In today’s technological age it’s easier than ever to build your own website from scratch and you don’t even need to know a line of code! Heck, you don’t even need to be that technologically savvy due to the functionality of most website-building platforms.
This being said, it does help to know how to weed out the gold from the brass i.e. the average vs. user-friendly platforms. In this article, we dive into a comparison of the two most popular platforms on the planet and which you should choose — WordPress or Squarespace?
Read on to learn more about how each platform differs, the tools they offer, their benefits, capabilities, and more.
A Quick Look at Squarespace
If you’re unfamiliar with Squarespace, it’s a one-stop-shop platform that makes it easy to build your own website from scratch. You don’t need any outside help, all the assistance you need is offered on the platform.
To add to this, Squarespace acts as a hosting platform itself. This means that you don’t have to seek out a hosting server for your website — it’s an all-in-one deal.
Hosting your website on Squarespace is really affordable, too. You can choose from a few different plans, which range from $12 to $40 per month. You also receive your very own custom domain name free-of-charge for an entire year.
If you want to trial Squarespace for a month, you can do that too and it’s absolutely free.
So, in a nutshell, Squarespace is a handy online tool for building websites. Yet it’s also a tool that hosts your website with its very own servers.
This platform is so user-friendly it will feel like you are being guided by the hand through all stages of building your website. In fact, this is Squarespace’s biggest selling point — it suits anyone and everyone looking to build a website.
It also doesn’t matter what type of website you need, it’s all available on Squarespace. Whether it’s a simple business site, a business portfolio, a blog, or an e-commerce site, the choice is up to you!
A Quick Look at WordPress
First thing’s first, it’s important to distinguish between the two WordPress platforms out there. There’s wordpress.com and wordpress.org. For the point of this comparison, we’ll be looking at wordpress.org which acts as a form of open-source software that runs your website.
You will need to install wordpress.org on a web server before you can access it. From here, you can create and manage web content more efficiently than ever before.
The cost for web hosting wordpress.org is also very affordable, ranging from $5-$10 per month, depending on your chosen server. Then there’s also the cost of your domain name, but you could get this for free from your web host (if you’re lucky!). The main software, however, is free to use.
In summary, WordPress acts as server software. In order to access it you will have to purchase server space from a hosting provider, then install WordPress on this server. The bonus is that your server can help whenever you encounter WordPress accessibility issues.
It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t.
Most web servers offer a simple, one-click tool that allows you to install WordPress on their server. It’s quick and efficient. And once you’re set-up, you have no limitation on the type of website you want to build.
WordPress offers unrivaled functionality. As well as sets of plugins for add-on features, ready-made designs, and thousands of themes. Whatever website you want to design, it’s possible with WordPress.
WordPress or Squarespace? Understanding the Differences and Benefits
The main difference between Squarespace and WordPress is this:
- Squarespace is an online tool
- WordPress is a piece of software you have to download and host on a web server.
This means that you will need an online account to sign up and use Squarespace. But once you’ve signed up, you can start building your website without delay. Starting your website build on WordPress is a little more complicated, but once you’re set up, there’s no holds barred.
So, in theory, you’d have to be a little more comfortable with technology and software installation to use WordPress. It also helps if you have an interest in and the patience to deal with the more technical aspects of how a website functions.
But, it’s not mandatory — WordPress is generally quite user-friendly, but it may just take you longer to get set-up versus Squarespace.
The Benefits of Using Squarespace
If you’re looking for complete guidance from the very start to the very finish of your website, then Squarespace is your go-to. If you’ve never designed or build a website, this is the best tool for you.
It all starts with the selection of your website design from a huge range of templates. Then, you build on your template, step-by-step. You can choose from a variety of templates to suit almost any business niche.
But, the biggest advantage of using Squarespace to build your website is the fact that you can see it come to life with each change you make. You see your website exactly as your visitors would see it. There are no confusing lines, margins, or coding to understand.
You can also customize your domain name, or you can opt for a subdomain with the suffix ”squarespace.com”’. Some other standout features and benefits include:
- The content customization module is easy-to-use for even the most novice website builders
- You have access to blogging tools if you’re interested in adding a blog to your website or just creating a blog
- Squarespace offers e-commerce options for full e-commerce websites
- You have access to built-in SEO tools so you can optimize your website
- You can also edit your website via the Squarespace app from your mobile phone
- The platform offers an internal image editor so you don’t have to trim or edit images on another platform
- You also have access to all social media features
Squarespace offers round-the-clock website hosting and support. Should something ever go wrong, you have direct access to the support you need. You also have access to integrated website traffic statistics so you can see how your website is performing, or what needs to change.
The Benefits of Using WordPress
Whether you have experience with software and technology or not, WordPress is still suitable for all levels of expertise. Even though the set-up of WordPress sounds a little long-winded, it’s all worthwhile.
WordPress offers thousands upon thousands of free website designs and templates. This means that whatever type of website you want to build, you are spoiled-for-choice.
When you start your website build, you are offered only the most basic features on this platform. This may not sound ideal, but it’s the best starting point. WordPress works on the initial premise of minimalism. This means you can perfect the functional basics of your website, then build onto it and add more features.
This is where WordPress plugins come in. Most of them are free and include a huge range of specific features for your website. Just some of these include e-commerce functionality, SEO tools, analytics, and so much more.
Some of the other major benefits of WordPress include:
- You have access to advanced user management — this means that more than one person can build/edit your website
- You also have in-depth content management capabilities — you can revise changes, embed media, and more
- WordPress allows you to fully customize your content with styling options and HTML editing if you know code
- The platform also offers image editing tools
- You have access to a full suite of social media tools via plugins
Not only this, but WordPress offers in-depth insight into your website analytics and traffic statistics. You also have access to unmatched functionality when it comes to editing how your website looks and behaves.
Design Scope on Squarespace
If you’re looking for a platform that values quality over quantity, then Squarespace is ideal. Compared to WordPress, this platform doesn’t have a massive amount of design templates to choose from. But you still have options, and they are of the highest quality.
The selection of design templates on Squarespace is carefully curated and even offers award-winning template designs by some of the best web designers in the U.S.
The template options are often rotated, too. This means that your options are always fresh, modern, and on-point when it comes to the latest in design trends and function.
All templates are fully optimized and responsive so that they are compatible with all types of devices on the market. You also have plenty of opportunity to customize your template to fit in with your website design and aesthetic.
Design Scope on WordPress
If you’re looking for options, then WordPress is the platform you want to choose. When it comes to template and design scope, nothing compares to WordPress.
This platform offers a huge catalog of themes and designs to suit your exacting needs and aesthetic. Not-to-mention thousands of plugins that make it easy for you to further customize your website as you see fit.
New templates are often released by independent developers, too, which you can access through third-party websites. But, as you can imagine, not all designs and templates are of the highest quality.
That’s why it’s so important to outline your website needs and scope before deciding on a theme. Or beginning your search for one!
How User-Friendly Is Squarespace?
When it comes to Squarespace, what you see is what you get. It’s designed to be simple-to-use on purpose and is best suited to those with little-to-no website design experience.
All in all, this makes Squarespace one of the most user-friendly website-building tools on the internet today. The platform offers a well-guided experience, that’s focused on one step at a time.
You are further supported by the Squarespace team, 365 days per year. In terms of ease-of-use, Squarespace comes in at 10/10.
How User-Friendly Is WordPress?
Ease-of-use with regards to WordPress depends on two key functions: building a website and running it. If you are looking for an amazing long-term solution to managing your website with ease, this is what WordPress is designed for.
It’s probably one of the most comfortable platforms for adding or editing new pieces of content on your website — whether it’s website pages, blog posts, client testimonials, etc.
But, when it comes to ease-of-use when designing a website, it is not as simple or user-friendly as Squarespace. Creating a website that suits your business will take a little more experience, knowledge, and time.
Building a website on WordPress is also takes plenty of consideration. You have to think about the plugins you need for the website functionality you want to offer. Plugin configuration is not easy for beginners and may take some time to figure out.
However, if you have enough experience with building a website and the ins and outs involved, WordPress is a platform that gives you ultimate freedom.
A Final Overview
When it comes to a final decision between Squarespace and WordPress, which should you choose? Well, this answer is not so simple and in reality, it depends on a few factors.
Some may say that WordPress is the better platform because of the design freedom it offers. But if time and technological expertise are not on your side, then Squarespace could be the better choice.
At the end of the day, you might want to stick to this rule-of-thumb when making a decision: use Squarespace if you’re a novice, need guidance, and have a limited timeframe to develop a website.
Or, use WordPress if you have some experience with websites and want the freedom to create a user experience that will blow your audience away.
Get Your Hit of Tech Knowledge With Us
Whether it’s WordPress or Squarespace, you don’t have to fork out an arm and a leg to build a high-quality website that represents your brand or your business. Both platforms offer a means to an end that always delivers.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about tech topics, be sure to explore the rest of this site. We also offer plenty of articles on all things health, lifestyle, employment, and more.
Ben Stern wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
Stamford Advocate and Hearst partners may earn revenue when readers click affiliate links in this article.