Three Ways to Elevate Your Squarespace Website So It Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s

When you’re just starting a business, you often need a website up fast—and on a reasonable budget. For that, platforms like Squarespace or Wix can be lifesavers. Even though I admittedly have a bias for completely custom-built sites created with tools like Webflow and Framer, I’ll be the first to admit that many businesses and entrepreneurs can and should benefit from the ease-of-use and affordability offered by website builders like Squarespace.

But here’s the thing: when someone lands on your website, especially if you’re selling premium products or services, the last thing you want is for them to think, “Yep—I've seen this Squarespace template before.” You want your site to feel as unique and polished as your business. So, how do you make sure your site looks custom-made, even when it isn’t?

1. Integrate Unique Iconography

Squarespace’s built-in icons are fine, but they’re everywhere. If you want to stand out, invest in custom icons that reflect your brand’s vibe. Whether you go for traditional vs. quirky, monotone or colorful, textured or flat, unique iconography will instantly make your site feel more bespoke, and can pull in your branding in a way that feels harmonious.

2. Use Custom Brand Illustrations

Custom illustrations are a great way to visually communicate your brand’s personality and elevate your site beyond “just another Squarespace template.” Whether it's whimsical hand-drawn sketches or sleek vector art, illustrations can give your site a tailored feel that is difficult to achieve with photography alone. Case in point: for Alexa Micley Education, we introduced brand illustrations and unique color palettes to breathe life into the site—and (in my humble opinion!) it made a world of difference.

3. Add Background Textures

This one’s subtle, but trust me, it works. Adding background textures—think soft gradients, lightly patterned overlays, or even a hint of noise—can transform your site’s overall look. Instead of feeling flat and templated, your site will have depth and character. For example, when we designed Murveit Consulting Services’ site, we used background vectors of different geological features that added visual intrigue without overpowering the content. The fact that we specifically chose geological features (rivers, basins, mountain ranges etc.) that were the center of real projects completed by Murveit Consulting added a truly special and personal feel to the site.

The Power of Personalization

Using one or more of these techniques will help you take full advantage of the user-friendly tools Squarespace provides, while ensuring that your website doesn’t look like it’s straight off of an assembly line. It’s all about making small tweaks that add up to a custom feel—without needing to learn code or break the bank.

With a bit of creativity and strategic design, you can make even the most template-based platform feel individualized to your brand. And that’s what will set you apart from your competitors—especially the ones using the same website builder as you.

In short, don’t be afraid to make Squarespace (or Wix) your own. With a few smart design moves, your website can feel as premium as the products or services you’re offering.

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