I built my first business website on Squarespace. No coding skills, no design degree — just a coach who needed to look professional online. And the template choice made all the difference.
In 2026, Squarespace has evolved significantly. Their template system now uses Fluid Engine — a drag-and-drop builder that gives you way more flexibility than the old days. But the principles of choosing the right template haven't changed. Here's what I've learned from building sites for my own businesses and helping hundreds of coaches do the same.
The Truth: Templates Matter Less Than They Used To
Here's a controversial take: Squarespace's new Fluid Engine makes all templates essentially the same starting point. Every template can now be customized to look like any other template. The rigid layouts of the old system are gone.
That said, templates still matter because they set your starting design direction and pre-built page structures. Picking the right one saves you hours of customization.
What a Coaching Website Actually Needs
Before picking a template, know what pages you need. For a coaching business in 2026:
- Homepage: Clear headline + who you help + what they get + CTA
- About page: Your story, your credibility, your personality
- Services/Offer page: What you sell, clear pricing, easy purchase
- Blog: SEO content that drives organic traffic
- Landing page: For your lead magnet or low-ticket offer
- Testimonials: Social proof (can be part of other pages)
That's it. You don't need 15 pages. You need 5-6 pages that are clear, professional, and conversion-focused.
Pick Based on Structure, Not Aesthetics
Most people browse templates and pick the prettiest one. That's backwards. Pick based on which template's page structure most closely matches what you need.
Look for templates that have:
- A strong hero section on the homepage (big headline + CTA)
- Built-in blog layout that's clean and readable
- Sections for testimonials or social proof
- Easy-to-navigate services pages
- Mobile-responsive design (non-negotiable in 2026)
Colors, fonts, and images are all customizable. Don't fall in love with the stock photos — they're placeholders. Focus on the bones of the layout.
My Template Recommendations for Coaches (2026)
Squarespace updates their template library regularly, but here's what to look for:
- For service-based coaches: Templates in the "Professional Services" category — clean, trust-building layouts with prominent CTAs
- For course creators: Templates with strong blog + product grid layouts
- For personal brands: Templates with large hero images and storytelling flow
- For minimalists: Templates with plenty of white space and clean typography
My personal preference: start with a minimal template and build up. It's easier to add elements than to strip away a cluttered design. Clean beats busy every single time.
When Squarespace Is (and Isn't) the Right Choice
Squarespace is still excellent for coaches who want a professional website without touching code. But it has limits:
Choose Squarespace if:
- You're non-technical and want simplicity
- You need a beautiful site up fast (days, not weeks)
- You're primarily a service business, not a software company
- Your budget is $15-$50/month for hosting + design
Consider alternatives if:
- You need advanced funnel capabilities → GoHighLevel or custom-built
- You need maximum SEO control and speed → WordPress or Next.js
- You're scaling to high traffic → custom solution
- You need complex membership or course features → Kajabi or custom
For most coaches just getting started, Squarespace is the right choice. Get the site up, start creating content, and upgrade your tech stack as you grow.
Stop Perfecting, Start Publishing
The biggest mistake I see? Coaches spending 3 months perfecting their Squarespace site before launching anything. Your website doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to exist.
Pick a template. Add your headline, your offer, and your story. Launch it. Then improve it over time based on real visitor data. A live imperfect site beats a perfect site that nobody sees.
If you want help building a website that actually converts visitors into clients, Wealthy Coach Academy includes landing page templates, copywriting frameworks, and live coaching on your actual site. $197/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Squarespace template after launching?
With Fluid Engine (all new sites), you can redesign pages freely without switching templates. For older sites, switching templates may require some content reorganization.
How much does a Squarespace website cost?
Plans range from $16-$49/month in 2026. The Business plan ($33/month) is what most coaches need — it includes e-commerce, pop-ups, and advanced analytics.
Should I hire a designer or build it myself?
Build it yourself first. Squarespace is designed for non-designers. You can always hire someone to polish it later. But having a live site now is more valuable than a perfectly designed site in 3 months.
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About Jeremiah Krakowski
Jeremiah Krakowski is a coaching business mentor who helps coaches, course creators, and consultants scale from $3k/mo to $40k+/mo using direct response marketing, AI systems, and proven frameworks. He runs Wealthy Coach Academy and has 23+ years of experience in digital marketing. Learn more →