Two Veteran Designers Share Web Template Strategies
Mastering Squarespace Templates: A Deep Dive with Industry Experts | LIVE interview with Katelyn Dekle!
In the inaugural episode of the Squarely Speaking podcast, Diane Whiddon and Katelyn Dekle from Launch the Damn Thing® share their expertise on creating and customizing Squarespace templates. As experienced template creators for Square Kicker, they offer valuable insights into template design, customization services, and maintaining profitability while delivering excellent client experiences.
If you currently offer templates, or are considering it, catch the reply below!
What We Discussed:
🎨 Template Design Essentials
🛠️ Customization Services
📊 Homepage Psychology
🎯 Template Features
💼 Business Strategy
🎬 Portfolio Examples
Meet the Hosts
Diane Whiddon is the founder of Sway Rise Creative. She's a seasoned pro in designing for service-based businesses and entrepreneurs, with a knack for Squarespace design and site functionality that converts visitors into clients.
Katelyn Dekle runs Launch the Damn Thing®. She's all about fast, fabulous web design. Her journey from corporate burnout to successful web designer is inspiring, and her bold, authentic approach has clearly struck a chord with clients.
What We Discussed
Template Design Essentials
Let's talk about the building blocks of a great template! During our chat, we dove deep into what makes a template truly valuable for business owners. It's not just about creating something pretty – it's about building a foundation that can grow with your client's business.
We explored how to pack your templates with all the essential pages a business might need, both now and in the future.
The real magic happens when you understand your target industry inside and out. We looked at some fantastic examples from real clients who've transformed these templates into their own unique brand expressions.
Customization Services
Time is money, right? That's why we're loving the two-day implementation timeline for template customization services. We broke down how to make this work efficiently without compromising quality. The secret sauce? Crystal clear boundaries and deliverables.
No more scope creep, no more endless revisions – just a streamlined process that keeps both you and your clients happy. We shared real pricing strategies that have proven successful in the market, helping you maintain profitability while delivering value.
Homepage Psychology
Ever wonder why some homepages just work better than others? We uncovered the psychology behind effective homepage design, including the strategic placement of calls-to-action that guide visitors through a natural journey.
It's fascinating how the risk level of these CTAs should decrease as you move down the page – kind of like warming up your audience before asking for the big commitment. We discussed how to structure content in a way that builds trust and confidence with every scroll.
Template Features
The technical stuff doesn't have to be scary! We explored how to leverage both Square Kicker plugin capabilities and native Squarespace features to create engaging, dynamic websites.
From subtle animations that delight users to practical image hover effects that enhance the experience, we covered the features that make your templates stand out without overwhelming your clients.
The best part? These features are designed to be easily customizable without requiring coding expertise.
Business Strategy
Getting the business side right is crucial for template creators. We had an honest conversation about pricing strategies that work in today's market and how to structure your customization packages for maximum value.
Communication is key, and we shared proven approaches for setting expectations and maintaining professional relationships with clients throughout the process. It's all about creating a sustainable business model that serves both you and your clients.
Portfolio Examples
Nothing beats seeing real-world examples, right? We showcased several stunning transformations of the Sage template, demonstrating how versatile a well-designed template can be.
It was amazing to see how different businesses adapted the same foundation to create completely unique brand experiences.
These examples really drove home the point that templates can be both practical and personal, serving as a springboard for creative expression while maintaining professional standards.
Conclusion
Creating successful Squarespace templates requires a balance of design expertise, industry understanding, and user-friendliness.
By focusing on essential pages, maintaining clear customization boundaries, and following homepage psychology principles, designers can create templates that serve both their clients and their business effectively.
Show Notes
Host: Diane Whiddon
Guest: Katelyn Dekle
Topic: Squarespace Templates - Design, Customization, and Best Practices
Featured Templates: Sage Template, Clarissa Template, San Francisco Template
Resources Mentioned:
Square Kicker Template Store
Canva for image editing
ConvertKit for email marketing integration
Unsplash for stock photos
This episode marks the first of an ongoing series. Next month's topic will focus on website design trends and their practical application in business.
