time to showcase your expertise as a Squarespace designer. Build your personal brand around being cutting-edge, and use these updates to refine the services you offer.
Enhanced Payments and E-Commerce — Big Wins for Small Businesses
If you’re running an online store or helping clients do the same, the anticipated Squarespace Payments improvements are something to keep an eye on. A smoother payment system means fewer headaches for you and your clients, and the potential for growth without the usual backend challenges. But, are to even interested in switching? For example, Squarespace’s Canva alternative, “Unfold” sounds interesting, and some people I’m sure will find it very useful… but personally, I’m not very interested. , lol I LOVE Canva and you can expect More Canva templates from me at my digital downloads shop HERE.
Small business owners can hope for a more integrated e-commerce experience, allowing you to focus on scaling your business rather than juggling transaction hiccups. 🤞🏼
A Glimpse Into the Future: Improved User Experience
The heart of this acquisition is to make Squarespace better for users. While we don’t have all the details yet, there’s a clear focus on user experience improvements. Think upgraded e-commerce features, intuitive marketing integrations, and smarter SEO tools that help you rank higher without extra effort.
For example, AI-driven design options could let you build faster and more efficiently, without compromising quality. Imagine automating the tedious parts of website creation, while still delivering custom, professional results.
DIY Squarespace Website vs. Hiring a Designer: What’s Best in Light of Squarespace's Changes?
As Squarespace evolves with new features and AI-driven updates, you might be wondering: should you DIY your website or hire a designer? Here’s how the recent changes impact both options:
DIY Approach: Squarespace has always been known for its user-friendly platform, and with the upcoming AI enhancements, building your own site could become even more intuitive. If you’re on a budget and willing to invest time in learning, you’ll likely find it easier than ever to create a professional-looking site with minimal effort. With smarter design tools and automation on the horizon, the DIY path will allow you to take advantage of the latest innovations without needing deep technical skills.
Hiring a Designer: While DIY options are getting easier, hiring a designer still holds significant value, especially with the anticipated changes. Designers will be the first to master and implement these new Squarespace tools, giving you not only a polished and professional look but also the strategic use of features like advanced SEO tools, e-commerce optimizations, and AI-powered personalization. This can give your site a competitive edge, especially if you want to stand out in a crowded online space. But also, it shouldn’t be your burden to keep up with the latest tech when you have a business you focus on. Whether you’re a Hair Dresser, Bakery Owner, or Chiropractor, Designers will keep out with changing trends so you don’t have to and can focus on what you are great at, your business.
In short, if you have the time and confidence to explore the new features on your own, the DIY route could be even more rewarding. However, for those who want to maximize the potential of the new tools without diving into the technical aspects, hiring a designer can ensure you're using Squarespace to its full potential from the start.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
While there’s a lot to possibly be excited about (i can only hope that more money into the company means improvements for us all), it’s also worth noting that there’s been some chatter in the design community. Some designers are cautiously optimistic but feel that Squarespace has been focusing on newer features like payments and invoicing, while the core web-building tools—things that Circle members have been asking for—still need attention. The question on a lot of minds is: Will Squarespace balance new features with the necessary improvements?
And I can agree with this. Prioritizing what users and designers are experiencing day to day in the field is important not just for us to do our job effectively, but for our clients who are usually not tech savvy, and we want to see them succeed. I choose Squarespace because I want to leave clients with an easy website to manage and make changes on their own once my magick is done.
Overall, most designers agree that with CEO Anthony Casalena remaining at the helm, the platform is unlikely to stray too far from its current path. The hope is that going private will bring focus and innovation where it's needed most, but for now, only time will tell.
Why Choose Squarespace in 2024?
With all the potential changes on the horizon, why should you still choose Squarespace for your website in 2024? The answer lies in its adaptability. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast building your own site or a professional designer crafting bespoke websites for clients, Squarespace’s upcoming user experience improvements and AI-driven tools are set to make your work easier and more effective.
The backing of Permira and the leadership of Anthony Casalena mean that Squarespace is poised to keep growing while maintaining the same design-first, user-friendly approach that has made it so popular.
