originally posted: February 18, 2021

SquareSpace is modern & sleek. WordPress has been around longer & is more versatile.

Which platform should you choose for your website?

So you’ve decided you need a website. Oh boy, where to begin?

First, READ THIS. Then, hire a web designer. Find a web designer who has experience across different platforms.

When you’re ready to get your business online there are LOTS of options for platforms: WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, Shopify, Webflow, HubSpot, etc. Try not to get caught up in the shiny promo of all the big names. All of the platforms are great in their own ways. All of their features are very useful – for certain types of websites. 

But which one is best for you?

That depends on two things: What you need your website to do, and your budget.

E-Commerce Platforms

If you’re starting an online store  on a small budget, you’ll want to go with WordPress or Shopify. 

Shopify can be lower-maintenance at the beginning, but WordPress will give you more room to create a unique store that truly represents your brand vision. It’s also cheaper to get your domain and hosting with DreamHost, and then install WordPress (for free). 

If you just want a quick store go with Shopify because it’s exclusively an e-commerce platform.

But if you want to make your store stand out (and have the option to develop a blog) with more original design WordPress will give you that.

Wix and Webflow both offer versatile options for different types of site design – including e-commerce – but their monthly pricing  is still MORE than it would cost to self-host on DreamHost and simply install WordPress.

WordPress Vs SquareSpace

What about SquareSpace?

I can say nice things about SquareSpace. It’s very clean and chic. The actual SquareSpace website, and UX is a designer’s wet dream. It’s a grand example of form meeting function. 

And once you learn/remember where everything is, it does magically feel very intuitive. It’s a smart website platform, there’s no doubt about it. BUT what it is for the designer/developer it is not for the consumer.

I’ve never known a single person who easily built their SquareSpace website themselves. If you choose SquareSpace you’re going to need to hire a designer. Additionally if you’re launching a business website, SquareSpace still costs more monthly than using DreamHost and installing WordPress.

What if you’re not ready for an online store? 

What if e-commerce isn’t in the cards for you at all? What if you just want a basic business website with a homepage, a contact form, and maybe a place for a blog? What if you just need a creative portfolio?

SquareSpace is actually a marvelous choice for a modern website with simple, smooth design. If you hire the right designer/developer there’s plenty of versatility to using SquareSpace.

Again, for creatives and small businesses on a budget – you will save more money over time at DreamHost. 

If money isn’t an issue, AND you’re PAYING a skilled web designer, SquareSpace is fine.

Taking your budget out of it, both WordPress and SquareSpace give your website plenty of room to be original. WordPress can be very clunky and slow because of the plug-ins. But an experienced designer doesn’t use shitty plug-ins, and they’ll also know how to control your site speed.

WordPress has been around the longest and is STILL a very popular favorite. SquareSpace is more modern and sleek, and many developers prefer it. Your best bet is to hire a web designer/developer that can work in both. 

Nineke Creative is experienced in WordPress & SquareSpace. 

My team can build your business website on a variety of platforms including WordPress, SquareSpace, Shopify, Webflow, and HubSpot CMS.

Be serious. Book Your consult Today.

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