2024 Comprehensive Guide to Squarespace 7.1
We all know updates can feel like total fluff and leave us questioning why we needed this in the first place. Cue, Squarespace – who swooped in with a killer update that actually solves a handful of functionality issues and provides a noticeably impressive design facelift. In this comprehensive guide to Squarespace 7.1, I’ll break down exactly what you need to know regarding its enhanced features and why the upgrade from 7.0 is so worth it. As a Squarespace designer with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen a handful of platform updates in my time. This was a quantum leap in user-friendly web design.
In a sea of code-first design platforms and an endless stream of software updates that leave us wanting, Squarespace has released a highly effective alternative. If you’re looking for greater ease and simplicity in updating your website or managing its content, 7.1 is what you’ve been waiting for. Many businesses are struggling to stay ahead of the competition in today’s noisy digital world. Having a highly effective, elegant website that works for you and for your customers is non-negotiable. How does the Squarespace 7.1 update accomplish this?
Improved Mobile Design and Functionality
Improved User Experience
Improved SEO
Enhanced Design Features
Easier for Non-Designers to Manage Content and Design
Once you upgrade, you’re set. No 7.2 will ever be released
7.1 Offers More Control Over Your User Experience
The leading feature of their 7.1 update is known as Fluid Engine, which is a powerful tool that gives you (or your designer) more control over how your site looks on desktop and mobile. The best part about Fluid Engine is just how much flexibility you’re given with how your site will look on mobile.
We live in a mobile-first world. Most of the people who will be accessing your website will do so on the go. So it’s vital to ensure your website offers a seamless user experience that goes beyond a simple “mobile responsive” design. This is a make-or-break factor in your business.
The 7.1 upgrade will help engage your mobile audience further and keep your site functioning perfectly as your business grows.
Should You Upgrade from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1?
If you have a Squarespace website and you’re trying to make sense of the differences between 7.0 and 7.1, let me shed some light to help you make the best decision for you. I know that for most, trying to keep up with the language of website jargon - especially when it comes to upgrades of this nature - is daunting.
Beyond improving your user experience and mobile version, one of the standout design features is the Page Sections functionality. Unlike 7.0, where you were limited to using a single content area for each page, 7.1 lets you divide your content into sections, each with its own unique design, layout, and styling options.
The Flud Engine editor allows you to drag and drop content blocks and layer blocks (such as design elements, images, and text) on top of each other. You can easily add background colors to text blocks and move content around wherever you want it on the page. This is a major advancement from the prior, rather clunky way of editing pages in 7.0.
An example of a 7.0 Index Page with 4 sections underneath
An example of adding sections directly to a page in 7.1
This flexibility allows for more visually appealing and dynamic pages that will captivate your audience and turn them into loyal customers.
7.1 also offers a refined Design Panel, providing intuitive customization controls. This is cool because, with the new panel, you can effortlessly adjust fonts, colors, spacing, and other design elements. Tools like the Shape Blocks tool are just one of many that will help you ensure a consistent and eye-catching aesthetic across your entire website.
The reimagined Mobile Editing feature also allows you to fine-tune how your site will look and operate on mobile devices, enhancing user experience and increasing conversion. And, as we covered above, designing websites with mobile-first in mind nowadays is everything.
Risk vs. Reward - Breaking Down 7.0 to 7.1
Are there any reasons not to make the transition from 7.0 to 7.1? Let’s take a look at some of the potential considerations. As with any major update, some changes were difficult to iron out at first. However, 7.1 has come a long way since its initial release in 2020.
Many of the issues that designers and beginners were concerned about in the initial versions of Squarespace 7.1, such as the absence of parallax scrolling, have been addressed. As a Squarespace Circle Member, I’ve been continually impressed by their commitment to listening to their customers and improving the quality of their products based on our feedback.
As of January 2024, there are more exciting updates to 7.1 than ever before, along with several more updates they have planned for early next year. Once you upgrade, you’ll be able to continuously take advantage of all of those new features - without the hassle of transferring your website ever again.
*The Best Part? This is a permanent upgrade. Squarespace has confirmed they won’t be launching a 7.2 or SQSP8 or any new versions after this transition. Eventually, Squarespace will just be Squarespace, and template version numbers won’t matter anymore.
Squarespace 7.1 Design Benefits
You can edit your entire page at one time
Improved editing of the header and footer
Animation feature is an easy way to add flair
You can add background banner images to each section
Easily access design styles/themes from the “edit” button
10 different site theme styles that are fully customizable
You can now preset more font sizing options
Each page is customizable with color/font themes
You can easily change your entire site style with one click
Business Benefits
Improved customer experience
Improved mobile functionality
Greater ability to enhance SEO
A permanent upgrade for your site
Ecommerce improvements, like 10,000 products (up from 200 products limit in 7.0)
New tools to sell different digital products
Memberships, Courses, and Scheduling features
Video collections to house more unique creator content
Potential Downsides:
More to learn, but more opportunity for customization. There is simply more to learn if you don’t have a knowledgeable designer walking you through things for a better understanding of how the new layout works. Squarespace rapidly adds plenty of new features, so it isn’t quite as beginner-friendly to learn without some guidance or support.
Mobile optimization takes more hands-on care. Whether you or your designer are working on your site, someone DOES have to take the time to make sure the mobile version of your website is adjusted properly whenever you create a design on the desktop version.
If you're unsure about making the transition, consulting with a Squarespace web design expert can provide clarity and ensure a smooth upgrade process.
IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE IF YOU:
Are planning on big changes for your website or company in the near future
Are going through a re-branding or want to hire a designer for an overall refresh
Are looking to enhance your SEO, your mobile functionality, and user experience
Thanks to my vast experience with Squarespace, I know this platform inside out. I understand the complex issues that business owners face when trying to gain traction in the digital space. When I’m working with my clients on a transition from 7.0 to 7.1, I help them reassess their goals and create a sound structure built to support their next level of growth.
Elevate Your Business with 7.1
The transition from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 is not just an upgrade—it's a leap into the future of website design and user experience. With an array of features designed to empower your creativity, enhanced educational resources to boost your skills, and the game-changing Fluid Engine, Squarespace 7.1 equips you to build websites that leave a lasting impression.
While 7.0 websites aren’t going anywhere. Squarespace will continue to host them for years to come - the difference between 7.0 and 7.1 is significant on multiple fronts. It allows your brand to embrace new possibilities in functionality (as Squarespace is constantly adding new features to 7.1). Plus, it empowers your brand to stay ahead of design trends and ensures your website remains a captivating digital destination.
Your Designer
Hi friends! I'm Justin Mabee, a veteran Squarespace website designer with over 12 years of experience building websites. As a top-rated Squarespace web designer, I build rich, interactive sites that don’t look like anyone else’s out there – and they’re intuitive enough for you to pick up and run with after we publish. Interested in moving your 7.0 Squarespace website to 7.1? Let’s grab a design day together.
