SECTION_01 // SQUARESPACE VS PROFESSIONAL WEB DESIGNER
What is Squarespace? And is it better than hiring a professional web designer?
Squarespace is a DIY website builder: you pick a template, drag in your content and pay a monthly fee for hosting. It's quick to start, but you do the design, writing and SEO yourself — which is why many businesses struggle to rank with it.
Squarespace looks appealing — but is it actually cheaper, better for SEO, and right for your business? Here's the honest comparison most Squarespace marketing doesn't want you to see.
SECTION_02 // SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Squarespace vs OWD — feature by feature
| FEATURE | SQUARESPACE | OWD CUSTOM SITE |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Template-based — looks like thousands of other sites | Bespoke — built around your brand, unique to you |
| Monthly cost | £13–£37/month (£156–£444/year, forever) | £90–£350 monthly, then ~£70/year hosting |
| SEO control | Limited — can't control technical SEO, slow JS rendering | Full control — fast HTML, schema markup, crawlable |
| Page speed | Often 50–70 PageSpeed — slow JS bundles hurt rankings | 90+ PageSpeed score — faster load = better Google rank |
| Custom functionality | Limited to Squarespace's plugin ecosystem | Fully custom — anything you need can be built |
| Ownership | You rent it — if you cancel, your site disappears | You own it — the code, the domain, everything |
| Support | Generic chat/email support | Direct UK-based support from your designer |
| Long-term cost (5 years) | £780–£2,220+ | £370–£640 (monthly + hosting) |
SECTION_03 // THE REAL COST
Squarespace costs more over time
Squarespace's monthly subscription seems affordable at first — but it never stops. £13–£37/month means you're paying £156–£444 every year, forever, for a website you don't own and can't move.
Over 5 years that's £780–£2,220 for a templated site that looks like thousands of others and underperforms in Google. OWD builds you a custom website for a monthly price of £90–£350, with hosting around £70/year after year one.
Over the same 5 years you'd pay £370–£630 total with OWD — typically less than 2 years of Squarespace. And you'd have a unique, faster, better-ranking website you actually own.
SQUARESPACE — 1 YEAR
£156–£444
Ongoing, never ends
OWD — 1 YEAR
£90–£350
monthly subscription only
SQUARESPACE — 5 YEARS
£780–£2,220
Subscriptions compound
OWD — 5 YEARS
£370–£630
Build + 4 years hosting
SECTION_04 // FAQ
Squarespace vs professional — frequently asked questions
Is Squarespace good for SEO?
Squarespace has improved its SEO tools but still has fundamental limitations: slow JavaScript rendering, limited control over technical SEO elements, inability to implement advanced schema markup, and page speed scores that regularly fall below 70 on mobile. Professional custom sites consistently outperform Squarespace in Google rankings for competitive keywords.
Is Squarespace cheaper than hiring a web designer?
In the short term, yes — but over 2–3 years a professionally built website costs less than Squarespace's ongoing subscription. OWD's websites start from £50/month. Factor in Squarespace's monthly fees (£13–£37/month), and a custom site becomes cheaper within 12–18 months while also performing better in search.
Can I move my Squarespace site to a professional site?
Yes. OWD can rebuild your Squarespace site as a custom website, migrating all your content and redirecting all your URLs to preserve your Google rankings. The process typically takes 5–7 days.
Why do professional websites rank better than Squarespace?
Three main reasons: 1) Faster page speed — Google rewards fast sites; custom sites score 90+ vs Squarespace's typical 50–70. 2) Cleaner HTML — custom sites have less bloated code for Google to crawl. 3) Full technical SEO control — schema markup, Core Web Vitals optimisation, and custom meta configurations aren't fully possible on Squarespace.
What if I like the Squarespace editor and want to update my own site?
OWD sites are built on custom code, which means you'd send update requests to OWD rather than editing yourself. Most clients find that the SEO performance gains and cost savings outweigh the convenience of a drag-and-drop editor — especially since most website updates are infrequent and OWD responds quickly to change requests.
Stop renting. Own a better website.
Custom websites. Faster, better-ranked, and yours to keep.
In-depth guide
Squarespace vs Professional Web Designer: What is Best for UK Small Businesses?
Understanding the DIY Appeal of Squarespace
For many small business owners in the UK, Squarespace represents an accessible entry point into the digital world. Its drag and drop interface and polished templates allow users to launch a visually appealing site without needing to write a single line of code. This DIY approach is often attractive for startups or sole traders who are just beginning their journey and need a basic online presence to showcase their services or portfolio.
However, while Squarespace makes it easy to look like a designer, it does not necessarily mean your site will convert like one. The platform is designed for general use, which means it often lacks the specific strategic depth required to turn casual visitors into paying customers. Relying solely on a template can sometimes lead to a generic online presence that fails to distinguish your brand from competitors in a crowded market.
The Strategic Advantage of Professional Web Design
Hiring a professional web designer is about more than just aesthetics. A professional brings a strategic mindset to your project, focusing on user experience, conversion rate optimisation, and technical performance. At OWD Web Design, based in Oxted, Surrey, we understand that a website is a business tool, not just a digital brochure. We focus on building sites that guide your visitors through a clear journey, ensuring that every element serves a specific purpose in growing your business.
When you work with a professional, you gain a partner who understands the nuances of digital marketing. We ensure that your site is structured to capture leads and drive revenue, rather than just sitting as a static page. By leveraging professional expertise, you avoid the common pitfalls of DIY design, such as poor navigation, slow load times, and ineffective calls to action that can hinder your growth.
SEO Performance and Visibility for UK Businesses
Search engine optimisation is a critical factor for any UK business looking to be found by local customers. While DIY builders offer basic SEO settings, they often fall short when it comes to advanced technical optimisation. A professional web designer knows how to implement schema markup, optimise site architecture, and ensure that your content is structured to rank effectively on Google.
At OWD Web Design, we integrate SEO into the very foundation of your website. We do not just build a site; we build a platform designed to be discovered. By focusing on technical SEO and performance, we help your business gain the visibility it needs to compete in local markets, whether you are based in Surrey or serving clients across the UK.
The OWD Web Design Subscription Model
We believe that professional web design should be accessible and sustainable for small businesses. Our AI powered websites start from just £50 per month, with hosting included in every plan. We offer a range of tiers to suit your needs, including our Starter plan at £50, Essential at £100, Standard at £150, and Growth at £300 per month. This model allows you to benefit from professional expertise without the burden of large, unpredictable costs.
Flexibility is at the core of our service. You can upgrade your plan at any time as your business expands, and we maintain a simple 90 day cancellation notice policy. We do not offer downgrades mid term, ensuring that we can focus on providing consistent, high quality service to all our clients. With our streamlined process, your new site can be live in about 5 days, allowing you to focus on running your business while we handle the technical heavy lifting.
Comparing Costs and Long Term Value
When evaluating the cost of a website, it is important to look beyond the initial price tag. A DIY site might seem cheaper in the short term, but the time you spend troubleshooting, updating, and trying to fix SEO issues can be a significant drain on your resources. Your time is valuable, and spending your weekends managing website updates is time taken away from your core business activities.
Investing in a professional service provides a clear return on investment. By choosing a subscription based model like ours, you get a dedicated team that ensures your site remains fast, secure, and effective. We take care of the maintenance and technical updates, giving you peace of mind and a professional digital presence that works for you 24/7.
Industry Specific Solutions for Surrey and Beyond
Different industries have unique requirements for their online presence. A restaurant needs a seamless booking system, while a service based business needs clear lead capture forms. At OWD Web Design, we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your sector. We have helped a variety of businesses create sites that reflect their brand identity and meet their operational goals.
Our experience in the UK market allows us to understand what local customers are looking for. Whether you are a local tradesperson in Oxted or a professional service provider, we build sites that resonate with your target audience. We combine our technical expertise with a deep understanding of user behaviour to create websites that are not only beautiful but also highly functional.
Why Our Clients Trust OWD Web Design
We are proud of our 5.0 star Google rating, which reflects our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Our clients choose us because we provide a reliable, professional service that delivers results. We take the stress out of web design, allowing you to focus on what you do best while we ensure your online presence is working hard for your business.
Our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support and ensuring that your website evolves with your business. We believe in building long term relationships with our clients, providing the expertise and technical support needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. When you partner with OWD Web Design, you are choosing a team that is invested in your success.
More questions answered
Is it better to use Squarespace or hire a professional?
Squarespace is a good option if you have a very limited budget and are comfortable managing your own site. However, hiring a professional is better if you need a site that is optimised for SEO, conversion, and long term growth without the time commitment of DIY maintenance.
How long does it take to get a website from OWD Web Design?
Our streamlined process allows us to get your professional, AI powered website live in about 5 days. This ensures you can start benefiting from your new online presence as quickly as possible.
What is included in the monthly subscription plans?
Our plans include professional web design and hosting. We offer different tiers starting from £50 per month, allowing you to choose the level of service that best fits your business needs.
Can I upgrade my plan if my business grows?
Yes, you can upgrade your plan at any time to access more features as your business expands. We do not allow downgrades mid term to ensure consistent service quality.
Do I need to know how to code to manage my site?
No, you do not need any coding knowledge. Our professional design service handles all the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on your business while we manage the website.
What is the cancellation policy for OWD Web Design?
We operate with a simple 90 day cancellation notice policy. This provides clarity and stability for both our team and your business.
Does OWD Web Design provide SEO services?
Yes, we integrate SEO into the foundation of every website we build. We focus on technical SEO and site structure to help your business improve its visibility in search results.
Where is OWD Web Design based?
We are a UK based web design and SEO agency located in Oxted, Surrey. We serve small businesses across the UK with professional, high quality web solutions.