Squarespace Trial Ended: Don’t Panic, Here’s Your Next Move! (+Get 6 month free trial for your site!)
By Akim Perminov
Founder & Lead Designer
When the trial period for a Squarespace website comes to an end, users are brought to a decision point regarding their online presence. As someone who has navigated this path before, I can attest that understanding what happens next is critical for a seamless transition. Squarespace is known for its user-friendly website builder and the 14-day trial is an excellent opportunity to explore the platform's features and decide whether it meets your needs.
Once the trial expires, your website isn't immediately lost. Instead, there is a grace period where your content remains intact but inaccessible to the public. To regain access and take your site live, you'll need to choose one of Squarespace's subscription plans. If you're not ready to make a decision by the trial's end, you might also consider requesting an extension, which can give you an additional week to evaluate the platform.
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Key Takeaways
Understanding post-trial options helps you make an informed decision about your Squarespace site.
A subscription plan must be selected to publish your site live post-trial.
Unedited content remains safe for a period even after the trial ends.
Overview of Squarespace Trial Period
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand that the Squarespace trial is designed to give you full access to their features and to test the platform’s capabilities.
Purpose of the Trial
The trial period on Squarespace primarily serves as a test drive for users to explore the functionality and ease of use of the platform. I find it allows potential customers to experiment with different designs and tools, ensuring they can make an informed decision about whether the service fits their needs without any initial investment.
Duration of the Trial
The trial period offered by Squarespace lasts for 14 days, which I think provides ample time for users to get a comprehensive look at the platform. Users can request a one-time, seven-day extension if they need more time to evaluate the service before committing to a paid plan. This extension is especially helpful for users like me who might need a bit more time to finalize the decision.
End of the Trial: What to Expect
When my Squarespace trial ends, I know exactly what changes to expect regarding my trial account and website.
Trial Expiration Notification
I will receive a notification from Squarespace about the impending end of my trial period. This serves as a reminder so that I can make a decision about upgrading to a paid plan or letting the trial expire.
Access to Site Content
After the trial ends, my access to the website's content is limited. I won't be able to edit or publish changes anymore. However, the content will be preserved on Squarespace's servers for a short period, typically up to four months, offering me a grace period to decide if I want to subscribe to a paid plan.
Visibility of Your Website
The visibility of my trial website will be affected as well. Unless I choose a paid plan, the website will be taken offline, meaning that it won't be accessible to the public anymore. If I opt not to renew my subscription, my website and all of its content will be subject to removal from the platform after the trial period ends.
Subscription Options Post-Trial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvZvSP5-4Hw&embed=true
After the Squarespace trial period concludes, I am faced with several decisions regarding the continuation of my website. To maintain my site's presence and functionality, upgrading to a paid plan is necessary.
Upgrading to a Paid Plan
To continue accessing and customizing my website without interruption, I must upgrade to a paid plan. Squarespace offers a one-time seven-day extension of the trial for those who need a little more time before committing to a purchase.
Choosing a Plan
Squarespace provides multiple plan options tailored to different needs, such as personal websites, businesses, and e-commerce platforms. Choosing the right plan for my website is crucial to ensuring that I have the features and resources that meet my requirements.
Payment Methods
Once I choose a plan, I can proceed with the payment. Squarespace accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal, to facilitate a smooth transition from trial to full service.
Data Retention and Deletion
When your Squarespace trial ends, I know you might be concerned about what happens to your site's content. It's important to understand the specifics of data retention and when Squarespace may delete your data, so that you can take action if necessary.
Preservation of Site Content
Upon the expiration of a Squarespace trial, your site content isn't immediately lost. Squarespace ensures that your content remains secure on their servers for a period of time. During this phase, your website won't be publicly accessible, but your content is preserved to give you the opportunity to decide on your next steps, such as upgrading to a paid plan to regain editing and viewing capabilities. You can find more specific details on the Squarespace Help Center.
Time Frame for Content Deletion
Squarespace has a set period during which your content is retained before being subject to deletion. Your trial website and its content will be retained for 4 months after the trial period ends. If during this time, you choose not to transition to a paid service, your website content may be permanently removed from Squarespace's system according to their policy on data retention. Remember, you won't have the capability to edit or republish your site unless you choose a subscription plan. This detail is further outlined in discussions on the Squarespace Forum.
Reactivating an Expired Trial
When my Squarespace trial ends, I have a limited window to reactivate it. This process is crucial to retain my website's design and content.
Steps to Reactivate
Check the Email: I ensure that I check my inbox for an email from Squarespace with the subject "Your trial has expired. Need more time?".
Follow the Link: In the email, I click the link provided to request an extension. Details about extending my trial can be found in the Squarespace Help Center.
Consequences of Not Reactivating
Access Denied: If I do not take action to reactivate my trial, I will lose access to my account and the content I've created.
Website Offline: The website I worked on will be taken offline. To make it live again, I'll need to choose and subscribe to a paid plan.
By understanding the reactivation steps and consequences, I ensure that I'm equipped to handle my expired Squarespace trial effectively.
Customer Support and Resources
In my experience, the transition from a trial period to a full Squarespace subscription can raise questions. I'll detail how to access dedicated customer support and the wealth of information available in the help center and community forums.
Accessing Customer Support
I find that Squarespace’s customer support is both accessible and helpful. If my trial is nearing its end, or has ended, and I need assistance, I utilize their customer support to get in touch with their team. The support team is available 24/7 via email, and live chat support is also an option during business hours for more immediate concerns.
Help Center and Community Forums
Besides direct support, Squarespace offers a comprehensive Help Center containing guides and articles that can assist me in understanding what happens when my trial expires. A specific resource relevant to my situation is the article on extending your website trial which explains the extension process step by step. For peer advice, the Community Forums are invaluable as I can connect with other users who might have faced a similar situation and can offer practical advice or share their experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I cover the most common inquiries regarding the end of a Squarespace trial. All the essential information is succinct and directed specifically to help understand the trial's limitations and subsequent steps.
Can I continue to edit my website after the Squarespace trial period ends?
After the Squarespace trial ends, you will not be able to edit your website. Content remains safe for a set duration, but without editing access.
What occurs if my Squarespace subscription is not renewed post-trial?
If you do not renew your Squarespace subscription post-trial, your account will be downgraded and you could lose access to premium features, such as eCommerce capabilities and some integrations.
Does Squarespace offer an option to extend the trial period before purchasing?
Squarespace does allow a one-time, seven-day extension of the trial period, giving additional time to evaluate the platform before making a purchase.
How can I cancel my trial on Squarespace before it automatically transitions to a paid subscription?
You can cancel your Squarespace trial through your account settings, which must be done before the trial automatically upgrades to a paid subscription to avoid charges.
What pricing plans are available after the Squarespace trial concludes?
Once your trial concludes, Squarespace offers various pricing plans tailored to different needs, including options for personal use, businesses, and eCommerce platforms.
Is there a grace period after the Squarespace trial ends before my site becomes inaccessible?
Your Squarespace site will not immediately become inaccessible after the trial ends; there is a grace period during which your content is stored, and you can choose to upgrade to continue your service.
