One of the most common questions I get as a Squarespace web designer in New Zealand is:

“Do I have to choose one Squarespace template and stick with it?”

The short answer: No. Squarespace templates are there as inspiration, not restrictions.

Do I Have to Use a Squarespace Template?

Back in the old Squarespace 7.0 days, you really were tied to the template you chose. If you wanted to change later, you had to start all over again. But things have come a long way since then.

On the current platform (Squarespace 7.1), all templates share the same features. That means I can start with a blank page and design your site completely from scratch, shaped around your brand, your content, and the way you want visitors to move through your site.

Sure, you can choose a template you like from the Squarespace library, or you can even send me website inspiration from a completely different platform (like WordPress, Wix, or Rocketspark) and I can rebuild it in Squarespace.

Can I Customise a Squarespace Template?

Absolutely. If you’ve seen a template in the library that you like but you’re not sure how to make it yours, I can help. We can take that starting point and customise it so it looks unique to your business. Starting with a design you already love can be the fastest route, and it won’t look like anyone else’s site once it’s tailored.

Can a Squarespace Site Look Like WordPress or Wix?

A question I hear a lot is: “I’ve seen a site on WordPress/Wix/Rocketspark, can Squarespace do that?”

In most cases, yes. While there are always a few limits, Squarespace is far more flexible than people realise. With the right tools and design know-how, I can recreate layouts and features you’ve seen elsewhere.

What About Advanced Features?

For clients who want to go beyond what Squarespace can do out of the box, I use a premium plugin called Squarekicker. It allows me to add advanced layouts, scroll effects, and animation which aren’t natively available.

It does mean your site needs to be on a Business plan or higher (so we can access custom code injection), but it’s a game-changer for custom design.

The Takeaway

Squarespace templates are not a box you’re stuck in. They’re a jumping-off point. Whether we start from a completely blank canvas, customise a template you already love, or rebuild a site you’ve seen on another platform, we can design a Squarespace website that’s unique to your business.

If you’re searching for Squarespace website design in NZ, know that you’re not tied to a template. The platform is flexible enough to create almost any look and feel you want.

Squarespace Template FAQs

On Squarespace 7.1 you don’t need to. All templates share the same features, so switching is no longer necessary like it was in 7.0. Your design is fully flexible.
There isn’t a “best” template anymore — they all have the same features. The best approach is to design from a blank page or customise a template so it fits your business perfectly.
No. Templates are just a starting point for design inspiration. I often start with a blank canvas or rebuild a site design you’ve seen elsewhere.
Yes, in most cases. With the right tools and plugins, Squarespace can achieve very similar layouts and designs to other platforms.
Squarekicker is a premium plugin I use to push Squarespace design further. It allows advanced layouts, animations and effects not available by default — but it requires a Business plan or higher.