Ready to build a website for your business, but confused on which platform you should use? We’re here to help! There are so many platforms out there to help you build and maintain your website, but the two we see used most often are WordPress and Squarespace. While both are great options, they offer distinctly different features, and you want to be sure you choose the right platform for you and your business! Before choosing between the two, you should consider ease of use, ability to customize, and cost.
1. Customization
Both interfaces allow the designer to create polished, professional-looking websites. But in terms of choices, Squarespace offers hundreds of templates, while WordPress provides thousands. Because WordPress will enable you to add as many plugins as you need, the customization options are truly endless. When considering between the two, it is important to note that Squarespace templates are designed to also look good on cell phone view, and you can preview your website in that view easily. In terms of customization, WordPress is the clear winner.
2. Ease of use
When it comes to these two platforms, the ease of use depends almost entirely on how comfortable you are with coding. Squarespace uses a “drag and drop” template to aid in building your website. It is straightforward to edit each template and create a look that is unique and easy to update as your business grows and changes. It’s also a platform from which you can send out your email newsletters, which can be created in a similar way. WordPress has countless templates to begin building your website, but is less visual when it comes to building, as the editor view differs from the view others will have of your website. While you build, you may find yourself flipping back forth between the two viewpoints to ensure your website is visually appealing. Additionally, because WordPress has more options to customize your website, it also comes with a more significant learning curve. To use all the greatest features on WordPress, it will require some knowledge of coding.
3. Cost
Though WordPress appears to be free at first glance, the truth of the matter is that you will have to pay for both of these platforms. Squarespace has all-inclusive pricing, starting at $12 a month for a personal website, all the way up to $40 a month for a commerce site. Many of our clients find themselves paying $18 a month for a business site. This pricing includes domain registration, hosting, and templates. WordPress is technically free, but you will need to pay for a host which will cost around the same price as a Squarespace website. You will also have the availability of free themes and plugins. Still, many WordPress users opt to pay for themes and plugins that further enhance the look and accessibility of their websites. Depending on the features you want to have on your site, you could be paying hundreds of dollars for the themes and plugins.
Though these providers differ in many ways, both are great options when it comes to building your website. But be sure to consider how advanced your technology skills are when it comes time to choose your provider. If ease of use matters to you, Squarespace is the best option. If you are looking to invest more time into building a customized website with nearly an infinite number of templates and plugins, you may want to opt for WordPress. If you would like help exploring these options and building a website for your business, feel free to book a discovery call with our experts today!
Hi, I'm Jaime.
I'm the CEO of Weatherby Media and LOVE working with incredible entrepreneurs like you every single day to build the business of their dreams. The key to success is an effective digital marketing strategy. Schedule a call to discuss your business goals and how we can help.