How to Earn Referral Commissions Using Squarespace
Squarespace Circle supports, inspires, and engages a community of creatives, developers, and designers who use the platform to build online presences for themselves and their clients. Members of the partner program enjoy added benefits, including extended trial periods, optimized Customer Support, and exclusive perks such as the Circle Referral Payments Benefit.
The Circle Referral Payments Benefit helps Squarespace web designers unlock extra earnings from every project, expand their client base, and establish a strong professional network for bringing their clients to Squarespace.
What is the Circle Referral Payments Benefit?
Launched in October 2021, the Circle Referral Payments Benefit helps Circle members in eligible locations earn commissions for qualifying subscriptions on Squarespace (more on this later). As a testament to Squarespace’s commitment to supporting web professionals and creatives, the referral program supports and rewards Circle members with payments for starting subscriptions for clients and expanding their businesses on Squarespace.
Earning referral commissions is highly advantageous. When Circle members refer clients to Squarespace, they’re able to showcase their expertise in web design while building trust and credibility as professionals. The program provides a stream of passive income that members can reinvest into their web design businesses. Some Circle members use their earnings to purchase new software or equipment, while others invest in marketing or other operational costs. Learn other ways members reinvest commissions earned from referrals and make the most of Circle membership.
How the Circle Referral Payments Benefit works
New annual websites and subscriptions for Acuity Scheduling, Digital Products, and Email Campaigns are considered qualifying subscriptions for the Circle Referral Payments Benefit program. After you generate four qualifying subscriptions, you unlock the threshold for participation (2024). From there, you’ll earn a lump-sum commission on your fifth qualifying subscription. This means you don’t have to wait months to get paid like you might with a traditional rev-share program. Instead, you can access your commissions right away.
The commission amount depends on the product and plan type. For instance, an Advanced Commerce website yields a $300 commission, while an Email Campaigns Starter subscription yields a commission of $25. Combining subscriptions, such as adding Acuity Scheduling or Email Campaigns to a Commerce Advanced website, will increase your total commission amount, up to over $700 per project. Learn more about the Circle Referral Payments Benefit commission structure.
How to sign up for the Circle Referral Payments Benefit
First, register as a US user or a non-US user with our payment processor, Impact.
After you’ve registered, you can start generating qualifying subscriptions. Once you’ve referred enough qualifying subscriptions to meet the yearly unlock threshold, you’ll start receiving commissions on each new qualifying subscription for the rest of the year. Learn more about this year’s qualifying period.
Tips for maximizing referral commissions
Whether you’re working on qualifying subscriptions or you’ve already met the unlock threshold, a steady flow of business is crucial to increasing your commission earnings. The following are tips for attracting potential clients.
Get your portfolio set up
A visually appealing and well-curated portfolio is essential for attracting new clients. Highlight your best work, demonstrating your expertise and versatility. Include case studies, testimonials, and client success stories to build trust and credibility.
Optimize your site for search engines
Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Research relevant keywords, optimize metadata, create high-quality content, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly to increase your chances of being discovered by potential clients.
Leverage social media
Establish a strong presence on social media platforms where you can share your work, engage with your audience, and participate in relevant communities and groups. Social media can be a powerful tool for networking, showcasing your expertise, and attracting potential clients.
Network and collaborate
Attend or host industry events, conferences, and meetups to connect with fellow professionals, potential clients, and industry influencers. Collaborate with fellow web professionals to offer comprehensive solutions to clients. Building a strong professional network can lead to valuable referrals and partnerships.
Offer exceptional customer service
Providing exceptional customer service is key to client satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Communicate promptly and effectively, listen to your clients’ needs, and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Happy clients are more likely to recommend your services to others.
Provide value through content marketing
Create valuable and informative content through blog posts, guides, or video tutorials. Share your knowledge and expertise to establish yourself as a thought leader in web design. This can attract potential clients who are seeking valuable insights and solutions.
Offer specialized services or packages
Differentiate yourself by offering specialized services or packages tailored to specific industries or niches. Position yourself as an expert in a particular area, such as ecommerce websites or one-page designs, for instance. This targeted approach can attract clients looking for specialized expertise.
Ask for testimonials and referrals
Don’t be afraid to ask satisfied clients for testimonials or referrals. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly boost your credibility and attract new clients. Consider adding this request to your offboarding process to collect and showcase testimonials on your website.
The Squarespace Circle referral program is a game-changer for web designers, offering a multitude of benefits that extend beyond financial rewards. By participating in this program, you can maximize your earnings, expand your client base, establish a strong professional network, and enhance your credibility in the industry. Embrace the power of the Circle Referral Payments Benefit and unlock new opportunities for growth and success in your web design career.
*This post was originally published on March 15, 2024. It has since been updated.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional web designers, developers, digital entrepreneurs, and creatives. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.