Squarespace vs WordPress
Thinking of starting a website and not sure what platform to use? WordPress and Squarespace are both great tools, but let’s dive in deeper. Finding the right fit for your website requires some research. There are many similarities and differences between Squarespace and WordPress but only one may fit your business. Squarespace is a hosted website builder that has found popularity over the last few years due to its beginner-friendly service. WordPress is an open content management system (CSM), and it is commonly praised for its customisability.
Similarities
Let’s look at some similarities between the two:
1. The most obvious similarity is both Squarespace and WordPress provide tools to allow users to create websites and both don’t need any coding knowledge for use.
2. Both require their users to sign up for a paid subscription to access their domain and other services. Squarespace ranges between $12-$40 and WordPress is technically free to use but can range from $4-45 for certain features.
Differences
1. Ease of use
If you are a beginner and are looking for something quick, with a wide range of template selections, then Squarespace is perfect for you. You can purchase a domain, but this is not necessary to use its services. All updates and maintenance work are automatically taken care of, with little for the user to learn. Although WordPress is also aimed at beginners, it requires more things to be done manually by the user. For example, to create a more complicated and personalised theme, the user will have to use coding. Additionally, any updates must be manually done by the user.
3. E-commerce
Squarespace offers a variety of e-commerce plans for its users, which include Squarespace Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce. WordPress offers an E-commerce plan that can sell digital and physical goods. You are, however, limited to this one plan as you won’t be able to sell without it.
5. Blogging
Squarespace is renowned for its blogging capabilities with easy-to-use and advantageous built-in blogging tools. However, WordPress can cover these features and more, but it takes a lot more effort and familiarity.
2. Security
Squarespace ensures all security measures are taken care of and provides two-factor authentication for your personal and financial information. If you are using WordPress, you manage your own SSL certificate and updates so it can be a little complicated for beginners.
4. SEO tools
Squarespace and WordPress both go through the basics of SEO, with once again Squarespace being the easiest to use. However, WordPress has the advantage of having the ability to use more plugins.
Conclusion
Both Squarespace and WordPress allow users to build websites without having any knowledge of coding. Deciding on which software will be best for you depends on your business goals. For example, if you are an e-commerce business and want to receive wider exposure online but need an easy-to-use and less complicated system, Squarespace will be perfect for you. However, if you are an experienced blogger with a love for creating customised codes, WordPress may work best for you.