Squarespace 7.1 vs 7.0: Should You Upgrade?
If you’ve read any of my earlier blog posts, you may have noticed that I am a HUGE advocate for Squarespace. I have found that it’s simply one of the best website building service for solopreneurs, and I have used it to build my own business since I started!
Since I chose Squarespace, I never looked back, and take any chance I can to tell my clients how much I LOVE it and all it has done for me.
So, if you hadn’t already guessed, I love to keep up with Squarespace news and updates! Which brings me to this…
Early this year, Squarespace launched version 7.1 of their software, which is quite different from version 7.0.
Many people have been left wondering whether they should stick with what they are used to, or make the jump to Squarespace 7.1.
Is leaving the software you’re familiar with worth it?
First, let’s start out by covering the things that are exactly the same on each version:
Commerce
Analytics
SEO
Regardless of which version of Squarespace you use, you’re going to be getting exactly the same experience in these three categories. So, if you’re only looking for an update in these areas, the new version may not interest you.
However, other aspects of the update are COMPLETELY different - and could make all the difference in your experience.
Main differences between Squarespace 7.1 and 7.0
In Squarespace version 7.0, each template has its own set of features and styles, meaning that changing the look of your site could require a complete switch in template.
This is no easy task, considering you will have to complete a lot of building steps over again when switching templates, such as reordering your pages.
Trust me...I did it 3 times in the beginning stages of building my website. It wasn’t fun.
That’s why I love recommending the Rally template since I find it to be the most customizable in 7.0.
In Squarespace 7.1, however, each template is built exactly the same, equipped with all the same features and styles.
For this reason, if you want to switch up your website’s look, you don’t have to switch templates completely - you can just alter the style you use on the one you already have.
This is a HUGE time and energy-saver that can come in handy down the road, making 7.1 perfect for those who feel they may change up their look later on.
Squarespace 7.1 also revolutionizes the speed at which you can redesign your website’s colors, fonts, spacing, etc… with style packs.
With one click, these style packs can be applied to your whole site, changing your website’s current fonts or colors to a different group of fonts or colors without the need to change each part individually.
Instead of wasting hours repetitively altering your site’s many parts, you can focus on what matters: your clients.
This is one of the main reasons I encourage new users to go with the new version. With Squarespace 7.1, instead of spending time changing each part of your website one by one, you can change everything at once, giving you an instant new look that is ready to go without the hassle.
Is Squarespace 7.1 Better?
Squarespace 7.1 not only boasts time-saving software, but also adds new features to the previous version that can benefit any type of solopreneur.
My personal favorite?
Portfolio pages.
While Squarespace 7.0 doesn’t offer portfolio page templates, 7.1 does, giving you a space to showcase your work on a clean background (with sub links!)
This feature is exceptionally helpful if you plan to include lots of images of your previous work on your website in order to book new clients: think photographers, graphic designers, writers, etc…
To achieve a similar look in 7.0, users would either have to add image blocks or gallery pages. This new feature of 7.1 definitely streamlines the process.
Other benefits of Squarespace 7.1 is that it allows you to do the following:
Add more content to pages with page sections
Add banner images to pages
Edit page sections separately from others
Customize headers and footers
Duplicate sections
If these sound like they’re just what you need, 7.1 might be perfect for you.
So, is Squarespace 7.1 really better than 7.0? If you’re looking at it by features, I would say yes - version 7.1 boasts capabilities that can revolutionize your website in ways that 7.0 just can’t.
However, if your website is already built on 7.0 and you don’t plan to rebrand anytime soon, there’s no harm in sticking with it. I built my website a few years back, and because I’m ranking on Google and don’t want to hurt my rankings, I’m staying on the old version.
If you’re in the same boat, sticking with Squarespace 7.0 may be in your best interest.
Here’s a short summary of pros and cons that cover what I’ve said:
Squarespace 7.1 Pros
Redesigned, easy-to-use templates
Style packs
Portfolio pages
Page sections
Banner images
Customizable headers and footers
Squarespace 7.1 Cons
Learning curve
More involved on the backend
More difficult to use for beginners
As you can see, most of the cons of the new version of Squarespace come from the time investment it requires - not its features.
My Final Take
My opinion?
The new features that Squarespace 7.1 offers make it well worth the learning investment for most solopreneurs.
If you’re new to Squarespace, I would recommend starting with the 7.1. You may not even have a choice at the time of reading this because Squarespace wanted to only limit 7.0 to Circle members (users who build websites for clients).
And if you’re going to learn, why not learn how to use the new version? :)
If you need help with learning Squarespace, look no further than my friend Paige, who has an amazing website design course called Square Secrets that was recently updated for 7.1 users.
I can’t wait to see where Squarespace takes your business!
Looking for support in brining your dream website to life? I’m passionate about helping coaches and creatives uplevel their business with a professional website that will lead to more sales.
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