The Squarespace Marketplace connects website owners with vetted professionals who specialize in Squarespace. It's powered by 99designs by Vista and features experts across design, development, SEO, and e-commerce. Here's everything you need to know before hiring.
How the Squarespace Marketplace Works
There are two ways to find an expert:
Browse the Directory
Search expert profiles filtered by service type, location, budget, and certification level. Each profile includes a portfolio, client reviews, service descriptions, and pricing ranges. You can contact experts directly to discuss your project.
Submit a Project Brief
Describe your project and Squarespace matches you with up to 5 recommended experts based on your requirements. This "get matched" approach saves time if you're unsure where to start.

Services Available
Experts on the marketplace cover a range of project types:
- Full website design and development: Complete builds from template selection to launch
- E-commerce setup: Product pages, checkout configuration, payment processing, shipping rules - see our e-commerce and monetization guide
- SEO optimization: On-page SEO, keyword strategy, technical fixes, and ongoing optimization
- Custom coding: CSS customization, JavaScript functionality, code injection, and advanced features beyond Squarespace's standard tools
- Website migrations: Moving an existing site from WordPress, Wix, or another platform to Squarespace
- Visual design: Logo design, branding, photography direction, and graphic assets
- Content strategy: Blog setup, content planning, and copywriting
What Hiring Costs
Pricing varies by project scope, expert experience, and location. Typical ranges:
- Basic template customization: $500-$1,500
- Full website design (5-10 pages): $2,000-$5,000
- E-commerce store setup: $3,000-$7,000
- Complex custom builds: $5,000-$10,000+
- SEO audit and optimization: $500-$2,500
- Hourly rate for small tasks: $75-$200/hour
These are separate from your Squarespace subscription cost. The expert's fee covers the design/development work - you still pay Squarespace directly for your website plan.
How to Choose the Right Expert
Review Their Portfolio
Look for sites similar to what you want in terms of industry, style, and complexity. A portfolio full of minimalist photography sites doesn't guarantee they can build a complex e-commerce store.
Read Client Reviews
Check ratings and written reviews for communication quality, timeline adherence, and whether the final product matched expectations. Pay attention to how they handle revisions and feedback.
Check Certification Level
The marketplace has three certification tiers based on experience and Circle membership. Higher-certified experts generally have more experience but may charge more. For straightforward projects, a mid-tier expert often provides the best value.
Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring
- How many revisions are included?
- What's the expected timeline?
- Will they provide training on how to manage the site after launch?
- What happens if the project scope changes?
- Do they offer post-launch support?

When to Hire vs. DIY
Do It Yourself When:
- You need a simple site (5-7 pages, no e-commerce)
- You have time to learn the platform
- Your budget is under $500
- You enjoy the creative process
Hire an Expert When:
- You need a custom design that goes beyond template options
- You're setting up a complex e-commerce store
- You need custom code (CSS/JavaScript) for specific functionality
- You're migrating from another platform and can't afford downtime
- Your time is worth more than the expert's fee
Alternatives to the Squarespace Marketplace
- Fiverr: Lower prices ($100-$1,000), wider range of quality, less vetting. Good for small tasks or tight budgets.
- Upwork: Hourly or project-based freelancers. More selection but requires more vetting on your part.
- Referrals: Ask other Squarespace users who they used. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most reliable.
- Squarespace Expert directory: Separate from the marketplace - lists Circle members available for hire.
Becoming a Squarespace Expert
If you're a designer or developer who wants to join the marketplace:
- You need proven experience building Squarespace websites
- A strong portfolio demonstrating design quality and range
- Squarespace Circle membership (builds credibility and provides client tools)
- Applications are reviewed for expertise, work quality, and technical skills
For details on joining Squarespace's professional community, see our guide on becoming a Squarespace partner.
Bottom Line
The Squarespace Marketplace is a reliable option for finding certified professionals who know the platform inside and out. It's best for projects that go beyond basic template customization - full builds, e-commerce setups, custom coding, and migrations. Compare multiple experts, check portfolios and reviews, and define your project scope clearly before hiring. For simple sites, DIY with Squarespace's templates is usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a Squarespace expert?
How does the Squarespace Marketplace work?
Is it worth hiring a Squarespace designer?
What should I look for when hiring a Squarespace expert?
Can I become a Squarespace Marketplace expert?
What's the difference between the Squarespace Marketplace and Fiverr/Upwork?
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