Should you D-I-Y your new website? + Squarespace blog design inspo

Blogging
Written By Katrina Lazzaro

Want to build your Squarespace website yourself? YES! Go for it! But…

Maybe it’s a bit optimistic, but yeah, I think anyone can create their own website from scratch with zero coding or graphic design experience. It’ll take longer and maybe be more stressful, but its definitely possible, especially with all of the visual builders and easy-to-use web design tools out there.

In this post, we’ll go into a bit more detail about:

  • How to D-I-Y your new blog website

  • When and how to use premium website templates (and are they really worth it??)

  • Some awesome, fresh new blog designs you might want to try & inspiration for your next blog

Keep on reading to check out some cool website designs, learn more about my take on building a website, and when you should - and shouldn’t - try to do everything on your own. Plus, a mistake that probably cost me years of my blogging journey.

So you want to D-I-Y?

Great!

So, where to start?….

Maybe you already have an idea of what your business IS and DOES as well as your website logo, themes, and colors, If you don’t yet, now’s a good time to get at least a general idea of each of these things.

Then, when it comes to actually creating your blog, the most important thing to keep in mind while you’re building your website is where you want your audience to go.

 

You probably want them to go everywhere on your site, but what are the most important places?

If the core of your business is your blog and website, most likely these important places will be:

  • somewhere they can learn about YOU (about page)

  • somewhere they can easily get quick answers to their struggles and free content (blog and/or podcast pages)

  • somewhere they can get on your email newsletter (subscribe form and/or lead magnet or freebie page)

  • somewhere they can work more closely with you (booking/services page) and/or where they can dive deeper into a topic you teach (products, downloads, and courses pages)

Theses pages should be easily accessible to your audience in the header of your website and with snipets or previews of each on your home/main page.

By weaving together these placements of your most important info with graphic design principles and effective copy (words), you can create an easy-to-navigate and impactful website for your customers.

 

If you want to create a successful blog business this year, check out our
FREE Blog Business Roadmap
to learn more about how to start your blog biz from scratch.

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By signing up, you will also receive monthly reflection emails from us ☺

 

I know how exciting - but also discouraging - it can feel to have BIG ideas and dreams for your business.

You’re excited for all the creative ideas and solutions you have floating around your brain and the amazing things you could do to improve the world and the lives of others.

But you might also be discouraged because you:

  1. don’t know where to start to make your ideas and dreams a reality, and

  2. also want every. single. thing. in your biz already set up and in place so you can just start helping people and making money already.

I totally get it.

When I first started out on my blogging journey in 2018 (after dreaming of starting a blog for 10 years before that), I used Wordpress as my blogging platform. I didn’t do much research about what platform to use, and although Wordpress is an incredibly great and solid option for blogging, I just used it because all the blogging gurus told me so.

Do your own research, there are plenty of pros and cons to each. Wordpress is self-hosted with Bluehost, which is a huge pro. But after creating a couple blogs with Wordpress, I found Squarespace the best fit for me. Squarespace fit my design tendencies and felt easier to use with how my brain naturally works. I’m willing to forgo some of the securities and perks of having a self-hosted website at this stage by always making sure I have a copy of my website as well as final drafts and mockups of my copy and graphics saved elsewhere (not only on my website).

TIP: trying to choose a website platform? set aside a weekend or week when you’re relatively available to take advantage of their free trials for both or any website hosting platforms you’re considering and check them our yourself!

But now, almost 7 years and 3 blog businesses into my blogging journey, I still haven’t reached those BIG goals I had for myself and my blog and my business way back when.

A big reason for that is that I’m taking the slow and steady approach. Amongst other responsibilities and work and family, I don’t always have a huge amount of time to devote to my business, and that’s ok. That’s how I’ve structured it.

BUT an even bigger reason for that…I’ve never really asked for or employed outside help.

This probably cost me years of my blogging journey. I was trying to learn and do everything myself.

Mostly for the creativity and curiosity I loved to feel around figuring stuff out,
but also because I was stubborn and didn’t know what kind of help would actually help.

DIY vs. Premium Templates vs. Custom: what’s the “right” choice?

Now, starting a blog often isn’t free. I recommend Squarespace for it’s extremely easy to use visual builder with fluid engine, and the typical annual fee is around $200 at this time. When you’re already spending money on your hosting, email marketing software, maybe ads.., I know it can be annoying to watch the other fees stack up when you haven’t even launched your site or made your first sale yet.

And the frugal side of me didn’t want (and still doesn’t often want!) to spend money on things that would make my life easier and my dreams closer…just because I know I can do them myself. Created my entire website(s) from scratch was one of these things.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with doing that - especially if you’re truly interested in web design and motivated to create your own completely unique website - absolutely go for it!

TIP: if you want some straightforward step-by-step guidance on how to build your entire blog business and website from scratch, check out our course, Sensitive Blogger, on sale now for over 75% off.

But another great option when you’re starting a new blog (or if you current website needs a little sprucing up!) is to use pre-made premium templates. These are a great option if you want to get a functional, beautiful website up and running in a short amount of time but don’t want to pay the thousands (or tens of thousands!) towards a fully custom-built designer website.

Some creators even offer add-on pages that you can integrate into your current Squarespace website if you have the general structure and layout of your site, but you’re looking for a quick option to build an entirely new page. Some common and uber-useful add-on pages may include custom blog pages, sales pages, or course/digital product pages. (psst - keep an eye out for our FREE custom blog page template you can add onto your site!)

Also, please let go of any guilt you might have about asking for help in order to more easily and effortlessly set up your blog website.

As a new business owner, there can be a lot of pressure to try to do everything on your own - to put 110% of your effort and “blood, sweat, and tears” into your business and into everything you create.

If you have the budget, using a Squarespace template or the assistance of a web designer, copywriter, graphic artist, Pinterest manager, etc can get you to your goals faster and help get your vision for your business out in the world.

Even though I personally LOVE web design and the creative expression that I get to experience, I’ve even used templates in my business when I have exciting ideas but am short on time to create them fully*. Having a customized starting place can lower a lot of the new blog-biz-owner stress you may experience and get you excited about moving forward.

*Check out our faves page to see a premium Squarespace template I was able to customize and seamlessly use in my own business. This template is an add-on “shop” page by GoLive

And, of course there’s always the great option of getting a fully custom website designed for you. The biggest impact to you and your biz with most likely the highest price tag. This is an amazing option for someone who knows what they want their business and website be able to do and desire to get started making a positive impact right away.

Send me an email if you’re interested in a fully custom site.

Blog website inspo for new bloggers

I would argue that the content of your blog and the positive impact of your business are the most important things your blog biz can do (for both you and for others).

But we can’t ignore the effect that a beautiful, functional, and easy-to-navigate blog can have on your audience and prospective customers and supporters.

You can’t make a positive impact and help people get the outcome/results/products they want without attracting those people first.

Wondering what you want your blog website to look like? Check out these beauties…

  1. Acqua Fresca by Creativity Bias (my web design company!)

    BLOGGERS - COURSE CREATORS - THOUGHT LEADERS

    Fresh, quirky and bold, this straightforward color palette of beautiful blues and yellows helps you get your point across easily, beautifully, and effortlessly.

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Contact - Digital Shop - Course/Product Sales Page

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: bright blue-purple (#849BFF), yellow (#FFD51E), light blue (#EBEFFE)
    →Bright, fully-saturated high-quality photos
    →Fun and quirky copy (the words you use to convey your message)

  2. Belladonna by Big Cat Creative

    BLOGGERS - CREATIVES - PHOTOGRAPHERS

    This beautiful, feminine, and light template showcases your work in the best way. Great if you have a photography or event business, or a hybrid business (online and offline).

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Packages - Info - Contact - Portfolio

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: pinky tan (#eee6e3), light grey-green (#c1c1c1), rust (#ae705e)
    →Minimal but crisp, high resolution photos - make sure to add plenty of your own high-quality photos (vs. stock)
    →Fun, empathetic copy that gets to the point

  3. Shelley Studio by Big Cat Creative

    PHOTOGRAPHERS - COPYWRITERS - CREATIVES

    Soft, fresh, and contemporary, this template is the perfect showcase for your creative work and content, especially if you have photos to showcase. Think sand meets ocean meets your business.

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Services - Info - Contact - Portfolio

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: seafoam green (#d6dcda), dark green (#3e5d62), light tan (#efece7)
    →Minimal but crisp, high resolution photos - make sure to add plenty of your own high-quality photos (vs. stock)
    →Calm and motivating, uplifting copy

  4. Bombshell by GoLive

    BLOGGERS - SERVICE-BASED BIZ - STYLISTS

    This template is great for beauty or lifestyle bloggers,
    especially if you also have a service-based part of
    your business such as a salon or massage parlor.

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Services - Shop - Portfolio - Appts

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: gold (#d29f42),
    pink (#f7dfd1), light pink (#fcf2ed)
    →Use photos with feminine vibes, lots of tan,
    white, pinks. Great if you can add movement (to your
    website and in your photos)
    →Sophisticated and fresh copy

    psst… get 10% off any GoLive template with code KATRINA10

  5. Aria Fresca by Creativity Bias

    BLOGGERS - DIGITAL PRODUCTS - COURSE CREATORS

    A feminine and bold take on minimal, this template
    features everything you need to start a
    successful blog business (except the blog copy haha)

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Contact - Freebies/Digital Product

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: dusty rose (#daa7a6), tan (#dcd5cd),
    light tan (#efebe6), extra dark brown (#4a433c)
    →Created product mockups and good mix of stock and personal photos
    →Confident yet kind copy

  6. Michi by Big Cat Creative

    BLOGGERS - ARTISTS - SMALL BIZ OWNERS

    Fresh and bold meets modern and clean with this profesh and stylish
    template. Perfect for modern bloggers and small biz
    owners alike.

    Included pages (if you purchase this template):
    Home - About - Blog - Services - Info - Contact - Portfolio

    Want to create a similar vibe of your own?
    →Try using this color palate: light blue (#e8eff9),
    purple (#efe3f1), pink (#faf5fb)
    →Feminine photos with bold colors that complement the
    website palate to balance the pastel colors of site.
    →Straightforward copy with a kind and modern twist

TLDR: Ways to easily and quickly build your dream website

Option 1: Build your entire Squarespace website from scratch. You can do it!! Especially with some of the beautiful pre-made templates Squarespace has now. If you want step-by-step guidance to building a profitable blog biz and your own Squarespace website from scratch, check out our course Sensitive Blogger.

Option 2: Use a premium Squarespace template to create a beautiful, designer website for a fraction of the cost. Most Squarespace templates cost $100-$300 depending on the features and are yours to keep for life and customize as you please. These templates often come with additional guides and courses on how to make them your own.

Option 3: Hire someone to completely build your website. Obviously will be the most expensive choice, but an awesome option if you have the funds and want your entire website built in a day/week. Some web designers are also copywriters (me ☺) and can write all the words for you website as well to get you started even faster!

← Check out our blog set-up and strategy course for 75% off today!

P.S. Want to get this signature course, Sensitive Blogger, for free? If you purchase Sensitive Blogger, you will receive a coupon for the cost of the course (currently $47), minus taxes and fees you may pay, to use towards one of our Premium Squarespace Templates when we’re LIVE (plus get 20% off your new annual Squarespace subscription)!

 

Talk to you soon,

 


Related posts you may also like:

Start a Blog as a Sensitive Person

Best Income Streams for Sensitive Entrepreneurs

Productivity for Sensitive People

Support Your Nervous System as a Sensitive Entrepreneur

Reaching Your Money Goals with a New Blog

Pinterest Marketing & Growing Your Blog without Social Media

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Katrina Lazzaro
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