Iconic Santa Barbara Property’s Digital Presence on Squarespace
Ema Olson
El Zapato: Transforming an Iconic Santa Barbara Property’s Digital Presence on Squarespace
Table of Contents
El Zapato: Transforming an Iconic Santa Barbara Property’s Digital Presence on SquarespaceTable of ContentsOverviewThe ChallengeBefore: What Wasn't WorkingOur SolutionStrategic Migration to Squarespace 7.1Complete Brand RefreshEnhanced User Experience & FunctionalitySEO & Content OptimizationSpotlight on Style: Custom Branding for El Zapato— Homepage Desk/Mobile Views — Results & ImpactScope of WorkLooking for Custom Squarespace Web Design?
Overview
El Zapato is an award-winning vacation rental and architectural showpiece in downtown Santa Barbara, designed by Jeff Shelton. With its whimsical shapes, colorful detailing, and three floors of luxury accommodations, El Zapato stands out as a destination for travelers and event planners seeking something truly unique.
The Challenge
The owner needed a website that matched the property’s creative energy and premium experience. The former site (built on a basic real estate platform) was difficult to use and maintain, visually uninspiring, and lacked the essentials to attract and convert the right guests:
• Broken image links, slow speed, and no mobile responsiveness
• Outdated, generic branding not reflective of El Zapato’s story
• Poor SEO and no content strategy
• Lack of direct booking and AirBnB integration
Before: What Wasn't Working
I saw the need for a brand and digital experience to perfectly match the property’s magic and deliver booking results.
Our Solution
Strategic Migration to Squarespace 7.1
• Fully migrated all working content and integral functionality to Squarespace, ensuring no data loss
• Implemented fast, secure hosting for improved visitor experience
Complete Brand Refresh
• Designed a new logo and visual identity inspired by Jeff Shelton’s architectural style
• Developed a custom color palette and typography for a cohesive, distinct brand look
• Wrote fresh, compelling copy, telling El Zapato’s story from the ground up
Enhanced User Experience & Functionality
• Created new photography and brand visuals to express the property’s charm
• Integrated booking tools (direct and AirBnB)
• Embedded Matterport 3D tours, interactive calendars, and advanced booking forms for different guest needs
• Built custom widgets and plugins to enhance design and usability
SEO & Content Optimization
• Developed content-rich local guides highlighting nearby attractions
• Implemented SEO best practices across all pages, greatly improving search rankings
• Optimized site speed and responsiveness on all devices
Spotlight on Style: Custom Branding for El Zapato
A brand evolution that brings clarity, personality, and lasting impact to every touchpoint.
This logo and graphic refresh project stripped away dated elements and busy textures to let El Zapato’s playful charisma shine. I created a bold custom wordmark and a crisp, scalable shoe icon—giving the brand clarity, flexibility, and instant recognition across web, social, and signage.
Reimagined branding brings El Zapato’s playful identity to life with whimsical art, bold colors; inviting details showcase the property’s unique personality and guest experience.
— Homepage Desk/Mobile Views —
• New (Desktop) El Zapato Home page •
• New (iPhone/Mobile) El Zapato Home page •
Results & Impact
Strong booking conversion
Site described by users as 'charming,' 'easy to use,' and reflective of the real experience
Positive feedback from the client and guests, highlighting branding and ease of booking
A dramatic before/after visual transformation (more visual examples available upon request)
Client Praise:
The new site represents El Zapato’s spirit perfectly! Guests now say the website feels as magical as the property itself."
— Carla, Owner
• (Desktop) 3D Tour Pages, Calendars, and Booking Ease/Flow •
• (iPhone/Mobile) 3D Tour Pages, Calendars, and Booking Ease/Flow •
Scope of Work
Strategic consultation & project management
Full Squarespace 7.1 migration
Custom brand identity, logo, and design system
Copywriting and content strategy
Custom photography and asset creation
Advanced bookings, calendars, and integrations
SEO, performance optimization, ongoing support
Advanced custom coding
Rental studios entrance for the 3d Tour page. Each unique rental space features full 360º Matterport tour embeds.
Desktop overview of the rental spaces, the layout, and resources to explore, tour, and plan experiences
(iPhone 15/mobile) overview of the rental spaces, the layout, and resources to explore, tour, and plan experiences
Looking for Custom Squarespace Web Design?
If you want a website as unique as your business, let’s talk!
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Posted Jul 21, 2025
Award-winning vacation rental El Zapato gets a stunning brand refresh, new photography, and a fully customized Squarespace site with bookings and 3D tours.
