How to Customize a Squarespace Template Without Looking Like Everyone Else
One of the biggest fears creatives and small business owners have when using a website template is this:
👉 “What if my site looks just like everyone else’s?”
The truth is, a website template is only the starting point. With the right customizations, you can create a completely unique site that feels aligned with your brand—without the stress (or cost) of designing from scratch.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to customize a Squarespace template so your website looks professional, original, and totally you.
Why Templates Don’t Mean “Cookie-Cutter”
Squarespace templates are intentionally built as a foundation. Think of them like the blueprint of a house—you get the structure, but the furniture, paint colors, and décor are all up to you.
The reason some sites end up looking the same? Owners don’t take the time to personalize the details. With just a few tweaks, you can transform a template into a site that feels custom-built.
Step 1: Define Your Brand Colors and Fonts
Your visual identity is what makes your site yours. Instead of sticking with the default palette, choose colors and fonts that reflect your personality and brand vibe.
Colors: Select 2–3 brand colors. Use one as your primary (for buttons and headlines) and the others as accents.
Fonts: Pick 1–2 fonts. A clean sans-serif for body text and a stylish serif or script for headings creates balance.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Create a moodboard in Canva or Pinterest and pull colors from images that inspire you.
Step 2: Swap Out Stock Images for Brand Photography
Photos instantly set the tone of your website. Using the default template images can make your site feel generic.
Use brand photography (or even high-quality iPhone shots).
Show yourself—people connect with real faces.
If you use stock photos, choose ones that feel natural and cohesive.
💡 Even just swapping 5–10 images makes a massive difference.
Step 3: Customize Copy, Not Just Design
Your words matter as much as your visuals. Even if a template includes placeholder copy, rewrite it so it speaks directly to your audience.
Homepage: Make your hero section crystal clear (“I help coaches launch websites that convert”).
About page: Share your story and values.
Services/Shop: Focus on benefits, not just features.
💡 Clarity > cleverness. The more your words sound like you, the less “template-y” your site feels.
Step 4: Add Unique Design Touches
This is where your site truly stands out. Small design choices go a long way in making a template look unique.
Swap button shapes (rounded vs square).
Add branded icons or line art to sections.
Adjust layout spacing (more whitespace creates a modern feel).
Mix up content blocks (testimonials, galleries, call-to-action sections).
💡 Don’t be afraid to play—the beauty of Squarespace is how easy it is to drag, drop, and experiment.
Step 5: Keep Consistency Across Pages
The biggest mistake? Customizing your homepage and then forgetting the rest of the site. Consistency builds trust and professionalism.
Use the same fonts, button styles, and colors site-wide.
Ensure headings and body text match across all pages.
Repeat key brand elements (icons, illustrations, or photo style).
💡 Think of your website like a magazine—every page should feel like it belongs to the same story.
Step 6: Optimize for Mobile
Your site might look perfect on desktop, but over 60% of visitors will see it on their phone first.
Check every page on mobile.
Adjust padding so text isn’t cramped.
Stack sections logically for scroll-friendly browsing.
💡 Bonus: Test your CTAs (“Book Now,” “Shop Templates”) on mobile—are they easy to tap?
Step 7: Infuse Your Personality
The ultimate way to make a template unique is to show your personality. Your site should reflect your style, your values, and your voice.
Add a video introduction on your homepage.
Use quotes, taglines, or brand phrases unique to you.
Share behind-the-scenes content in your blog or portfolio.
💡 The more personality you infuse, the more your audience connects with you—and the less your site looks like anyone else’s.
The Shortcut: Start With a Flexible Template
The right template makes customization easy. At PLANNEAstudio, my Squarespace templates are built with:
âś” Flexible layouts you can easily adjust.
âś” Clean design that adapts to your brand.
âś” Strategic sections already optimized for conversions.
That way, you don’t waste time “fighting” the design—you get a foundation that’s ready to make your own.
👉 Explore the templates here and launch a unique, high-converting website in just a few days.
Final Thoughts
A template doesn’t mean your website has to look like everyone else’s. In fact, with a few customizations—colors, fonts, images, copy, and layout—you can create a site that feels one-of-a-kind.
The key is to start with a solid foundation, then add your brand’s unique personality.
✨ Ready to create a website that stands out? Shop PLANNEAstudio templates and start customizing today.
