Squarespace Nonprofit Pricing Guide, 2024
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Key considerations when evaluating Squarespace for your Nonprofit
Not a nonprofit? Read my full Squarespace pricing guide
For nonprofits expecting a high volume of donations, upgrading to a Commerce plan can be worthwhile to avoid Squarespace's 3% transaction fee on the Personal and Business plans.
For organizations anticipating a lower donation volume, the Personal plan may be more cost-effective, even with the 3% fee, compared to the higher subscription costs of the Business and Commerce plans.
Nonprofits should carefully evaluate their expected donation levels and crunch the numbers to determine which plan makes the most financial sense for their specific situation.
Read on for detailed analysis
Is Squarespace a Good Website Builder for Nonprofit Organizations?
Yes, Squarespace can be an excellent all-in-one choice for nonprofits needing a well-designed, easy-to-manage nonprofit website with marketing features, especially if working with a limited budget. Benefits of using Squarespace for nonprofits include:
User-friendly interface for easy updates
Mobile-responsive templates
Built-in features like donation forms and event calendars
Reliable security and hosting handled by Squarespace
Analytics and SEO tools to optimize online presence
Does Squarespace Offer a Nonprofit Discount?
Squarespace does not have specific pricing plans exclusively for non-profit organizations.
However, there are always discounts and promotional codes available for first year annual subscriptions. You can’t miss them; just about every podcast or YouTube channel features 10% Squarespace discounts.
My 10% discount code is SILVA10 but don’t use it.
NB. I may receive an affiliate payment if you choose to use this 20% discount.
Detailed Analysis of Squarespace Nonprofit Pricing Plans for 2024
Prices correct on May 10 2024. Current prices and prices for other countries can be found on the Squarespace pricing page (scroll to bottom left to switch currency).
| Plan | Annual Price | Monthly Price | Donation Transaction Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal | $192 ($16/mo) | $25 | 3% |
|
| Business | $276 ($23/mo) | $36 | 3% |
|
| Basic Commerce | $336 ($28/mo) | $40 | 0% |
|
| Advanced Commerce | $624 ($52/mo) | $72 | 0% |
|
Donation Transaction Fee Analysis
The key consideration is whether the savings from Squarespace's 0% transaction fee on the Commerce plans outweigh the increased monthly subscription costs compared to the Personal or Business plans.
| Donation Volume | Recommended Plan | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000/yr | Personal or Business | The 3% transaction fee is less than the added cost of upgrading to a Commerce plan to avoid the fee. |
| $5,000 - $10,000/yr | Business or Basic Commerce | The 3% fee may exceed the difference in plan cost. Crunch the numbers for your specific scenario. |
| Over $10,000/yr | Basic or Advanced Commerce | The transaction fee savings likely justifies the higher plan cost. Advanced Commerce offers additional features for high-volume nonprofits. |
Using Squarespace's Built-in Features for Nonprofits
Squarespace offers several built-in features that can be particularly useful for nonprofits:
Customizable templates to create a unique and professional design
Blogging tools to share updates and stories
Event calendars to promote fundraisers and volunteer opportunities
Email marketing campaigns to engage supporters
Donation forms to accept online gifts (note transaction fees)
Ability to add custom CSS for more advanced customization
Publishing Your Nonprofit Website on Squarespace
Once you've designed your nonprofit website using Squarespace's tools and features, it's time to publish it and share it with the world.
Be sure to:
Double check your content for clarity and impact
Test your donation forms and other key features
Ensure your site looks great on mobile devices
Connect your social media accounts
Submit your sitemap to search engines like Google for better visibility
Share the URL with your supporters and start promoting your mission!
10 Tips for Maximizing Your Squarespace Nonprofit Website
1. Use the 14-Day Free Trial to Test Squarespace Before Committing
Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial, which can be extended, allowing you to explore the platform and test out its features before making a financial commitment. Take advantage of this trial period to ensure that Squarespace meets your nonprofit's specific needs and requirements.
2. Choose a Subscription that minimizes ongoing fees
Read the ‘Squarespace Pricing Overview for Nonprofits’ and ‘Donation Transaction Fee Analysis’ sections of this article to work out the best balance of features and fees.
3. Take Advantage of Available Discounts on Your First Annual Payment
Make sure to research and apply any available discounts to save on costs. At the very least you should use code SILVA10 to get a 10% discount on your first annual payment. But there’s a way to get 20% off detailed in this article.
4. Register Your Domain Name Separately to Avoid Lock-In and Allow Easier Future Migration
While Squarespace offers domain registration, it's recommended to register your domain name separately to maintain control and flexibility. This approach prevents lock-in and allows for easier migration to another platform in the future if needed.
5. Leverage Squarespace's Customizable Designs and Visual Styling Tools
Squarespace is known for its visually appealing templates and powerful design tools. Utilize these features to create a unique and professional-looking website that aligns with your nonprofit's brand identity and mission.
6. Integrate a Dedicated Third-Party Donation System Like Donorbox for an Optimized Donor Experience
While Squarespace offers built-in donation functionality, integrating a specialized third-party donation platform like Donorbox can provide a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for your donors, potentially increasing contributions. Note that embedding third party code is not possible on the cheapest Personal plan.
7. Make Use of Squarespace's Built-In SEO Features to Improve Your Site's Visibility
Squarespace includes several built-in SEO tools and features that can help improve your website's visibility in search engine results. Optimize your site's meta titles, descriptions, and content to attract more organic traffic.
8. Keep Your Site Updated with Fresh Content Using Squarespace's Intuitive Interface
Regularly updating your website with fresh, relevant content is crucial for engaging your audience and maintaining a strong online presence. Squarespace's user-friendly interface makes it easy to add and edit content, even for those with limited technical skills.
9. Utilize Squarespace's 24/7 Customer Support via Email and Social Media
Squarespace provides round-the-clock customer support through email and social media channels. Don't hesitate to reach out to their support team if you encounter any issues or have questions while building and maintaining your nonprofit website.
10. Consider Working with a Squarespace Expert to Save on Costs and Get Professional Guidance
If you lack the time or expertise to design and build your nonprofit website yourself, consider partnering with a Squarespace Expert like me. I can help you create a high-quality website while saving on costs compared to hiring a full-service web design agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free Squarespace templates?
Yes, Squarespace offers a variety of customizable templates that can work well for nonprofit websites. You can browse their template library and preview how your content might look in each design before selecting one for your site.
Does Squarespace offer email marketing tools?
Yes, Squarespace's Email Campaigns feature allows you to create and send email marketing messages to your supporters. This can be a great way to keep your audience engaged and updated on your nonprofit's activities and impact.
What kind of customer support does Squarespace offer for nonprofits?
Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support for all users, including nonprofits. You can reach out to their support team via email or social media, or take advantage of the extensive knowledge base and community forums on their website.
Can I add custom CSS to my Squarespace site?
Yes, Squarespace allows you to add custom CSS to further customize the look and feel of your website beyond what's possible with their built-in style editor. This does require some technical knowledge, but can be a powerful way to create a unique design for your nonprofit.
How can I accept donations on my Squarespace website?
Squarespace allows you to accept donations directly through your website using their built-in donation forms. However, keep in mind that there may be transaction fees associated with these donations, depending on your plan. Alternatively, you can integrate with a third-party donation platform like Donorbox for a more robust giving experience.
Conclusion
Squarespace can be an excellent all-in-one website builder for nonprofits needing a well-designed, easy-to-manage nonprofit website with basic marketing features, especially if working with a limited budget.Carefully evaluate your anticipated donation volume, feature needs, and budget to determine if Squarespace makes sense for your nonprofit organization. Be sure to take advantage of the free trial, any available nonprofit discounts, and crunch the numbers on transaction fees to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the platform.
