How to Build a Portfolio Website Tutorial (2025 Squarespace Tutorial)
About this Squarespace video tutorial
In this tutorial video, I’ll show you how to build a portfolio website in under 30 minutes by utilizing the Squarespace Kester template. From setting up your site to adjusting fonts, colors, and headlines, I'll guide you through every step of the process to ensure your site is not only visually appealing but also SEO-optimized for better search engine visibility.
Timestamps
2:18 The Basics: Headlines, Fonts, Colors
4:18 Site Header
8:52 Creating A New Project
9:53 SEO Titles/Descriptions
10:36 Building The Home Page
13:29 Subscribe Button
14:24 Footer
16:02 Add Elements (Social, Logos)
17:50 Shop Page
21:10 Blog Page
23:45 Contact Page
25:33 Mobile View
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How to Customize the Squarespace Kester Template for a Stunning Portfolio Website
Creating a professional, modern portfolio website is easier than ever with Squarespace, especially when starting with a well-designed template. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to customize the Kester template step by step. Whether you're a photographer, designer, or any other creative professional, this guide will help you tailor the template to match your brand and showcase your work beautifully.
Why Choose the Kester Template?
The Kester template is a modern and minimalist Squarespace template designed for creatives who need a clean and professional way to present their work. It includes:
✅ A portfolio showcase section
✅ A built-in contact page
✅ A shop page (if you sell products or services)
✅ A blog for sharing insights and updates
The best part? You can fully customize it with your own branding, fonts, colors, and content—no coding required.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your Squarespace Website
Choose the Kester Template
Search for Kester and select "Customize"
This will start your 14-day free trial, but if you want an extended 6-month trial, click here
Add Your Site Styles (Branding Basics)
Before adding content, it’s best to set up your fonts and colors first.Click on the paintbrush icon (Site Styles)
Update your fonts: Choose from recommended font pairings or select your own
Edit your color palette: Keep it clean and simple so your portfolio stands out
🚀 Pro Tip: For portfolio websites, a neutral or minimal color palette works best so your work takes center stage.
Customizing the Kester Template: Page by Page
1. Updating the Header (Logo & Navigation)
Your site header is the first thing visitors see, so let’s customize it:
Upload your logo (or use a text-based site title)
Adjust the header height for a sleek design
Customize the navigation menu and social links
Remove the cart/login options (unless you're using them)
2. Editing Your Portfolio (Work) Page
The Work page is where you'll showcase your projects.
Click Edit and update the title & description
Change the header text to H1 for SEO benefits
Use Manage Projects to delete the demo projects and add your own
Click + Add Project → Upload images, descriptions, and SEO details
📌 Tip: Make sure each project has a strong title, description, and featured image for a polished look.
3. Setting Up Your Contact Page
The contact page makes it easy for clients to get in touch with you.
Update the contact form & email link
Customize the background image using free Squarespace stock photos
Adjust the text colors and overlay to ensure readability
4. Customizing the Shop (Optional)
If you’re selling digital or physical products, use the Shop page:
Click Add Product
Upload product images, descriptions, and pricing
Customize inventory and shipping settings
Set up checkout and payment options
🔥 Don’t need a shop? Simply drag the Shop page to "Not Linked" in the Pages menu.
5. Adding & Styling Your Blog
Want to share insights, case studies, or project updates? The Blog page is already set up for you!
Click Add New Blog Post
Upload a featured image
Write a catchy title & compelling content
Schedule or publish posts immediately
🎯 SEO Tip: Optimize your blog post titles & descriptions for better search engine visibility.
Final Touches: Mobile Optimization & Site Preview
Before launching, check how your site looks on mobile devices:
Click Mobile Preview
Adjust any spacing issues
Make sure text and buttons are easily clickable
Once everything looks great, hit Save and you're good to go! 🎉
Launch Your Custom Squarespace Portfolio
And that’s it! You’ve now customized the Kester template into a fully branded, professional portfolio website. Whether you're a photographer, designer, or artist, this template gives you a solid foundation to build on.
🚀 Need more help? Check out my Squarespace tutorials on YouTube for more design tips!
📌 Get a 6-month free Squarespace trial: Click here
💬 Drop a link to your finished portfolio in the comments—I’d love to see it!
Why This Blog Post Works:
✅ SEO-Optimized – Uses relevant keywords like "Squarespace portfolio website," "customizing Kester template," and "modern portfolio site."
✅ User-Friendly – Simple, step-by-step format with bolded headings for easy scanning.
✅ Actionable Tips – Covers everything needed to launch a site, plus pro tips for branding and SEO.
Let me know if you want any tweaks or additional details! 🚀✨
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