Is There a Free Squarespace Plan? [2024]

When considering website builders, a common question I get asked is whether there's a free Squarespace plan available. Many users look for a cost-effective entry into the online world, and free plans are certainly appealing. Squarespace, known for its sleek templates and professional design options, does not offer a perpetual free website hosting plan. Instead, they provide a 14-day free trial that allows users to create and customize their web presence without immediate investment.

During the trial period, one can access many of the features that are available in the paid plans. This period is designed to give a comprehensive experience of what Squarespace can do for one's website or online store. After the trial, to continue using the services, one must choose from one of the pricing plans that Squarespace offers. They range in cost and features to accommodate different needs, from basic websites to complex e-commerce platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Squarespace does not offer a forever free plan.

• A 14-day trial is available to test the platform’s features.

• Continued use requires selecting a paid plan after the trial.

Overview

Duration of the Complimentary Trial on Squarespace

The complimentary trial on Squarespace spans across 14 days. Users can initiate their trial by selecting the 'Get Started' option on the Squarespace website, choosing a template, and creating an account, after which the trial period begins.

Template Modification During the Trial

During the trial phase, users have the flexibility to switch between different Squarespace templates at any point without incurring any costs. The initial template selection is not final, allowing for experimentation.

Trial Extension Possibility

As the initial trial period concludes, Squarespace offers an email option to extend the trial by an additional 7 days, totaling up to 21 days of trial usage.

Immediate Plan Selection Requirement

Starting a Squarespace trial does not require users to immediately select a paid subscription. The decision for plan selection is only necessary when launching the site to the public or after the trial ends.

Trial Limitations on Features

During the trial phase, Squarespace provides unrestricted access to all features. Certain functionalities are labeled as 'premium', which would require a subscription to a premium Squarespace plan following the trial to maintain their use.

Understanding Premium Features

Premium features refer to enhanced functionalities available on Squarespace, such as advanced integrations and blocks, which are accessible only with a subscription to the premium plans, excluding the 'personal' plan.

Website Visibility During Construction

Websites created during the trial period are not indexed by search engines and require a Squarespace-provided custom domain to share with others for feedback. This ensures that the site remains unseen by the general public until intended for public viewing.

Post-Trial Period Actions

Should the trial end before site completion, Squarespace preserves the site's progress. Editing capabilities are restored with a plan upgrade, and the site remains unpublished until the user decides to make it public.

Domain Connectivity During the Trial

Connecting an already owned domain name to the website is advisable after finalizing a Squarespace plan and deciding to publish the site.

Going Live with the Site

To make a Squarespace site go live, one must upgrade from the trial to a paid plan, access the site visibility settings through the Home Menu, change the status to public, and save the changes.

Squarespace's Lack of a Free Plan

Despite Squarespace's various offerings in website creation and design, one stark fact remains — I can confirm there is no permanent free plan available with Squarespace. What they offer instead is a 14-day free trial that allows users like me to test the waters before making a financial commitment. This trial is beneficial for getting a full preview of Squarespace's capabilities without initially investing.

Upon the conclusion of the trial period, if satisfied with the service, you then need to choose from one of their paid plans. The cost of these plans begins at $16 per month, when billed annually, for their Personal Plan, and scales up to $49 per month for the Advanced Commerce Plan, offering a range of features tailored to different needs. These prices reflect Squarespace's commitment to professional-grade services for everyone from individuals to large enterprises.

• Personal Plan: Ideal for simple websites

• Business Plan: For businesses needing more robust options, including a 3% transaction fee on sales

• Basic Commerce: Designed for e-commerce without transaction fees

• Advanced Commerce: Offers more advanced features for growing online stores

Each tier includes 24/7 customer support, website metrics, SSL certificates, and unlimited bandwidth and storage. For users with growing sites on the Business Plan, they may find the additional transaction fees an incentive to upgrade to one of the commerce plans. Additionally, there are add-ons and extensions available for purchase, which I would consider based on specific needs that may arise beyond the scope of the core plans.

Ultimately, while a permanent free option isn't on the table, your initial experience with Squarespace can be cost-free, offering a brief opportunity to explore its offerings before investing.

Alternatives to a Free Squarespace Plan

While Squarespace doesn't offer a traditional free plan, there are strategic ways to minimize costs through specific plans and offers. These alternatives can provide the benefits of this website builder with reduced or delayed financial commitment.

Squarespace Student Plan

Students can take advantage of the Squarespace Student Plan, which offers a 50% discount for the first year. To be eligible, I must verify my student status through an academic institution. This effectively halves the cost of having an online presence, making it a more accessible option for students who need professional websites.

Squarespace Discounts and Offers

Squarespace frequently provides discounts and special offers, especially around holidays or for first-time users. By signing up for their mailing list or checking their website during these times, I can often find promotional codes. Additionally, some partners and affiliates of Squarespace offer unique discount codes, which can lead to significant savings on my subscription plan.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a website builder, affordability is a crucial factor for many users. My research indicates that Squarespace does not offer a permanent free plan. However, I discovered that they provide a 14-day free trial which allows potential customers to test their services.

• Squarespace Pricing: Starts at $12/month after the trial period.

• Trial Offer: An opportunity to experience full features for 14 days.

• Long-Term Costs: No free tier available post-trial.

I observed that Squarespace prides itself on a blend of simplicity and rich features, targeting users who value quality and ease-of-use over cost-saving measures that come with free services. Despite the absence of a free plan, Squarespace's pricing structure is competitive when considering the comprehensive suite of features that come with the least expensive package.

For individuals or businesses prioritizing customizability and professional tools over minimal costs, Squarespace's pricing plans are structured to provide value. They include access to all their templates and 24/7 customer support among other benefits, something not always available with free website builder alternatives.

My recommendation for those who are budget-conscious but interested in Squarespace's offerings is to make the most out of the trial. This way, you can make an informed decision on whether their pricing aligns with your objectives and resources available.

Frequently Asked Questions

In addressing the recurring inquiries about Squarespace, I'll clarify their pricing structure, trial availability, comparative costs, template expenses, domain offerings, and the most economical plan options.

Common Inquiries Regarding Squarespace's Trial Offer

Length of Squarespace's No-Cost Trial

Squarespace offers a trial that typically lasts 14 days. During this time, users have the opportunity to explore the full range of features available on the platform without any charge.

Possibility of Prolonging Squarespace's Trial Duration

It is possible to request an extension of the initial trial period. This can sometimes be granted for an additional seven days, but approval is at the discretion of Squarespace support.

Actions Following the End of Squarespace's Trial

Once the trial ends, users must choose a payment plan to continue accessing their site. If no plan is selected, the website content is saved but not publicly accessible until a plan is purchased.

Requirement of a Code to Initiate Squarespace's Trial

No code is necessary to activate the free trial. New users can simply sign up to begin their trial period immediately.

Charges Incurred for Starting Squarespace's Trial

There are no upfront costs when initiating a trial with Squarespace. Users can start building their website for free without entering payment information initially.

Existence of a Free Plan on Squarespace

Squarespace does not offer an entirely free service plan. After the trial, users must subscribe to one of the paid plans to keep their website active.