Freelancing 101: Essential Tips for New Squarespace Web Designers

Like you, I'm a novice, and I understand how nervous and overwhelmed you've been to start. Initially, I experimented with Squarespace and found it to be the most effective platform for starting. I loved the thought of being my own boss, crafting beautiful websites, and collaborating with clients. But I couldn't help but think, “Where do I start?” or “What if I screw this up?” However, I found myself pondering, “Where do I begin?” or “What if I make a mistake?” Rest assured, if you are experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety, you are certainly not alone! Initiating the process may appear intimidating, but it is entirely feasible if you approach it with the appropriate steps. Starting can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it becomes completely manageable. I totally get it; I've been through it too, made my share of mistakes, and picked up many lessons along the journey.

I'm excited to share with you what I've learned throughout the course of my three years of experience, and with Pixelhaze Academy's assistance, these are the things I've discovered.

Why Squarespace?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about why Squarespace is such a fantastic choice for new freelancers. It's really user-friendly, which was quite helpful to me since I knew nothing about coding when I initially began. The platform's drag-and-drop interface and customizable templates allow you to create professional-looking websites without requiring any coding skills. In addition, it is versatile enough to manage anything from small business websites to portfolios and blogs. Whether you're designing for a tiny café or an online business, Squarespace has you covered. However, to turn your creativity into a profitable freelance business, you will need more than simply technical skills; you will also need a plan.

Getting Started with Squarespace

I was a little overwhelmed when I started using Squarespace, not because it seemed tough, but because there are so many things I could do and I didn't know where to begin. However, it also got me excited. Honestly, the platform is quite simple. The platform's simplicity and purity genuinely inspire you to initiate. The more I investigated, the more I understood how simple it is. Here's how I became comfortable with the platform, and how you can, too.

1. Dive into Learning Resources

The best place to begin is with Squarespace's free tutorials. They are easy and cover the basics, such as template selection, page creation, and design customization. I spent many hours going over them, which helped me build a solid foundation. But if you want to level up fast, I highly suggest PixelHaze Academy. The "Squarespace Box of Tricks" course significantly transformed my experience. The course introduced me to advanced techniques, including the use of the Fluid Engine, Squarespace's latest design tool that enables precise piece placement. Once you get the hang of it, it feels like you have a superpower. PixelHaze is also releasing a "Moonshot" series, which seems ideal for honing both novice and professional abilities.

2. Join a Supportive Community

Freelancing may be lonely at times, particularly when you're working on a difficult task. That is why participating in a community is so crucial. I connected with other designers via PixelHaze's Skool group and the Squarespace Community Forum. These sites are like having a group of mentors on rapid dial. I recall grappling with a difficult layout problem early on, and I discussed it in the Skool community. Within hours, I had other answers from designers who had encountered the same issue. They offered advice and even directed me to resources that fixed the problem. It's not only about troubleshooting; being a member of a community keeps you motivated and introduces you to new ideas and trends.

3. Don’t Sweat the Template Choice

One mistake I made early on was being obsessed with choosing the "perfect" template. I'd spend hours switching between templates, scared of wasting time on one just to change my mind later. Here's the thing: Squarespace 7.1 templates offer extensive customization options, allowing you to modify your initial decision. You may use Squarespace's built-in templates or browse curated collections from Squarewebsites to create unique, professional designs. Simply choose one that seems appropriate and start constructing. You may adjust it later to suit your view. This independence allowed you to concentrate on mastering the platform rather than being bogged down by indecision.

4. Prioritize Mobile-Friendly Design

Here's something I learned the hard way: most consumers will see your websites on their smartphones. If your designs don't appear decent on mobile devices, you're in danger. Fortunately, Squarespace simplifies this process with pre-built mobile templates. I usually utilize the mobile preview option in edit mode to see how my designs look on tiny displays. It's a simple habit, but it makes your websites more user-friendly and professional, which customers will love.

5. Experiment with free trials

Squarespace has a 14-day free trial, which is ideal for experimenting without investing money. I used it to create sample sites for several imaginary companies, such as a café and a yoga studio. Additionally, joining PixelHaze Academy grants access to their own 7-day free trial for the Coaching Membership plan, offering valuable resources to enhance your Squarespace journey. They also offer a FREE DIY Membership plan.

Building Your Portfolio

Okay, now that you've figured out how to use Squarespace, it's time to show the world what you're capable of. Building a portfolio without customers might seem like a Catch-22. Clients want to see your work, but you must have it to display. I've been there, and it's annoying, but there are ways to break the cycle.

1. Get Past Imposter Syndrome

When I began, I felt like a complete rookie, particularly because I was switching from WordPress to Squarespace. I kept wondering, "Who am I to call myself a designer?" But then I read about Elwyn Davies, the creator of PixelHaze Academy, who has produced over 3,000 websites and yet admits to feeling like an impostor at times. That struck home. If someone with that much experience can feel that way, I can too. The trick is to keep going; practice builds confidence.

2. Define your niche.

Before you begin creating your portfolio, consider what kind of designer you want to be. Do you want to design websites for a wide range of companies or specialize in a certain specialty, such as restaurants or e-commerce? I decided to focus on clean, minimalist designs for small companies, which allowed me to target the proper customers. It also helped define my portfolio's style and tone, making it more unified and attractive to my target audience.

3. Start with demo sites.

No clients yet? Not an issue. Use Squarespace's free trial to build websites for imaginary companies. I created websites for a made-up interior design company and a store. It was excellent practice, and I could provide them to prospective customers as samples of my work. I also created visual slideshows exhibiting my sample sites and posted them on Behance and the Squarespace Forum to get input from other designers. Their feedback helped me improve my abilities and gain confidence.

4. Offer Discounted or Free Work

Early on, I offered to redesign a website for an interior design company just to get some real-world experience. They were thrilled, and it gave me a polished project for my portfolio. I made sure to clarify that this was a special rate since I was starting out and that my regular rates would be higher. I also offered discounted services to a few other small businesses, which led to more projects and referrals. Just be clear about your boundaries so you don’t overextend yourself.

5. Redesign Outdated Sites

Another approach I took was to rebuild obsolete websites with their owners' approval. I reached out to a handful of local companies with outdated, clumsy websites and offered the option of upgrading them for free or for a small cost. I presented these as “before-and-after” projects in my portfolio, which really showcased my ability to transform a site. It benefits both parties—you assist someone in enhancing their online presence, and you receive a robust project to showcase.

6. Aim for 8-10 Projects

The idea was to have at least 8-10 good works in my portfolio before charging full pricing. It took some time, but it was worth it because it gave me credibility and attracted paying clients. You can also ask for testimonials from the businesses you have worked with and put them on your website or portfolio. Those glowing reviews made a big difference in convincing new clients to hire you.

Additional Tips for Freelancing Success

Mastering Squarespace is just one piece of the puzzle. To thrive as a freelancer, you’ll need to nail the business side too. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.

1. Set Fair Rates

Pricing your services can be one of the toughest parts of freelancing. I remember staring at my calculator for hours, trying to figure out what to charge. I looked at what other designers were charging on the Squarespace Marketplace and considered my costs—time, equipment, marketing, taxes, you name it. For reference, the average rate for Squarespace designers is around $31 per hour, but it can range from $15 to $71 depending on experience and location. For a simple 5-page site, you might charge between $1000 and $2000. Start with a rate that feels fair but competitive, and adjust as you gain experience.

2. Find Your First Clients

Finding clients can feel like shouting into the void at first, but it gets easier. I started by reaching out to my network—friends, family, and even acquaintances on social media. I also joined freelance marketplaces, including Squarespace’s own designer directory, where clients specifically look for Squarespace experts. Social media was a big one for me too. I shared my portfolio on LinkedIn and Instagram, and eventually, people started reaching out. Once I had a few happy clients, word-of-mouth brought in more business.

3. Get Paid Promptly

Unlike a regular job, you’re responsible for invoicing and collecting payments as a freelancer. I learned early on to ask for a deposit upfront—usually half the total cost—before starting a project. It shows the client is serious and helps with cash flow. The rest is due when the project is complete and they’re happy with the result. Squarespace makes this easy with payment options like Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, and even AfterPay. You can also set local taxes and automate sales tax filing, which saves a ton of time.

4. Communicate Clearly with Clients

Clear communication is the secret to happy clients. I make sure to set expectations from the start, including timelines, revisions, and what’s included in the project. I also offer a quick tutorial at the end—usually under an hour—so clients know how to update their site themselves, like changing images or adding blog posts. It makes them feel empowered and builds trust, which can lead to repeat business or referrals.

5. Collect Testimonials

Don’t sleep on the power of testimonials. After finishing a project, I always ask satisfied clients if they’d be willing to write a short review or testimonial. I have a section on my website dedicated to client feedback, and it’s been a game-changer for attracting new clients. People trust recommendations, so don’t be shy about asking for them. It’s a simple way to build your reputation.

6. Keep Learning and Growing

Web design is constantly evolving, so staying current is key. PixelHaze Academy has been a lifesaver for me with their courses and memberships. Their free DIY membership includes access to workshops and tutorials, while their Coaching Community ($97/month) offers advanced training and live Zoom sessions. I’ve also explored their Designer Power Pack ($197/month), which includes exclusive plugins and personalized coaching. These resources have helped me streamline my workflow and stay ahead of industry trends. I also follow PixelHaze’s blog for insights on topics like SEO and third-party plugins, which keep my skills sharp.

7. Explore Advanced Features

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, consider diving into Squarespace’s Developer Platform for advanced customization. It’s a bit more technical, but it allows you to add custom code and integrations that can set your designs apart. I started experimenting with it after I felt confident with the platform, and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for my projects.

Conclusion

Starting out as a freelance Squarespace web designer is no walk in the park, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned that it’s not just about knowing how to use the platform; it’s about building a business around your skills. That means creating a standout portfolio, setting fair rates, and mastering client communication. Resources like PixelHaze Academy have been a huge help for me, with their courses, communities, and practical advice inspired by real-world experience.

If you’re thinking about starting, my advice is to go for it. Sign up for a Squarespace trial, check out PixelHaze’s resources, and join their community. Every successful freelancer started somewhere, and with dedication, you can get there too. You’ve got this!