How I Built a Profitable Business Selling Website Templates—And How You Can Too
Have you ever wondered if selling website templates could be a legit source of income—even without coding skills or a design degree?
How I Built a Profitable Business Selling Website Templates—And How You Can Too
a.
Squarespace
b.
Selling Squarespace Templates
Have you ever wondered if selling website templates could be a legit source of income—even without coding skills or a design degree? Trust me, you're more than ready to get started. I know because I began with zero experience, no formal background, and just a vision.
I'm Rache, the self-taught designer and developer behind Squarestylist, and through my programs Standout Squarespace and Standout Shopify, I’ve mentored hundreds of creative entrepreneurs looking to build profitable design businesses.
Let me take you through how I went from launching a single Squarespace template to creating a full-fledged business—and how you can do the same.
Why Website Templates Are the Perfect Starting Point
Selling templates isn’t just about passive income—it’s about freedom, creativity, and building your personal brand. Here’s why templates might just be your new favorite creative outlet:
A Creative Playground
Back when I worked with corporate clients, I felt creatively boxed in. Templates became my escape—a space where I could refine my style without client restrictions.
Portfolio Gold
Those template demos? They became my most powerful portfolio pieces. I no longer had to showcase work that didn’t reflect my true style. Instead, I attracted clients who loved my aesthetic.
Confidence to Charge More
In 2019, I was charging $800 per project. After launching my first template shop and building a solid passive income stream, I grew my packages to $5,000 and later to $12,000. Templates gave me the confidence and leverage to raise my rates.
Ready to Dive In? Here’s the Process:
I’ve broken down the journey into four main steps:
1. Ideation: Pick Your Platform & Specialty
Start with a platform you're comfortable with. If you’re unsure, I highly recommend Squarespace for its intuitive design and ease of use—for both creators and clients. If you’re leaning toward e-commerce, Shopify is the gold standard, though it requires more technical knowledge.
Then, define your specialty. Don’t be discouraged by a “saturated” market—there’s room for you. Consider:
What are you naturally good at?
What do you want to be known for?
What communities or industries do you understand deeply?
Real-world examples:
Melissa, a therapist, created Squarespace templates for therapists.
Kia built an editorial, edgy collection that reflects her unique aesthetic.
2. Build: Keep It Specific, Simple & Scalable
Focus on 3–6 key features per template. These should be reusable, adaptable, and easy for clients to update. Examples might include:
Testimonial sliders
Galleries that serve multiple functions
Blog and services menus
Tip: Use a fictional brand (e.g. "Thrive Wellness") and tools like Copy Spark to generate placeholder content before designing. This makes layout creation a breeze.
For design elements like fonts and images, use royalty-free assets (e.g. Unsplash or Pexels) and built-in fonts for base templates. You can still showcase the template with mockup brands and creative styling—just clearly note that these are not included in the final purchase.
For more advanced design, yes—code is optional, but can set your shop apart and allow for higher pricing. Just ensure that any custom features carry over when duplicating the site for customers.
3. Sell: Set Up Shop & Deliver Smoothly
Your sales page should:
Highlight your template’s key features
Demonstrate adaptability to various branding styles
For Squarespace, templates are usually delivered 24–72 hours post-purchase. Automating this process with tools like Airtable can make delivery seamless—even while you’re asleep or on vacation.
On Shopify, deliver your theme as a downloadable zip file. Simple and straightforward.
Don’t forget post-purchase touchpoints: Set up an automated email sequence with support info and next steps.
4. Support: Set Boundaries & Provide Resources
This part can be the trickiest. A few key pointers:
Define support duration (e.g. 90 days)
Clarify what’s included—and what’s not
Offer general tutorials that apply to all templates
I also built an AI-powered support tool so customers can get answers instantly without needing to email. Smart, right?
Beyond DIY: Other Ways to Sell Templates
Not every customer wants to DIY. Here are some service options:
Template Installation – Just install the demo on their existing site.
Template Restyle/Remix – Help them apply their branding; charge $1,500+.
Design Intensives/One Week Website – Fast-track services using a template as a base.
One of my students, Julie from Studio Volha, runs a one-week website experience based entirely on her own template collection.
Want to Launch Fast? I’ve Got a Class for That
If you’re ready to launch your Squarespace template shop, check out my class: Selling Squarespace Templates
It’s a done-for-you system that includes:
A real-world template
The AI-powered Template Wizard
Automated delivery setup
One-click sales page template
Licensing and shop policy templates
Or if Shopify is more your vibe, check out my Standout Shopify program instead.
Final Thoughts
If this breakdown made you realize that selling website templates is doable, then my job is done. I truly believe there’s something in your vision the world needs to see.