Utilizing Website Building Sites
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt
Squarespace, Wordpress, Wix and dozens of other platforms are growing at a rapid pace because they provide high quality websites for users with zero coding experience. For example, Squarespace has about 2 million subscribers. Why are these platforms so popular and why should marketing companies join the movement?
Here are 5 reasons why you should start using sites like Squarespace.
Photo Credit: Ben Kolde
FASTER. By offering templates that eliminate the need to code, companies are able to create beautiful, navigable websites in a shorter time period.
CHEAPER. Due to the quick turnaround, marketing companies can provide websites at a lower cost while still creating a high quality look.
FLEXIBLE. Since all edits are made directly on the platform, they occur instantly. No need to export and upload to an FTP. This may seem like a small step that requires little time, but when you discover an error, the re-exporting and uploading process becomes cumbersome.
COLLABORATIVE. Companies such as Squarespace allow the user to add collaborators to your site. This is a wonderful way for clients to make direct edits if need be.
USER FRIENDLY. These platforms are designed to be usable for everyone and anyone, so there’s no need for a web designer to build them.
But not all platforms are perfect.
Let’s take a closer look at Squarespace to explore the most common design problem and how to tackle it. Because the fact is, there is only so much you can do with a pre-coded site.
Squarespace provides limited functionality and esthetics.
SOLUTIONS:
First off, be very forthcoming with your client. Let them know you will be using Squarespace for the design. Go through the pros and cons of each template in 7.0 and the option of working in 7.1. This way if a client makes a request outside of the realm of the platform, there are no surprises if any additional costs are required.
Be prepared to add some minor coding even if the client doesn't have any requests outside of the template. We’ve never had a site that doesn’t end up needing a little custom code. Sometimes it’s as simple as altering the spacing in a section or changing the sizing in mobile layout. Make sure you’ve included this time and cost into your quote when events like these come up.
Purchase plugins! Even though Squarespace has its limitations, you’re likely not the first one to encounter an issue and someone has probably already designed a work around. These plugins vary in cost from free to about $75, and when you factor in manpower to write and execute the code, plugins are nearly always worth it.
We at KR Squared think these pre-coded sites are an amazing product that marketing companies need to embrace rather than fight against. They can be a great tool for both you and your customer. So lean into design and be ready to do a little coding to perfect your client’s site.
Photo Credit: KOBU Agency
