by Crawford Review 2026: Best Squarespace Web Design Agency
What is by Crawford? (Squarespace Web Design Agency Explained)
by Crawford is an award-winning Squarespace web design agency led by Sam Crawford, a recognized Squarespace Expert, Enterprise Partner, Circle Member, and Community Leader. The studio specializes in creating custom, high-converting websites on the Squarespace platform for businesses across every industry — from local startups to global enterprises.
Quick Facts:
Founded: 2019
Led by: Sam Crawford (Liverpool, UK)
Services: Custom Squarespace website design, SEO optimization, website migration, e-commerce, hosting & maintenance, Acuity Scheduling setup, custom coding
Clients Served: 700+ websites launched across 30+ countries
Best For: Small businesses, startups, coaches, SaaS companies, nonprofits, and creatives who want a professional Squarespace site without the complexity
Client Satisfaction: 100% (200+ reviews)
Awards: 5 industry awards including Website Designer of the Year (SME News, 2021 & 2022), Web Design Service of the Year (Corporate LiveWire, 2023), and recognition from the Qube Squarespace Design Awards
Unlike traditional web design agencies that spread themselves thin across multiple platforms, by Crawford is laser-focused on Squarespace. This specialization means every project benefits from deep platform expertise — from native drag-and-drop design to advanced custom CSS — so clients get the best possible result without overengineering or inflated costs.
What Makes by Crawford Different From Other Web Design Agencies?
Most agencies treat web design as a commodity — template in, content out, next client. by Crawford operates differently in several key ways.
Squarespace-Only Specialization: While other agencies juggle WordPress, Wix, Webflow, and Shopify, Sam Crawford has invested five-plus years going deep on a single platform. This means fewer surprises, faster turnarounds, and designs that push Squarespace to its full potential. As one of only two official Squarespace Enterprise Partners in the UK, by Crawford has access to platform features and support that most designers don't.
One Designer, One Vision: Every project runs through Sam personally. There's no hand-off to a junior designer or revolving door of freelancers. The person you speak to on the discovery call is the same person designing your site.
Low-Maintenance by Design: Squarespace's built-in hosting, security, and CMS mean that once your site launches, you can manage it yourself without a developer on retainer. by Crawford builds with this handover in mind — your site doesn't depend on them forever.
Global Reach, Personal Service: With clients in over 30 countries and notable names like Matt D'Avella, The Electric Car Scheme, Artorius Wealth Management, and Dame Kelly Holmes Trust on theportfolio, by Crawford balances premium quality with a hands-on, accessible process.
Community Leadership: Beyond client work, Sam mentors a thriving community of 200+ Squarespace designers worldwide through his Six Figure Design Club course, and shares free resources through the by Crawford blog and YouTube channel.
Want a framework for designing the perfect homepage?
by Crawford Services: What's Actually Included in 2026?
1. Custom Squarespace Website Design (Core Service)
What You Get:
Discovery call and detailed project scoping
Custom design tailored to your brand (not a template flip)
Mobile-responsive layouts optimized for every device
Professional content formatting and visual hierarchy
Domain and SSL setup
SEO-ready structure (meta tags, alt text, clean URLs)
Google Analytics integration
Handover training via recorded Loom video
30 days of free post-launch email support
Why It Matters: A well-designed website is the foundation of your online presence. by Crawford doesn't just make sites look good — they engineer them for speed, mobile performance, and search visibility. Every layout decision is made with conversion in mind, from button placement to content flow. See thefull portfolio for examples across dozens of industries.
2. SEO Optimization
SEO Services Include:
On-page SEO setup (title tags, meta descriptions, header hierarchy)
Image optimization and alt text
URL structure and clean permalinks
Schema markup guidance
Google Search Console and Analytics configuration
Content strategy recommendations
Squarespace-specific SEO best practices
Why It Matters: A beautiful website that nobody finds is a wasted investment. by Crawford bakes SEO into every build from the start, ensuring your site is structured to rank. They leverage Squarespace's built-in SEO tools alongside custom strategies so your site starts climbing search results from day one. For more on how by Crawford approaches SEO, check out the blog post on building a website that grows your business.
3. Website Migration (WordPress to Squarespace & More)
Migration Services Include:
Full content transfer (pages, blog posts, images)
URL redirect mapping to preserve SEO equity
Design rebuild on Squarespace
Domain transfer assistance
Post-migration QA testing
Why It Matters: Switching platforms is stressful. A botched migration can destroy your search rankings overnight. by Crawford handles the entire process — content, redirects, design, and testing — so nothing gets lost in translation.
4. E-Commerce Solutions
E-Commerce Services Include:
Squarespace Commerce store setup
Product page design and optimization (including the new section builder for product pages)
Payment gateway integration
Inventory management configuration
Shipping and tax setup
Product schema markup
Why It Matters: Squarespace Commerce has matured into a serious e-commerce platform. by Crawford sets up online stores that are visually compelling and functionally robust, allowing businesses to sell products globally without the complexity (and cost) of Shopify or WooCommerce.
5. Hosting & Website Maintenance
Maintenance Services Include:
Ongoing design updates and content changes
Platform update monitoring
Performance checks
Priority support
Why It Matters: Even though Squarespace minimizes maintenance compared to WordPress, businesses still need occasional updates — new pages, design refreshes, integration changes. by Crawford offers ongoing support so your site evolves with your business.
6. Acuity Scheduling Setup
Acuity Scheduling Services Include:
Full Acuity Scheduling integration with your Squarespace site
Appointment type configuration
Intake form setup
Calendar sync and notification configuration
Branding and styling to match your website
Why It Matters: For service-based businesses — coaches, consultants, medical practices, salons — booking functionality is critical. Acuity Scheduling (owned by Squarespace) is the go-to solution, and by Crawford configures it to work seamlessly within your site. This is especially important for medical practices where HIPAA considerations require careful implementation.
7. Custom Coding Support
What You Get:
Custom CSS for advanced design requirements
Third-party integration setup
Functionality that extends Squarespace's native capabilities
Code injection for analytics, pixels, and tracking
Breadcrumbs, advanced navigation, and other UX enhancements
Why It Matters: Squarespace is no-code by design, but sometimes you need to push beyond its native limits. by Crawford bridges that gap with custom code when needed — while keeping the site manageable for non-technical owners.
8. Online Course Platforms
Course Platform Services Include:
Squarespace Courses setup and configuration
New styling features for course pages
Student enrollment and access management
Payment integration for course sales
Course landing page design
Why It Matters: If you're a coach, educator, or expert looking to monetize your knowledge, Squarespace now has built-in course functionality. by Crawford sets it up so your courses look professional and convert visitors into students.
Need an expert to build your Squarespace website?
Book a free kick-off call with our team to discuss your project requirements in detail.
Industry-Specific Web Design: Websites Built for Your Business
One of by Crawford's biggest strengths is deep experience across a wide range of industries. Rather than offering generic designs, Sam Crawford has built dedicated service pages and processes tailored to the unique needs of each sector. Here's a breakdown:
Churches & Religious Organizations
by Crawford builds websites for churches and faith-based organizations that are community-driven and purpose-built. Features include online donation integration (one-time and recurring gifts), sermon management, event scheduling, newsletter and email marketing integration, social media connectivity, and accessible design compliant with ADA and WCAG standards.
Notable Church Projects: CA Church (Canada), Makana
For a deeper dive on costs, check out the guide: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Church Website in 2026?. Also worth reading: 7 Best Church Website Builders for Modern Churches.
Real Estate Agents & Property Companies
Web Design for Real Estate Agents
Real estate websites need to do more than look good — they need to showcase properties, capture leads, and build trust with buyers and sellers. by Crawford creates real estate websites with IDX-style property displays, advanced search and filter functionality, neighborhood guides, agent profiles, and lead capture forms. Every site is mobile-optimized for buyers browsing on their phones.
Notable Real Estate Projects: Elmington, STR Source, Multifamily CA
Recommended reading: How Much Does a Real Estate Website Cost in 2026? and 7 Best Real Estate Website Builders.
Medical Practices & Healthcare
Healthcare websites require a careful balance of credibility, compliance, and patient-centered usability. by Crawford designs medical websites with advanced appointment booking (via Acuity Scheduling), patient portals, service overviews, doctor/staff profiles, HIPAA-aware design practices, and trust signals that help patients feel confident choosing your practice.
Notable Medical Projects: Prova Health, Slopes Bio
Essential reading: Is Squarespace HIPAA Compliant?, 10 Best Medical Website Examples of 2026, and 6 Best Website Builders for Medical Practice.
Law Firms & Legal Practices
Legal websites need to communicate authority, professionalism, and trust within seconds. by Crawford creates law firm websites with custom case study portfolios, attorney bio pages, practice area breakdowns, secure contact forms, and conversion-focused layouts that turn visitors into consultation bookings.
Notable Legal Projects: Pepper Meeks & Whittaker
Recommended reading: Law Firm Website Design: 15 Elements Every Attorney Site Needs.
HVAC & Home Services
HVAC and home service businesses need websites that generate local leads quickly. by Crawford builds HVAC sites with prominent phone numbers and CTAs, service area pages, emergency service highlights, customer review integration, and SEO optimized for local search terms.
Financial Services & Wealth Management
Financial Services Website Design
Finance and wealth management firms require websites that project trust and sophistication. by Crawford designs financial websites with client portals, secure communication features, regulatory compliance considerations, service breakdowns, and team credibility sections.
Notable Finance Projects: Artorius Wealth Management, Astra Holdings
Vacation Rentals & Hospitality
Website Design for Vacation Rentals
Vacation rental businesses need websites that showcase properties beautifully and make booking effortless. by Crawford creates rental websites with property galleries, booking integration, availability calendars, local area guides, and guest testimonials.
Notable Vacation Rental Projects: Pawling Mountain Club, Little Sister Getaways
For owners with multiple properties, this guide is essential: Squarespace for Multiple Properties: How to Structure Your Vacation Rental Site.
Nonprofits & Charitable Organizations
Nonprofits need websites that inspire action — donations, volunteer signups, and community engagement. by Crawford designs nonprofit sites with donation integration, impact storytelling, event management, volunteer portals, and newsletter signups.
Notable Nonprofit Projects: Dame Kelly Holmes Trust
SaaS & Tech Startups
Software companies and tech startups need clean, credible marketing sites that communicate value quickly. by Crawford builds SaaS websites with feature showcases, pricing tables, integration pages, demo/signup CTAs, and blog infrastructure for content marketing.
Notable SaaS/Tech Projects: SEOSpace, ChangeLab, Markups.AI, Homebuilder AI, iBridge Group, Loomia, Cents
Enterprise Organizations
Squarespace Enterprise Web Design
For larger organizations with complex requirements, by Crawford offers enterprise-level Squarespace builds with centralized template management, bulk update capabilities, multi-user permission controls, comprehensive analytics dashboards, ADA/WCAG compliance, GDPR and cookie consent management, and dedicated ongoing support.
Additional Industries
by Crawford also serves fitness studios (Reformer Pilates), education platforms (SME Matters, FōKUS Group, The Hybrid Way), consulting firms (Tanager, vYve, StrateSphere), creative agencies (Dick's Media), events companies (London Audio Visual), and personal brands (bio site design).
Browse the complete portfolio to see examples in your industry.
How Much Does by Crawford Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
by Crawford Pricing Breakdown
by Crawford publishes transparent pricing on their website — a rarity in the web design industry. You can also use the website design cost calculator to estimate your project. Here are the three main tiers:
| Package | Starting Price | Pages | Build Type | Timeline | Revisions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Essentials
|
From $4,500 | Up to 4 | No-code (native Squarespace) | 2 weeks | 1 round |
|
Premium
Most Popular
|
From $9,500 | Up to 7 | Hybrid (custom CSS + Squarespace) | 5 weeks | 2 rounds |
|
Enterprise
|
Custom quote | Unlimited | Fully bespoke (unlimited code) | Flexible | Unlimited |
What's Included in Every Package
Regardless of the tier, every by Crawford project includes:
Fully responsive design (desktop, tablet, mobile)
Professional content formatting
Domain and SSL setup
SEO-ready structure (meta tags, alt text, clean URLs)
Google Analytics integration
Handover training (recorded Loom walkthrough)
30 days of free post-launch email support
What Affects Your Price?
Number of pages and site complexity
Custom code requirements (CSS, integrations)
E-commerce functionality
Content volume (copy, images, video)
Third-party integrations (CRM, email marketing, scheduling)
Migration from another platform
For a deeper understanding of web design pricing, read Why Are Some Websites So Expensive? on the by Crawford blog.
Is by Crawford Worth the Investment?
Cost Comparison — If You Hired Separately:
Freelance web designer: $3,000–$8,000
SEO specialist: $500–$2,000
Copywriter for web content: $1,000–$3,000
Domain/hosting setup: $200–$500
Analytics and tracking setup: $300–$800
Post-launch training and support: $500–$1,500
Total (piecemeal): $5,500–$15,800
by Crawford's packages consolidate all of these into a single engagement with one point of contact, consistent quality, and a proven process.
DIY Comparison:
Building a Squarespace site yourself costs $16–$49/month in platform fees — but factor in the weeks or months of your time learning design, SEO, mobile optimization, and integrations. For business owners whose time is worth $100–$500/hour, the math favors hiring an expert.
ROI Timeline:
Week 1–2: Discovery, design direction, brand alignment
Week 3–5: Build, feedback, iteration
Launch: Professional site goes live, starts generating leads
Month 1–3: Organic search traffic begins building
Month 3–6: Leads, bookings, and sales increase measurably
Year 1+: Site pays for itself many times over through client acquisition
by Crawford Results: Client Testimonials & Social Proof
With over 200 reviews and a 100% client satisfaction rate, by Crawford's track record speaks for itself. Here's what real clients say:
Notable Client: Matt D'Avella (YouTuber, 3.9M+ Subscribers)
"Sam was an absolute game-changer when it came to building my Squarespace website. From start to finish, he was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The process was smooth and fast, but never rushed. Sam's attention to detail and design expertise made the site even better than I had envisioned. He was also a pleasure to work with, always professional, friendly, and proactive. I highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for a seamless and top-notch web design experience. 10/10!"
Client Highlight: Kareem Alston (The Communications Network)
"Sam Crawford is capital E EXCELLENT! We originally scoped and built one major website with Sam and since then, we can't stop working with him. We have Sam assisting us with all of our websites, have him transferring and reskinning websites from WordPress to Squarespace. We couldn't be happier and more grateful to have found Sam. He is certifiably a top-notch web developer and designer."
Client Highlight: Jack Schiavone
"Sam and the team gave me everything I was looking for with the website build. Alongside their attention to detail was the speed of their support. I couldn't recommend by Crawford more, especially for anyone who wants a website that converts leads into customers."
Client Highlight: Elliot Napier
"Exceptional communication throughout the process, very prompt updates to the site made it very easy to iterate & determine the final design, content & style. Really happy with the finished product, would highly recommend to anyone looking to get an excellent website to help their brand / product stand out."
Client Highlight: Jim McVety
"by Crawford is by far one of the best Squarespace experts we've worked with. Always on time, very creative, and really personable. We really enjoyed working with this team."
Client Highlight: Glenne Carter
"We had a fantastic experience working with by Crawford on the development of our new Squarespace website! From the beginning, the collaboration was smooth and easy. The team took the time to understand our goals and brought a thoughtful, creative approach to every step of the process. The finished site not only looks amazing but also functions beautifully and represents our work in the best possible way."
Who Should Hire by Crawford? (Best Fit Analysis)
1. Small Businesses & Startups That Need a Professional Site Fast
You need a polished online presence but don't have months to wait
You want something that looks custom, not cookie-cutter
Budget: $4,500–$15,000 for the initial build
Example Niches: Consulting firms, coaching practices, local service businesses, real estate agents, fitness studios
2. Coaches, Consultants & Service Providers Using Their Website for Lead Generation
Your website is your primary sales tool
You need clear calls-to-action, booking integration, and trust signals
You want SEO built in from day one so clients find you organically
Example Niches: Business coaches, life coaches, financial advisors, therapists, marketing consultants
3. SaaS Companies & Tech Startups That Want a Lean, High-Quality Marketing Site
You don't need a complex custom-coded site — you need something clean and credible
Speed matters: you want to launch in weeks, not months
You'll update the site yourself after launch
Example Niches: Early-stage SaaS, AI startups, developer tools, B2B platforms
4. Churches, Nonprofits & Organizations That Need Credibility Without Corporate Costs
You need a professional site that inspires trust and drives donations or engagement
Budget is important, but so is quality
You want a site your team can manage internally
Example Niches: Churches, charities, foundations, educational organizations
5. Medical Practices & Law Firms That Need Industry-Specific Design
Your industry has unique requirements (trust signals, compliance, appointment booking)
You need a designer who understands your sector
Generic templates won't cut it
Example Niches: Medical practices, law firms, HVAC companies
6. Businesses Migrating From WordPress or Other Platforms
You're tired of WordPress maintenance, plugin conflicts, and security patches
You want a cleaner, simpler platform that still looks professional
You need someone who handles the migration without breaking your SEO
by Crawford Alternatives: Other Squarespace & Web Design Options to Consider (2026)
Not sure by Crawford is right for you? Here are other reputable options with different approaches:
1. Squarespace Marketplace — Best for Budget-Conscious DIYers
Pricing: $0 (browse templates and hire Squarespace Experts starting ~$500)
Focus: Template customization, smaller projects
Best For: Solopreneurs who want light customization without a full agency engagement
Pros:
Access to vetted Squarespace professionals
Range of price points
Backed by the Squarespace platform
Cons:
Quality varies significantly between designers
Often template-based, not truly custom
Limited strategic guidance (SEO, conversion)
2. Freelancers (Fiverr / Upwork) — Budget Alternative
Pricing: $500–$3,000
Focus: À la carte Squarespace design and development
Pros:
Very affordable
Flexible scope
Try before committing
Cons:
Quality varies dramatically
You manage everything (strategy, content, SEO)
No cohesive process or handover training
Communication challenges and high turnover
3. DIY With Squarespace Templates — Zero-Budget Alternative
Pricing: $16–$49/month (Squarespace subscription only)
Focus: Self-service website building
Pros:
Cheapest option
Full control
No dependency on anyone
Cons:
Steep learning curve for non-designers
Risk of amateurish results
No SEO strategy or conversion optimization
Time investment: weeks or months of trial and error
How to Start Working With by Crawford (Step-by-Step Process)
Step 1: Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Go to: bycrawford.com/book-a-call
This is a no-obligation conversation to discuss your project, goals, and whether by Crawford is the right fit. Sam personally takes these calls — no sales team, no pressure.
You'll discuss:
Your business and target audience
Website goals (leads, sales, credibility, information)
Design preferences and existing brand assets
Timeline and budget expectations
Technical requirements (integrations, e-commerce, scheduling)
Timeline: Typically available within a few days
Step 2: Receive a Detailed Proposal
After the discovery call, you'll receive a custom proposal outlining:
Scope of work and deliverables
Page count and site structure
Timeline and milestones
Pricing and payment terms
What you'll need to provide (content, images, brand assets)
Review period: Take your time — no rush
Step 3: Onboarding & Design Begins
Once you accept the proposal and provide initial payment:
Content gathering and brand asset collection
Sitemap and wireframe planning
Design begins directly in Squarespace
Step 4: Development & Feedback
The site is built section by section
You provide feedback through Markup.io — a visual annotation tool that makes collaboration seamless
Revisions are handled collaboratively (1–2+ rounds depending on your package)
Step 5: Launch & Handover
Upon your approval:
Domain is connected and site goes live
You receive a bespoke handover training video (recorded Loom link) showing you exactly how to manage your new site
30 days of free email support begins
Step 6: Ongoing Support (Optional)
If you need continued help:
Website maintenance and hosting packages available
Design on Demand services for ongoing design needs
Ongoing SEO and content support
Frequently Asked Questions About by Crawford (2026)
How long does it take to get a website from by Crawford?
Timelines depend on your package. The Essentials package has a 2-week cap, Premium is 5 weeks, and Enterprise is flexible based on complexity. Most projects from kickoff to launch take 2–6 weeks. Visit the pricing page for full details.
Can I update the website myself after launch?
Yes — that's one of the biggest advantages of Squarespace. The platform's drag-and-drop editor (Fluid Engine) makes it easy to change text, swap images, add blog posts, and manage products without any coding knowledge. by Crawford also provides a personalized training video to walk you through everything.
Does by Crawford only work with UK clients?
No. While Sam Crawford is based in Liverpool, UK, the studio serves clients worldwide — across the US, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and beyond. Over 700 websites have been built for clients in 30+ countries. by Crawford also has city-specific service pages for clients searching locally.
What if I already have a website on WordPress or another platform?
by Crawford offers full website migration services. They'll transfer your content, rebuild the design on Squarespace, set up URL redirects to protect your SEO, and handle the entire transition so nothing breaks.
Does by Crawford handle content writing?
The primary focus is design and development. You'll typically provide your own copy and images, though by Crawford can advise on content structure and formatting. For full copywriting, they may refer you to a specialist. The blog also has excellent resources on web design best practices and building websites that grow your business.
Is Squarespace the right platform for my business?
Squarespace is excellent for content-driven websites, portfolios, service businesses, small-to-mid-size e-commerce stores, blogs, and membership sites. It's less suitable for complex web applications, very large e-commerce operations (500+ products), or highly custom functionality. If you're unsure, the discovery call is a great place to get honest guidance. You can also check out the FAQ page for more details.
What's the minimum budget to work with by Crawford?
The Essentials package starts at $4,500 for a clean, functional 4-page website. For most businesses, the Premium package at $9,500+ is the sweet spot — it includes custom styling, more pages, and additional revisions. Use the cost calculator to estimate your specific project.
Are there any ongoing costs after launch?
Your Squarespace subscription ($16–$49/month, paid directly to Squarespace) covers hosting, SSL, and platform access. There are no additional fees from by Crawford unless you opt into ongoing maintenance or support packages.
How does the ROI compare to building the site myself?
If your time is worth $100+/hour, a DIY build that takes 40–100+ hours costs $4,000–$10,000 in opportunity cost alone — often producing a lower-quality result. A professionally built site that generates leads from day one typically pays for itself within months.
Can by Crawford build an e-commerce store on Squarespace?
Yes. by Crawford sets up Squarespace Commerce stores with product pages, payment integration, shipping configuration, and inventory management. Squarespace Commerce works well for stores with up to a few hundred products.
Does by Crawford offer SEO as a standalone service?
SEO setup is included in every website package. For ongoing SEO strategy and optimization beyond the initial build, you can discuss options during the discovery call.
Can by Crawford set up Acuity Scheduling on my site?
Yes. by Crawford offers dedicated Acuity Scheduling integration — configuring appointment types, intake forms, calendar sync, notifications, and styling to match your brand.
Does by Crawford build websites for specific industries?
Absolutely. by Crawford has dedicated industry pages and deep experience in church website design, real estate web design, medical web design, law firm website design, HVAC website design, vacation rental website design, financial services, and enterprise organizations.
What tools does by Crawford use?
Design & Build: Squarespace 7.1, custom CSS, Fluid Engine
Collaboration: Markup.io (for visual feedback)
Handover: Loom (recorded training videos)
Analytics: Google Analytics, Google Search Console
Project Management: Direct communication via email
Can I see examples of by Crawford's work before committing?
Yes. Browse the full portfolio, read 200+ client testimonials, and check out work samples on Behance and Dribbble. You can also watch by Crawford's YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes content and Squarespace tutorials.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, your website isn't just a digital business card — it's your most important sales asset. It works 24/7, shapes first impressions, and determines whether visitors become customers or bounce to a competitor. As Sam Crawford himself explains in his article on how web design is about to change forever, the bar for quality keeps rising — and businesses that settle for generic, template-driven sites will fall behind.
by Crawford exists to make sure that doesn't happen. With 700+ websites, 200+ reviews, 100% client satisfaction, and recognition as a Squarespace Expert and Enterprise Partner, Sam Crawford has built one of the most trusted names in Squarespace web design globally.
Whether you need a custom website build, a WordPress-to-Squarespace migration, an e-commerce store, or an industry-specific site for your church,medical practice, law firm, or real estate business — by Crawford is the team to call.
