Easily Upgrade from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1

So many of our clients have been upset about how hard it is to upgrade the site they built a few years ago.

“Why cant we have all of Squarespace’s new features easily?!”

Now, you can.

A gif of Will Ferrel in a grocery store aisle yelling "awesome" and then punching cereal boxes.

Squarespace has introduced an intuitive tool that seamlessly transitions your website from the classic version 7.0 to the more advanced and feature-rich 7.1. I recommend everyone explore this update for their site, but please note a couple of considerations before you make the leap.

What to know about Squarespace Updates

Change is Good, Especially When It’s Thoughtful: The decision to upgrade should be as informed as it is enthusiastic. While the transition to 7.1 promises a suite of new functionalities, it's a one-way ticket—there's no reverting to 7.0. However, the freedom to preview your site in the new version before making the final call ensures you proceed with confidence.

A New Look Awaits: Embrace the refresh. Transitioning to 7.1 might alter your site's appearance due to the evolution in design capabilities and features. This change, however, is an opportunity to rejuvenate your site's aesthetics and user experience.

Fluid Engine is Your Friend: One of the best features of 7.1 is Fluid Engine, which makes creating awesome desktop & mobile layouts easier than you can imagine. It is hard to overvalue what this feature will mean for you moving forward.

Invest Time to Reap Benefits: Dedicate time to explore how your site's content adapts in the new environment. The complexity of your site will dictate the time needed for this preview phase, making it a crucial step for those with extensive content.

Squarespace Update Considerations

1. Foundation Matters: Begin with verifying your current template's compatibility. Sites built on the Brine or Bedford families are primed for a smoother transition. Unsure of your template? Squarespace offers guidance to quickly identify your site’s foundation.

2. Preserve Your Custom Touches: For sites leveraging developer mode for customizations, ensure you back up your unique codes and content. Disabling developer mode is a necessary step before upgrading, safeguarding your custom work for future use.

3. Retain What’s Important: Special features in 7.0 like cover and album pages will require manual intervention to migrate content, as these don't have direct equivalents in 7.1. Securing your content off-platform ensures no valuable information is lost in the transition.

Why should I update to Squarespace 7.1?

Upgrading to version 7.1 offers more than just a visual refresh; it's about enhancing your site's functionality and flexibility. Features like site-wide animations, auto-layouts, and the Fluid Engine editing experience empower you to craft an engaging online presence. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for sites rich in content or functionality, streamlining management and improving user engagement.

If your Squarespace site is the cornerstone of your business's online strategy, the upgrade to 7.1 is a step toward future-proofing your digital presence. With added flexibility and new features, it's an investment in your business's growth and adaptability.

Ready to explore the new horizons of Squarespace 7.1? Here are Squarespace’s step by step instructions on how to upgrade your website.

Seth Hoffman

Seth is the Owner & Creative Director at Known Creative.

http://beknown.nyc
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