No Code Customisation: 10 Ways to Make Your Template Look Custom Designed
You've just purchased a Squarespace template, and while it looks great, you can't help but notice it resembles dozens of other websites you've seen. Don't worry. This is completely normal and easily fixable! With a few strategic adjustments, you can transform that out-of-the-box template into a website that looks professionally designed and uniquely yours, all without writing a single line of code.
1. Create a Distinctive Colour Palette
The default color schemes in templates are designed to be universally appealing, but that also means they can feel generic. Take control of your site's personality by:
Choosing 3-5 colors that reflect your brand identity
Using a color wheel tool like Coolors or Adobe Color to find complementary shades
Applying your palette consistently across all elements
Creating a "signature color" that appears strategically throughout your site
Pro Tip: Don't just change the obvious elements. Dig into your template settings to customise form button colors, hover states, divider lines, and background accents for a truly cohesive look.
2. Upgrade Your Typography
Typography can make or break your template's custom feel. Most users stick with the default fonts, so changing yours immediately sets you apart:
Select no more than 2-3 font families for your entire site
Create contrast by pairing a distinctive header font with a highly readable body text
Adjust line spacing (leading) and letter spacing (tracking) for better readability
Consider using a custom font that aligns with your brand personality
Pro Tip: If your template allows for it, slightly increase the size of your body text (16-18px) for better readability and a more modern feel.
3. Reimagine Your Header Area
The header is often the first thing visitors see, and templates typically use standard layouts here:
Consider removing navigation elements you don't need for a cleaner look
Add a distinctive background pattern or subtle texture
Implement a unique logo placement (centered, off-centered, or oversised)
Create a custom announcement bar with rotating text
Pro Tip: Experiment with transparent headers that reveal imagery underneath as users scroll—this creates depth and looks highly custom.
4. Use Strategic Image Treatments
Images straight from stock sites scream "template." Instead:
Apply consistent editing to all photos (same filter, brightness, contrast)
Use image masks to create unique shapes (circles, hexagons, custom curves)
Create image collages rather than using single photos
Overlay text on images with semi-transparent color blocks
Pro Tip: Add subtle animation to images on hover or as they enter the viewport to create a premium interactive feel.
5. Design Custom Buttons and CTAs
Call-to-action elements are perfect opportunities to stand out:
Move beyond rounded rectangle buttons with custom shapes or borders
Add subtle animations on hover
Use unexpected but intuitive icon pairings
Create text-based CTAs with distinctive underlines or highlights
Pro Tip: Create a signature CTA style that appears consistently throughout your site but differs from the template default.
6. Customise Your Navigation Experience
Navigation is often overlooked but can dramatically change how custom your site feels:
Reimagine dropdown styling with unique animations
Add micro-interactions like subtle shifts or color changes on hover
Consider unconventional placements (centered, side navigation, or even bottom placement)
Use descriptive, brand-aligned navigation labels instead of generic terms
Pro Tip: Hidden navigation that appears on scroll or click can create a cleaner, more custom impression while still maintaining usability.
7. Create Custom Section Dividers
Break up the standardised flow of your template with intentional section breaks:
Add diagonal or curved section separators
Incorporate branded elements as dividers
Use subtle pattern or texture transitions between sections
Implement color blocking between content areas
Pro Tip: Overlapping elements between sections creates depth and instantly makes your site feel professionally designed.
8. Develop a Signature Content Block Style
Most templates offer content blocks with standard styling. Make yours unique:
Create a signature style for testimonials or featured content
Design custom icons or bullets for list elements
Add subtle background patterns to key information blocks
Use consistent border styles or shadow effects across similar elements
Pro Tip: Choose one type of content block to be your "statement piece" with more elaborate styling, while keeping others simpler for balance.
9. Customise Your Footer Beyond Recognition
Footers are often the most overlooked and "templated" part of websites:
Transform it from a utilitarian area to a branded experience
Create custom social icons that match your brand aesthetic
Add unexpected elements like a mini-gallery or animated elements
Implement a unique newsletter signup that stands out
Pro Tip: Consider a "fat footer" with useful resources and visually interesting elements instead of the typical copyright and links design.
10. Add Thoughtful Micro-Interactions
Small details can make a big impression:
Customise loading animations
Add subtle hover effects to clickable elements
Implement smooth scroll behaviors between sections
Create custom cursor effects for certain elements
Pro Tip: Even simple animations like fade-ins for content as users scroll can elevate the perceived quality of your site dramatically.
Bringing It All Together
The key to making these customisations work is consistency. Each change should support your brand identity and create a cohesive experience for visitors. Remember, it's not about implementing every possible customisation. It's about choosing the right ones for your brand and executing them well.
By focusing on these no-code customisations, you can transform a standard template into a website that looks and feels custom-designed, all while saving thousands on professional design services. Your visitors won't know you started with a template. They'll just know your site looks amazing.
Ready to take your template to the next level? Browse our collection of highly customisable Squarespace templates designed specifically for easy personalisation without coding knowledge.
