WordPress vs Squarespace vs Showit vs Shopify: Which Platform Is Right For You?
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WordPress vs Squarespace vs Showit vs Shopify: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Small Business
Which website platform should you pick for your business? WordPress, Squarespace, Showit, or Shopify? There are pros and cons to each one, and it can be challenging to decide which is the best option for you.
In this blog post, I’ll outline the differences between each platform and help you figure out which one is the best fit for your needs!
How to Figure Out the Best Website Platform for Your Business
01. Website Platform Choice: WordPress
WordPress is probably the most popular choice for small business owners. This platform allows you a lot more control over your website, the design, and the features. WordPress is an excellent choice if you have the time and resources to manage it.
Self-hosted: Requires independent hosting arrangements, with options like SiteGround or BlueHost.
Setup and Support: Though setup may be complex, a plethora of online resources and community support eases this process.
Customization and Plugins: Unparalleled in customization, offering a wide range of plugins and design options.
Best for: Businesses seeking a highly customizable, feature-rich website.
HOWEVER…
WordPress’s complexities and demands on time, technical know-how, and ongoing maintenance can make it less suitable for those seeking a more straightforward, less resource-intensive online presence.
To be frank, a lot of my web design clients left WordPress and came to Squarespace because of the constant vigilance and ongoing maintenance needed.
So just be aware of your own capabilities and know-how when making a decision!
02. Website Platform Choice: Squarespace
If you're looking for a platform that is easy to use and has plenty of customizable options, Squarespace* (affiliate link) may be the best choice for you.
Squarespace is a hosted platform, which means you don't need to purchase hosting separately - this cost is included in your yearly subscription.
Squarespace has strong customer support and easy-to-use features. Plus it’s integrated with Acuity to provide you with built-in scheduling, making it a very attractive pro feature for service providers booking calls regularly.
Don’t wanna use Acuity? There are other scheduling apps like Calendly and what I use, Honeybook (affiliate link).
Hosted platform: Simplifies setup with included hosting.
Integrated Features: Comes with custom coding options, mobile-responsive design, and powerful SEO capabilities.
E-commerce Support: Offers robust e-commerce features, making it suitable for online stores.
Best for: Entrepreneurs and small businesses desiring a professional and visually appealing website with minimal technical demands.
You should know that if your primary business is selling products or courses, the additional fees can really add up.
So Squarespace may not be the best choice for solopreneurs if you run a primarily product-based business.
03. Website Platform Choice: Showit
If you want a platform that focuses on design and and has drag-and-drop capabilities, Showit may be the best option for you. Showit is known for its ease of use and design flexibility.
This platform is a favorite among creatives who prioritize visual impact and want to design their site without getting into a ton of coding. A lot of people who choose Showit find it has more control over your design features than Squarespace.
Hosted platform: Hosting included, easing the technical load.
WordPress Integration: Ideal for those who love WordPress for blogging but seek more design freedom.
User Experience: Intuitive for design, but may require some time to fully navigate the system.
Best for: Creative professionals seeking an easy-to-use platform with a strong focus on design.
04. Website Platform: Shopify
Shopify is the most popular website platform option for product-based e-commerce-focused businesses.
Made for online sales, Shopify provides a suite of tools for product management, payments, and customer engagement.
However, it's important to consider factors like transaction fees, customization options, and specific business needs when evaluating if Shopify is the right choice for your online store.
Hosted platform: Includes hosting as part of the Shopify plan.
User experience: Intuitive and user-friendly interface for easy management.
Integrated features: Robust e-commerce tools, payment processing, and analytics.
Best for: Small businesses centered around online product sales, from startups to established stores.
So, which is the best website platform?
This is up to you and your specific capabilities and business needs . Sorry, there’s not a clear answer!
Whether it's the customization of WordPress, the simplicity and additional perks of Squarespace, the design freedom of Showit, or Shopify's e-commerce strength, your choice should reflect your business's unique needs and values.
The best website platform is the one that YOU find the easiest to use and customize. It's also important to look at the cost involved and any features you might need before deciding which platform to settle on.
As a Squarespace web designer, I’m obviously partial to Squarespace!
I specialize in using the platform's intuitive design tools and robust features to create brand-aligned, intentional websites. If you'd like to work together and build a website you'll be proud of, you can get started right here.
