WordPress vs Squarespace vs Wix

Developer considering different software options.

When it comes to building a website for your business, choosing the right website platform can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the strengths and limitations of each platform to make an informed decision. Let’s dive into 3 of the most popular website building platforms: WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix.

What All 3 Website Builders Offer

Whether you end up with a Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress website, there are a few things you can expect from each of these tools:

  • Custom domain name: A custom domain allows you to choose the url you want for your website, and 2 platforms offer this feature by acting as your web host. However, you will have to pay for a web host separately with WordPress. It does allow for a custom domain name through a web host, but hosting is not included in WordPress services. 
  • Built-in marketing tools: A great website builder supports your business management efforts with built-in marketing tools. All 3 of these platforms allow you to capture leads and market to them.
  • Social media account integration: All of these platforms allow you to integrate your social media accounts so your social posts appear on your website, too.
  • AI tools: Both Squarespace and Wix have built-in AI features, and WordPress lets you install plugins so you can harness AI for content creation.
  • Limited (but essential) eCommerce features: You’ll read below how each tool has a different level of eCommerce capabilities, but they all offer tools to help you sell.
  • SEO tools: Building websites will only get you so far – to make a difference to your conversions, sales, and bookings, you need search engines to find and (hopefully) rank them high. SEO plugins and built-in SEO features on all 3 tools help you target the right keywords, track your progress, and make SEO adjustments. They also connect with your Google search console and Google Analytics.

Just a quick note about WordPress sites – when we talk about WordPress in this blog, we’re referring to the free version of the platform (WordPress.org) rather than the paid version (WordPress.com). Carry on. 😄

Wix: The User-Friendly Drag-and-Drop Builder

Wix has made a name for itself as one of the most accessible website builders on the market, allowing users to create websites without any coding knowledge.

Pros of Wix:

  • Extremely user-friendly: The drag-and-drop editor interface makes it easy for anyone to create a website. No need for custom code or website design skills.
  • No technical knowledge required: Perfect for beginners who want to get online quickly.
  • Affordable pricing: Plans start low, making it accessible for small budgets.
  • Built-in website hosting: Everything is included in one package.
  • App marketplace: Hundreds of apps to extend functionality.
  • Mobile-responsive templates: Most templates automatically adapt to mobile devices.
  • Reliable customer support: Multiple support channels available.

Cons of Wix:

  • Limited customization options: Wix does offer customizable templates, but you’re constrained by their structure. But, if you’re not a web designer, and you like the idea of an easy-to-follow structure, Wix is a good option.
  • Performance issues: Sites can be slower to load, especially with heavy content.
  • Wix branding: Free plans include Wix ads and branding, so website owners might find it better for business to spring for a paid plan.
  • Difficult to migrate: Moving your site to another platform later is challenging.
  • SEO limitations: While improved, still not as robust as other platforms.
  • Storage and bandwidth restrictions: Higher-tier plans needed for growing sites.

Squarespace: The Design-Forward Platform

Squarespace positions itself as the premium option for users who prioritize beautiful design and are willing to pay for it. A Squarespace site is ideal for pretty (and pretty small) websites that don’t need to scale.

Pros of Squarespace:

  • Stunning templates: Modern, professional Squarespace templates lead the industry in design quality.
  • Fluid engine editor: The newest edition of Squarespace’s website editor makes it insanely easy to drag-and-drop design elements exactly where you want them, and then customize them even further for a tailored design.
  • Built-in features: Integrated eCommerce, blogging, analytics, and marketing tools.
  • Mobile optimization: All templates are responsive and mobile-friendly.
  • Reliable hosting: Squarespace offers fast, secure hosting as part of all packages.
  • Great for portfolios: Particularly strong choice for creative professionals and visual content.
  • SEO-friendly: Better SEO capabilities than Wix.
  • Quality customer support: A Squarespace account comes with 24/7 support via chat and email – ideal for those late-night web design sessions that turn into panic or frustration.

Cons of Squarespace:

  • Higher cost: More expensive than Wix, especially for advanced features (though they do offer a free trial).
  • Steeper learning curve: More complex than Wix, though still user-friendly.
  • Limited third-party integrations: Squarespace users might be disappointed to find fewer app options compared to other platforms.
  • Less flexibility + customization constraints: Beautiful templates, but limited ability to modify them, so it’s harder to create truly unique layouts and designs.
  • Transaction fees: eCommerce plans include transaction fees on lower tiers.

WordPress: The Powerhouse Platform

WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, offering unmatched flexibility and scalability. Because it’s so ubiquitous, there are armies of WordPress users building nearly endless WordPress plugins – so whatever you want your site to do, there’s probably a plugin that can do it for you (without too much effort or coding knowledge).

Pros of WordPress:

  • Ultimate flexibility and creative freedom: The WordPress editor offers website templates with unlimited customization possibilities via themes and plugins. And amazingly, they’re easy to use for novices and professional designers alike.
  • Scalability: Can handle everything from small blogs to enterprise-level sites.
  • SEO powerhouse: Excellent SEO capabilities with plugins like SEOPress and RankMath.
  • Large community: The worldwide WordPress community gives you extensive documentation, tutorials, and community support.
  • Cost-effective: The software is free, and there are free templates to choose from (though hosting and premium features cost extra).
  • eCommerce ready: eCommerce plugin WooCommerce makes it a robust selling platform.
  • Future-proof: Easy to migrate and adapt as your business grows.
  • Complete ownership: Full control over your website and data.

Cons of WordPress:

  • Technical learning curve: WordPress’s block editor requires more technical knowledge than drag-and-drop builders, but most small business owners still find it accessible.
  • Maintenance required: Regular updates, backups, and security monitoring needed.
  • Hosting responsibility: You need to arrange your own hosting.
  • Security concerns: More vulnerable to attacks without proper maintenance.
  • Can be overwhelming: The sheer number of options can paralyze beginners.
  • Additional costs: Premium themes, plugins, and hosting can add up.

When You’ve Outgrown Wix or Squarespace, compare WordPress to the Competition

Many businesses start with user-friendly platforms like Wix or Squarespace, but eventually find themselves bumping against limitations. Here are key signs it might be time to consider WordPress:

Performance and Speed Requirements

If your website is loading slowly and affecting user experience or search rankings, you may need the performance optimization capabilities that WordPress offers through caching plugins, CDNs, and hosting flexibility.

Advanced SEO Needs

When basic SEO isn’t enough and you need advanced schema markup, detailed analytics integration, or sophisticated SEO strategies, WordPress provides the tools and plugins to implement these features.

Custom Functionality Requirements

If you need specific features that aren’t available through your current platform’s app store, WordPress’s vast plugin ecosystem and ability to create custom solutions becomes invaluable.

eCommerce Growth

Scaling online stores often outgrow the eCommerce limitations of Wix or Squarespace. We recommend WordPress with WooCommerce for advanced inventory management, payment options, and customization possibilities.

Integration Needs

As businesses grow, they often need to integrate with CRM systems, email marketing platforms, accounting software, and other business tools. WordPress typically offers more integration options.

Content Management at Scale

If you’re publishing content regularly or managing a large content library, WordPress’s superior content management capabilities become essential.

Budget Considerations

Ironically, while WordPress requires more technical investment upfront, it can become more cost-effective as you scale, especially when compared to higher-tier Squarespace or Wix plans.

Making the Right Website Builder Choice

Still weighing WordPress vs Squarespace vs Wix? The “best” platform depends entirely on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and business goals:

Choose a Wix website if: You’re just starting out, have a limited budget, need something quick and easy, and don’t require advanced customization.

Choose a Squarespace website if: Design features are paramount, you’re willing to pay for premium features, you need built-in eCommerce, and you want something more sophisticated than Wix but simpler than WordPress.

Choose a WordPress website if: You need maximum flexibility, plan to scale significantly, require advanced SEO or eCommerce features, or want complete control over your website.
The key for business owners is to have clarity on your current needs, be aware of your technical abilities, and know your long-term goals. Keeping those in mind, weigh the pros and cons of each option to choose the best one for your situation.

Need help figuring it out? Not comfortable building your own website? Contact me for a complimentary consultation. Even though I work primarily in WordPress, I have experience in multiple platforms – including these – and can help you pick the best option for a professional website.

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