Is a Squarespace Template Shop for You?
Click here to get our Template Marketing Playbook for FREE
For many designers, offering digital products—like Squarespace templates—is an appealing way to diversify your income. It’s great. But the reality is, you’ll need more than just design skill to succeed. Marketing, promotion, and building an audience are just as crucial as designing the templates themselves.
Here’s a closer look at what it takes to start a successful Squarespace template shop, and why marketing is a deal-maker (or breaker).
My goal is to help you uncover whether it’s the right move for you.
But first—why Squarespace?
Why Squarespace?
You chose Squarespace for a reason. Maybe you love its clean design, the way it simplifies web building, or how it empowers non-coders to create something professional. Maybe it’s the platform that helped you launch your own business, and now you want to help others do the same.
That passion matters. It’s what will keep you going when things get tough.
But here’s the reality—Squarespace isn’t a magic bullet. The same simplicity that makes it user-friendly also means competition is high. Anyone can buy a template, tweak a few colors, and call themselves a designer. You’re not just selling a template—you’re selling trust, credibility, and a reason for someone to choose yours over the free (or cheaper) alternatives.
That’s where things get interesting—which leads us to the biggest challenge (and opportunity)…
The Make-or-Break Factor: Marketing
You could create the most stunning, seamless template on the market—but if no one knows it exists, it won’t sell. Many designers underestimate how much time and energy is required to market a digital product effectively.
1. You Have to Want It
Marketing isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing process that involves social media, email marketing, SEO, collaborations, and more. If the idea of promoting your business or experimenting with new marketing tactics doesn’t spark at least some excitement, you’ll likely struggle to see results.
Can you learn marketing? Absolutely. I encourage it. For whatever yu want to sell online. But you have to be willing to invest time and effort—and even enjoy it on some level—or you’ll burn out.
2. Content Marketing & SEO
Generating blog posts, video tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks can help potential customers understand why your templates are valuable and how to use them. And when optimized for search engines, it helps the right people find you.
3. Social Media & Community Building
Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn—there’s no single “right” channel; it depends on your audience. But whichever you choose, consistency is vital. You’ll need a strategy and a plan to show up regularly, share value, and build trust with potential buyers.
4. Paid Ads
Platforms like Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and Google Ads allow you to reach beyond your existing audience. While paid advertising can be a powerful tool, it also involves trial and error—not to mention a budget you’re willing to risk testing campaigns.
5. Collaboration & Networking
Teaming up with influencers or complementary brands can fast-track your visibility. If you create templates for photographers, partnering with a photography coach or blogging about photography branding could open doors.
Click here to get our Template Marketing Playbook for FREE
The Upsides (If You’re Willing to Market)
1. Scalable Revenue Stream
Once your templates are ready and your marketing machine is rolling, each sale becomes a step toward more profit—without additional custom design hours. It’s a chance to make money while you sleep—so long as your promotional engine keeps humming.
2. Brand Building
A successful Squarespace template shop can establish you as an expert in a specific niche or style. Over time, you might even see clients requesting custom work based on the aesthetics of your templates—leading to new, higher-paying opportunities.
3. Showcase of Skills
Your templates are essentially a living portfolio. They highlight your creative range and problem-solving ability. Plus, the marketing you do also demonstrates your business acumen to potential clients or employers.
The Real Challenges
1. It’s Competitive
Squarespace template shops are abundant. To stand out, you’ll need a unique angle—whether that’s a distinctive visual style, specialized functionality, or a niche market (e.g., therapists, photographers, fashion brands).
2. Ongoing Support & Maintenance
Customers will have questions, and Squarespace will roll out updates. You’ll need to stay on top of your templates’ functionality and be prepared to offer some level of support, often via email or dedicated support channels.
3. Time Investment (Before and After Launch)
Designing and testing the templates is only half the battle. Writing thorough documentation, creating marketing assets, scheduling posts, and continually updating your channels all take time—time that could otherwise go to client work. You have to be okay with that trade-off.
Are You Cut Out for It?
Design Passion + Marketing Drive
Success depends on whether you’re truly motivated to promote your products. If marketing sounds like a chore you’ll always avoid, running a template shop might be frustrating in the long run.Patience with the Learning Curve
Marketing, especially for digital products, can be trial and error. You’ll need patience, persistence, and a willingness to pivot when strategies aren’t working.Prepared to Build Slowly
Template shops rarely skyrocket to huge sales overnight. Building a reputation, refining your funnels, and expanding your audience takes time.Desire to Engage with Customers
You’ll likely field questions about installations, customizations, and updates. If you prefer zero client interaction, you’ll need a system or team member to handle these inquiries—or you might find the day-to-day draining.
Click here to get our Template Marketing Playbook for FREE
Last Word
A Squarespace template shop can be a fantastic way to diversify your income, showcase your unique design style, and create a portfolio that pays you back repeatedly. However, it’s not a simple “build and they will come” scenario. The most crucial factor is whether you’re willing—not just to learn, but to genuinely embrace—the marketing and visibility work required to succeed.
If the idea of experimenting with ad campaigns, collaborating with influencers, regularly posting on social media, and tracking analytics sparks your curiosity and determination, then you’re in a strong position to make a go of it. If not, partnering with someone who is, might be an even better idea.
Ultimately, whether a Squarespace template shop is right for you depends on your passion for both design and the ongoing, proactive hustle of marketing. Yea, I know that’s a bad word these days, but it’s HUSTLE SEASON OVER HERE BABY! If you’re up for the challenge, it can be a highly rewarding adventure—just be ready to roll up your sleeves and tell the world about what you’ve built.
