Squarespace Templates

Why I Decided to Provide Templates as a Website Designer

Being a website designer in today’s world is about meeting people where they are. Entrepreneurs are ambitious, creative, and resourceful—but they’re also juggling tight budgets and limited time. Templates provide a way to bridge the gap between high-quality design and accessibility without compromising on either.

When I first started, I believed every site needed to be a fully custom masterpiece to be valuable. But over time, I realized that templates can offer just as much impact—sometimes even more. They’re not about cutting corners; they’re about creating opportunities. Here’s why I decided to make templates a core part of my services.

1. Understanding Small Business Budgets

Most of my clients are small business owners within their first few years of operation. They’re building something meaningful but often working with limited funds. Investing $5,000–$10,000 on a custom website isn’t feasible for many of them, but that doesn’t mean they should settle for something subpar. Templates offer a professional, polished option that keeps their finances intact.

Insight:

A 2023 Statista survey found that 60% of small businesses allocate less than $10,000 annually to marketing. Templates allow entrepreneurs to maximize their budget while still making an impactful online presence. (Source: Statista)

2. Empowering the DIY Generation

Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs are tech-savvy and fiercely independent. They want tools that empower them to take charge of their businesses without getting bogged down in complexity. Templates give them the foundation to build something incredible while still maintaining control. They’re intuitive, adaptable, and designed for customization, which aligns perfectly with their do-it-yourself mindset.

3. Templates as a Starting Point, Not the Final Product

The idea that templates are one-size-fits-all is outdated. A well-designed template acts as a strong framework—a foundation to build on. It provides structure without stifling creativity. When I design templates, I think about the nuances of different industries, the needs of the end users, and how to balance aesthetics with functionality.

Real-World Example:

A wellness coach I worked with recently used one of my templates to create a site that felt bespoke without the custom price tag. With a few tweaks, we aligned it perfectly with her brand, showing that templates don’t limit individuality—they support it.

4. Saving Time Without Sacrificing Quality

For new businesses, time is one of the most valuable resources. Entrepreneurs can’t afford to wait months for a custom website to be developed. Templates let them hit the ground running with a site that looks and performs professionally. It’s efficiency without compromise.

Insight:

HubSpot reports that streamlined, fast-loading websites lead to better user experiences and higher conversion rates. Templates provide a quick path to these results, ensuring businesses stay competitive. (Source: HubSpot)

5. Scaling My Reach as a Designer

Offering templates allows me to help more people. Not every business needs a fully custom site—especially when they’re just starting out. Templates let me provide high-quality solutions to a broader audience, making good design accessible instead of exclusive.

6. Built for Growth

Templates, especially those on platforms like Squarespace, are designed to grow with businesses. They’re easy to update, mobile-friendly, and equipped with tools like SEO and analytics. This scalability means entrepreneurs can evolve their online presence without starting from scratch.

Insight:

Squarespace’s growing market share—23% among small business websites in 2024—is a testament to the platform’s usability and feature-rich templates. (Source: BuiltWith)

7. Redefining Accessibility in Design

Good design shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone. By offering templates, I’m challenging the notion that quality is only for those with big budgets. This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about expanding opportunities and making professional websites an option for every entrepreneur.

8. Fostering Creativity

Contrary to what some might think, templates don’t stifle creativity—they ignite it. They’re a canvas waiting to be personalized. I’ve seen clients take my templates and transform them in ways I never imagined. That’s the beauty of starting with a solid foundation: the potential for endless creativity.

9. A Sustainable Choice

Templates are a more sustainable option in web design. They require fewer resources to develop and can be replicated efficiently, reducing the environmental footprint compared to fully custom sites. For eco-conscious entrepreneurs, this is another reason to consider them.

Insight:

Adobe’s research shows that templates reduce design timelines by 40%, saving time and resources. (Source: Adobe)

10. Meeting Clients Where They Are

Not every entrepreneur is ready for a custom website, and that’s okay. Templates allow me to offer solutions that fit their current needs while preparing them for future growth. They’re practical, scalable, and aligned with where many businesses are today.

Final Thoughts

Providing templates isn’t about offering a lesser option; it’s about offering the right option. It’s about recognizing the needs of modern entrepreneurs and delivering solutions that work for them—efficiently, affordably, and without sacrificing quality. Templates aren’t just the practical choice—they’re the empowering one.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to elevate your online presence without blowing your budget, templates might just be your best-kept secret. Let’s build something amazing together.

Explore my collection of Squarespace templates designed with ambitious entrepreneurs in mind.


Erin Eide

Website Designer for over 10 years working with small businesses in the US.

https://plateofpeasmarketing.com
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