Bergendesign

Bergen Design Co is a web design and development studio specializing exclusively in the Squarespace platform. Its core offering is the design and customization of Squarespace websites, tailored to each client's business requirements. Alongside new site builds and redesigns of existing sites, the studio offers ongoing website maintenance covering updates, backups, bug fixes and content changes; the installation and development of custom elements and plugins that extend Squarespace beyond its default settings; and customized training so clients or their staff can manage day-to-day site updates without retaining a developer. Additional services include website performance optimization, SEO and e-commerce integration.

A significant part of the studio's stated work involves implementing functionality that Squarespace does not support out of the box, using custom CSS for design adjustments and JavaScript code injection to modify elements of the Squarespace editor. The studio positions Squarespace as its platform of choice on the grounds of DIY usability, a drag-and-drop editing interface, built-in mobile responsiveness including the fluid engine's separate mobile layouts, an all-in-one feature set (member logins, online courses, e-commerce, email marketing, analytics and SEO tools), first-party support, and an active user community.

The business is led by founder Jay, a web developer and designer whose background prior to the studio spans the music business, teaching coding to elementary-aged children, IT work and interactive art installations. Client engagement begins with a free consultation booked through the site.

Founding story

Founder Jay describes an indirect route into web development, having worked in the music business, taught coding to elementary-aged children, worked in IT, created interactive art installations, and become a father before starting the business as a small business owner. He has been building Squarespace sites for individuals and businesses of all sizes for more than ten years.

Business model

Bergen Design Co operates as a services business, delivering Squarespace design and development projects on a per-client basis, with additional recurring or add-on services such as website maintenance, custom plugin and element development, SEO, e-commerce integration and client training. The studio is run primarily as a one-person operation supported by a network of external designers, developers, branding professionals and SEO specialists, allowing project teams to be scaled up or down per engagement. Client sites started through the studio include a discount on the first year of Squarespace.

Revenue derives from client services: Squarespace website design and customization projects, website maintenance, custom element and plugin work, training engagements, and additional web services including performance optimization, SEO and e-commerce integration.

Traction

The studio reports more than ten years of Squarespace site building for individuals and businesses of all sizes, hundreds of custom elements and plugins installed or developed for clients, and collaborations with clients in Germany, Australia, Canada and the US. Its website displays featured projects and client testimonials citing communication, proactiveness and execution.