Squarespace vs a custom church website
Squarespace is a great tool. So is a custom site. The right choice depends less on the platform and more on who will do the thinking.
Choose a DIY builder like Squarespace if your church is small, the budget is tight, and you have a volunteer who enjoys design and writing. Choose a custom website if you want help with structure and words, a site that feels unmistakably like your church, and a team that can hand off updates without stress.
Side by side
| Squarespace / DIY | Custom (designer-built) | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Project fee (from $1,000 with Gina Thomas Studio) |
| Your team’s time | High: you design, write and build | Low: you review and decide |
| Looks like | A good template | Your church |
| Structure and words | Up to you | Shaped with you |
| Updates | Easy, in the editor | Easy, with a team walkthrough or care plan |
| Best for | Small churches with a design-minded volunteer | Churches that want help and a distinct presence |
The hidden cost of DIY
The subscription is cheap; the hours aren’t. Someone has to decide what goes where, write it, find photos, and keep it current. When that person moves on, the site often stalls.
The real value of custom
A good designer doesn’t just make it pretty. They help you decide what not to say, write for first-time guests, and build something your team can keep up. That thinking is what you’re paying for.
A middle path
Many churches start with a one-page custom site (the Launch package) and grow from there, or have a designer redesign their existing builder site. Not sure? Ask me. If DIY is the right call for you, I’ll say so.
Questions
Is Squarespace good for church websites?
Yes, for small churches with a volunteer who enjoys design and writing. The main cost is the time it takes to plan, write and maintain the site.
Why pay for a custom church website?
For help with structure and words, a design that feels like your church, and a site your team can update without stress.
Tell me about your church.
A short note is enough. I’ll reply within two business days with honest next steps, even if that’s “you don’t need a new site yet.”
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