Squarespace 7.1 is the latest version of the Squarespace website platform, offering a more streamlined and flexible website-building experience. Unlike 7.0, which used separate templates with unique design rules, 7.1 uses a unified template system. This means all design features and page layouts are customizable site-wide, reducing limitations and improving scalability. Squarespace 7.1 also offers improved mobile responsiveness, section-based page editing, and faster performance.

Upgrading to Squarespace 7.1 offers several advantages:

• More design flexibility with drag-and-drop sections

• Global style editor for consistent branding

• Improved user interface

• Enhanced mobile optimization

• Access to new features and future updates
  Squarespace is focusing development on 7.1, so staying on 7.0 may limit your access to the platform's full potential over time.

Yes, Squarespace offers a migration tool to upgrade the site for compatible Squarespace 7.0 templates.

No, if the upgrade is handled properly. To retain SEO rankings:

• Maintain existing URL structures when possible

• Use 301 redirects for any URL changes

• Replicate SEO metadata and image alt text if required

• Re-submit your site to Google Search Console
  A skilled designer ensures continuity of SEO value during migration.

If anything in our experience site perform better when set up properly in Squarespace.

Key features of 7.1 include:

• Flexible page sections with pre-designed layouts

• Global design customization

• Built-in animation effects

• Enhanced blogging tools

• Improved eCommerce with modern product pages

• Auto-updating templates and continuous feature updates

Yes, 7.1 is ideal for online stores. It includes:

• Modern product pages

• Customizable product galleries

• Sticky add-to-cart options

• Better mobile checkout experience

• Simplified inventory management
  For businesses, upgrading to 7.1 enhances conversion and shopping experience.

Some custom code from 7.0 may not work directly in 7.1 due to structural differences. However, most HTML, CSS, and JavaScript customizations can be adapted. The unified design system requires a different approach, often simplifying the need for heavy custom coding.

Yes, Squarespace 7.1 includes all essential SEO tools:

• Custom title tags and meta descriptions

• Built-in structured data

• Clean HTML/CSS architecture

• Automatic SSL certificates

• Mobile-first design
  When combined with thoughtful content strategy, 7.1 supports strong search visibility.

Not exactly. While you can replicate the look and layout, certain design features and template-specific functions in 7.0 are not available in 7.1. However, the new design tools offer more flexibility and can often recreate — or improve — your original site's appearance.

In 7.0, each template had its own structure, style settings, and limitations. In 7.1, templates are unified, meaning all styles and layouts are editable across all designs. You get more freedom and fewer restrictions when customizing your site.

Absolutely. Squarespace 7.1 is fully responsive by design, with all page sections adapting to various screen sizes. It offers improved mobile navigation, fonts, and spacing, creating a smoother user experience on smartphones and tablets.

The rebuild timeline depends on your site’s size and complexity. A basic 5-page site may take a few days, while a large eCommerce or blog site could take 1–3 weeks. Hiring a Squarespace expert like Squarely, ensures a faster, smoother transition.

Yes. After rebuilding your site in 7.1, you can connect your existing domain via DNS settings. If you’re using a Squarespace-managed domain, simply reassign it to your new 7.1 site in your account settings.

If your current 7.0 site is still active, you’ll don’t need a new subscription for the 7.1 site . However if you choose to duplicate the site first, then upgrade the duplicate, you’ll need a new subscription. Squarespace doesn’t allow you to transfer subscriptions between sites.

Yes. Squarespace 7.1 supports Member Areas, allowing you to offer gated content, courses, and paid memberships. It integrates with eCommerce and email campaigns, creating powerful monetization opportunities for creators.

If you’re changing the URL names, use the URL Mapping tool in Squarespace to create 301 redirects. This ensures that users and search engines are sent to the correct pages on your new site, preserving SEO rankings and avoiding broken links.

If you’re not changing any URL names, it will automatically update preserving the links.

Yes. You can put the site in preview mode before deciding to publish, to explore its features, layouts, and design tools. This is a great way to test whether 7.1 meets your needs before committing to the rebuild.

Not necessarily, but working with a professional Squarespace designer like Squarely, ensures a smoother transition, better SEO practices, and a polished design. Designers can also help with content strategy, branding, and custom development if needed.