WordPress vs. Squarespace vs. Wix: Comparing Popular Website Building Platforms

When it comes to building a website for your business or personal projects, choosing the right website building platform is crucial. I get this question often, so I thought I would write a quick summary to be a help to others.

We will compare three popular options: WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, and most-fitting industry/business profile that naturally aligns (which I list at the end of each section).

By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which platform suits your specific needs (I hope!).

Let’s Start with Old Faithful: WordPress

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. It offers tremendous flexibility and customization options, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of industries and website types. It’s solid; no argument there.

Positives:

1. Decent Flexibility and Customization: WordPress allows you to create customized websites with a wide amount of possibilities. You have decent control over your site's design, layout, and functionality.

2. Extensive Plugin Library: With thousands of plugins available, WordPress enables you to enhance your website's features and functionality. From SEO optimization to e-commerce capabilities, you can find a plugin for almost any requirement. Because of its history in the web design game, the plugin library is pretty full.

3. SEO-Friendly: WordPress is known for its search engine optimization (SEO) capabilities. It offers various SEO plugins and allows you to optimize your content and meta tags easily.

4. Blogging Capabilities: If your website heavily relies on content creation, WordPress is a solid choice. Its built-in blogging features and intuitive editor make publishing and managing blog posts straight forward.

Drawbacks:

1. Learning Curve: (you probably hear this one a good bit!) WordPress has a steeper learning curve compared to the other platforms. It requires some technical knowledge and familiarity with web development concepts.

2. Maintenance and Updates: Since WordPress is self-hosted, you are responsible for regular updates, backups, and security measures. This can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise.

3. Higher Cost: While the WordPress software itself is free, you will need to invest in a domain name, hosting, and potentially premium themes or plugins. The costs can add up, especially for small businesses or individuals on a tight budget.

Best Fit for: WordPress is best suited for industries and businesses that require high customization and advanced functionality. It is ideal for e-commerce stores, professional service providers, bloggers, and content-driven websites.

Next, the Middle Child: Squarespace

Squarespace is a website builder known for its visually-appealing templates and user-friendly interface. It aims to simplify the website creation process and provides an all-in-one solution for beginners. (This is my personal favorite, but I have built on each and obviously think each are very, very good). Sleek. Reliable. Sure, there are some issues, but all around people pleaser (the perfect middle child). I recommend Squarespace to my clients most often.

Positives:

1. Beautiful Templates: Squarespace offers a stunning collection of templates that are modern, clean, and mobile-responsive. They are designed to showcase visual content, making it an excellent choice for creatives, photographers, and those wanting to tell a visual story.

2. User-Friendly Interface: Squarespace's drag-and-drop editor allows you to create and edit your website without any coding knowledge. It provides a seamless and intuitive user experience that is easy to learn.

3. All-in-One Solution: Squarespace includes hosting, security, and domain management in their packages. This eliminates the need for separate web hosting and simplifies the overall setup process. You can even setup your Google Workspace through the Squarespace platform! Combining the amount of native apps with outside integrations Squarespace can easily book events, take reservations, display menus, or concert tour dates… all in one.

4. Customer Support: (and this is a big one!) Squarespace offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. They are known for their excellent customer service and timely assistance—and I can personally attest to that!

Drawbacks:

1. Limited Customization: While Squarespace offers many customization options, it is not as flexible as WordPress. Advanced customization requires CSS coding, which may not be suitable for beginners and can mess with the pre-coded templates.

2. Restricted Plugin Integration: Squarespace has a more limited number of integrations and extensions compared to WordPress. If you require extensive third-party integrations or specialized features, Squarespace may fall short.

3. E-commerce Limitations: While Squarespace does offer e-commerce functionality, it may not be as robust as dedicated e-commerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. BUT before you completely believe this myth, allow my friend and fellow Squarespace designer, Kristine Neil, change your mind.

Best Fit for: Squarespace is an excellent choice for individuals, small businesses, and creative professionals who prioritize design and ease of use. It is well-suited for photographers, artists, freelancers, and e-commerce businesses with simple product offerings… honestly, any individual or business in any industry would be happy on Squarespace; it is truly that versatile.

Last (but not least), the Youngest Child: Wix

Wix is a popular cloud-based website builder (very similar to Squarespace) that focuses on simplicity and beginner-friendliness. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of built-in features. They also have sharp-looking templates ready for use. Having watched its predecessors and correcting some of those shortcomings, Wix presents really, really well. It even has some perks missed by the others highlighting itself in unique ways (like every youngest child).

Positives:

1. Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Editor: Wix's drag-and-drop editor makes it incredibly easy for beginners to create and customize websites. You can simply select elements and drop them onto your page, allowing for quick and hassle-free design.

2. Extensive App Market: Wix offers a great selection of apps and extensions, allowing you to add additional features and functionality to your website. Whether you need a booking system or an online store, Wix's app market has you covered.

3. ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence): Wix's ADI feature uses artificial intelligence to build a website for you based on your preferences and requirements. It's a great starting point for those who are unsure of how to design their website from scratch.

4. Reliable Hosting: Wix provides reliable hosting and takes care of all technical aspects, including security and maintenance. This allows you to focus solely on building and managing your website.

Drawbacks:

1. Limited Design Flexibility: While Wix offers a good range of templates, there are limitations when it comes to customization. You may encounter constraints if you have a specific vision for your website's design.

2. SEO Limitations: Wix has improved its SEO capabilities, but it still lags behind platforms like WordPress and Squarespace. It may not provide the same level of control and optimization options for advanced SEO strategies.

3. Scalability Challenges: Wix websites can face scalability challenges as your business grows. The platform may not handle large amounts of content or complex functionalities as effectively as WordPress or other CMS options.

Best Fit for: Wix is ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who prioritize simplicity and require a quick and easy website setup. It suits local businesses, personal portfolios, event websites, and small online stores.

Conclusion

Just like you can’t choose a favorite child, I cannot recommend one particular site building platform over the others outright, with no questions. I do recommend Squarespace to almost all my clients, but as I outlined earlier there are pros and cons with each. Choosing the right website building platform depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget.

WordPress offers the most flexibility and advanced features but requires technical knowledge. Squarespace excels in design and user-friendliness, while Wix provides a beginner-friendly, all-in-one solution. Consider your industry, website requirements, and long-term goals to determine which platform best aligns with your needs. Whether you choose WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix, these platforms empower you to create a professional online presence without extensive coding or design skills, allowing you to get your story out there in the way that you want.

If you want to brainstorm further, go ahead and send me a message. I’ll make sure you move forward with confidence!