Website Template Instructions
While I do my best to keep these instructions up-to-date, please know that regular changes happen at Squarespace that alter the menus, options, and design features. These instructions should give a good overview, but if you get stuck, please visit my support page.
1. Prepare your images
The key to quick website building (after starting with my template), is to have your images organized. Here is a sample of the types of images you’ll benefit from having on hand
TIP: if you load ASSET LIBRARY with your images (find Asset Library in the main navigation), you will have easy access to them as you build.
2. Open your template
Your custom template will be emailed to you. Open the email from Squarespace and accept your template. You will use your existing Squarespace account, but the website will be NEW. You cannot apply the template to an existing website.
3. Edit your home page
Change the background image in the first content block
Customize your header (design, text and elements)
Add your own text
Ensure buttons go to the correct pages
Watch this video to see a simplified view of customizing the home page:
4. Alter your ‘about the artist’ page and ‘contact’ page
5. Add your artwork
This template is optimized for selling work, and uses the Commerce function of Squarespace. So, artwork is added to the page which has a shopping cart next to it, called PURCHASE. With this function, artwork is added as individual products. See the tutorial below for everything you need to know about setting up your products and activating your e-commerce store.
If you would like to add a gallery of images, you may want to use the PORTFOLIO section which is in the ‘Not Linked’ section of your website pages. That allows you to use multiple galleries to showcase art series’. Learn more about displaying images here:
6. Customize your design
I’ve started you off with a calm palette and industry-approved fonts. You can feel free to get more creative in an effort to better show off your work. See these tutorials for more info about customizing your design. And, don’t forget to add a browser icon or favicon: instructions here.
7. Connect your socials and publish your site
Note: You must publish with Squarespace by purchasing a website subscription. The best value is paying for the whole year at once. If you plan to make sales from your site, choose the Commerce Basic plan, as there is no 3% transaction fee charged. If you are just building a portfolio site, you can use the personal or business plan. (Excuse this video showing the classic template - the information is the same!)
8. Make your site live!
Here are the instructions for connecting your domain. If you are using e-commerce function, there will be more details in these tutorials about how to connect payment processors, add a tax rate and offer shipping prices.
In the tutorials below you can also learn more about SEO and marketing your site
More helpful videos:
If your website sales are slow, no one is visiting, or you just plain haven’t started your site yet…
Create and Optimize your Artist Website
an offer reserved for template owners:
This course is usually sold for hundreds, but available to template owners for only $59
Would you like my help?
If you’re feeling like going the extra mile with your site, and fully customizing it, please know that this is all within your reach by using Squarespace tutorials!
If you want to cut out some of the learning curve, you can also just call me for 90 minutes and you’ll leave with a site that looks and functions just like you want it to.
Connect with me if you have any questions, or book your 90 minute Website Customization meeting if you’re ready to jump in and tick one thing off your to-do list.
Take your template to the next level with designer customization! After you DIY your template site, you might have more questions or specific desires for the site. All of these answers would be at your reach through Squarespace tutorials, but if you want to skip right to having me help out, I’m here for you!
After a Website Customization Session, you will feel even more empowered to make changes to your site, and it will reflect the exact design you are hoping for. Zoom can be recorded on your request. This service can be purchased anytime, and used at your convenience. See details for booking below.
How it works:
1. Ensure you have a Squarespace site (I only work on Squarespace websites)
2. Book your 90 minute slot here: https://calendly.com/alissasexton/website-refresh
3. If you have purchased a template, I will usually have website permissions already. If not, give me administrator level permissions on your site (Settings —> Add a Contributor —> add alissalsexton@gmail.com)
4. Prepare for your call by writing down any questions for me, or bringing examples to show me during the meeting
Load your site with any images you’d like to use during the call (Add to Assets)