There are going to be times when you might want to change the design of your Squarespace website. This could include making changes to your Squarespace website pages with different elements (like video) or it could mean changing your Squarespace templates. However, when you change your template, there can be some high time costs.
Not only do you have to spend time choosing and installing the new template, but there is the chance that you will lose your website’s content. For instance, custom CSS, header and footer information is all specific for each template.
Therefore, when you switch Squarespace templates, you’re going to lose all that information. That is why many Squarespace website owners often ask whether or not it is better to switch Squarespace templates or to start a new trial on Squarespace.
While this is a personal choice, certain things can help you make the decision easier. Here are some of the considerations.
Content
When you create a new trial, then you will need to re-enter all of the content that has been on the old site. This can be very consuming if you’ve got a lot of content. It can also lower your ranking on the main site if it isn’t deleted as you can suffer a Google penalty.
A lower rank for both or one site can restrict the traffic that will visit your website. This will reduce the revenues that can be generated from your website as well.
If you’re swapping your content to a new template, then the content will remain the same, however, it will be added to the new template and it can cause other problems.
Search Engine Optimization
If you’ve got a new trial and have not transferred your domain, then your SEO will have to start from scratch. This can be a problem. It can often take between 3 and 6 months for Google to give you a good rank. This is a new business penalty.
You might also lose all the inbound links that you’ve established on your old website. Therefore, you might want to look at keeping your current domain and website and just switch the template. If you’ve got very little SEO power on your website, then this might not be a problem.
Costs
Whatever option you have, the cost for the new template will be the same. All Squarespace templates are free, but customization of the template by a third party can be costly. However, with a new trial, you will be able to save on your website cost for a little while (14 days). This isn’t very much but it can be good if your website hasn’t been performing well.
The big problem you might have is that by not switching, you might not have a working new site before the trial runs out. Then you’re paying for your website when it isn’t active and it isn’t earning you any money. If you just switch your template, it can take less time to get your website up and running again.
Making the Right Choice for Your Brand
Time Considerations
The main problem is that by not switching, you might not have a working new site before the trial runs out. This means you're paying for your website when it's not active and not earning any money.
If you just switch your template, it can take less time to get your website up and running again.
Brand Consistency
When you switch templates, it's crucial to ensure your brand remains consistent. This includes your logo, color scheme, and overall aesthetic. If your new template doesn't align with your brand, it could confuse your audience and dilute your brand identity. This is a key aspect of site creation and branding on Squarespace.
User Experience
User experience should always be a top priority. If your new template improves user experience, it could lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. However, if it disrupts the user experience, it could have the opposite effect.
The decision to switch Squarespace templates or start a separate trial depends on various factors. It's essential to consider these factors carefully before making a decision. Remember, each option has its pros and cons, and what works best will depend on your specific circumstances and needs.
Should You Consider Starting a Separate Trial?
Understanding the Benefits
Squarespace offers a unique feature: the ability to start a separate trial. This allows you to explore different templates without affecting your live site. It's like having a sandbox to play in, where you can experiment without any risk.
The Importance of Testing
Testing is crucial in any design process. With a separate trial, you can thoroughly test a new template, ensuring it fits your content and brand. It's a chance to get everything just right before you make the switch.
The Role of Patience
Patience is key when starting a separate trial. It may take time to set up and test a new template. But remember, the goal is to create the best possible site for your audience.
The Process of Switching Templates
What Happens to Your Content?
When you switch templates, most of your content moves with you. However, some design-specific elements may not transfer. It's important to review your site thoroughly after switching to ensure everything is in place.
The Impact on SEO
Switching templates should not significantly impact your SEO. However, it's always a good idea to monitor your site's performance after making any major changes.
When to Make the Switch
The best time to switch templates is when your site is not experiencing high traffic. This allows you to make and correct any errors without disrupting your visitors' experience.
Conclusion: Should I Switch Squarespace Templates or Start a Separate Trial?
When it comes to switching templates on a Squarespace website there are 2 options: switching the template or starting a new trial. There isn’t a best practice, it is all a preference for what you want to do. You can use some of the aspects above to make that final decision on what is best for you and your brand.
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