Why Squarespace is Better Than other CMS like WordPress, WIX, Shopify
Selecting the right content management system (CMS) for your business can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are many solid options to choose from.But, on the other hand, sifting through all the information can easily lead to information overload.
That's why we're here.
We've compiled a list of four widely used CMS options, hoping to provide you with insights into different platforms so you can make the best decision for your business.
It's not an exhaustive list, so you won't find an overwhelming number of options. Instead, you'll get helpful information on the pros and cons of some of the top CMS platforms that dominate the CMS market.
Let me break down the reasons why by covering the pros, cons, and the lowest cost associated with each platform.
Since its inception in 2003, WordPress has stood as an open-source content management system. It's vital to distinguish it from WordPress.com, a hosted blog platform. I discourage choosing WordPress.com due to its notable constraints, particularly in customization, making it more suitable for straightforward websites. I propose exploring the alternative of a self-hosted WordPress site for a more adaptable and customizable user experience.
Top Features:
Absolutely free to use: Most hosting platforms offer a simple one-click installation, or you can download it directly from WordPress.org. You'll only need to cover hosting fees, which can vary but are generally lower than other platforms that often charge extra for features that come standard with WordPress, such as e-commerce.
Incredibly flexible: With a plethora of functions and plugins, you can enhance a WordPress site or even tweak the code itself for a fully customized experience. The possibilities are virtually endless – from selling products and adding booking capabilities to creating chat forums, members-only areas, courses, quizzes, pop-ups, landing pages, and sales funnels. It caters to all your needs. Even if you're starting with something basic, consider the potential for your business or blog in the next 2-5 years.
User-friendly: While it might seem overwhelming initially (as mentioned in the cons), anything new has a learning curve. Themes with visual builders, like Theme.co Pro, simplify the process of dragging and dropping content onto a page. The new Gutenberg editor also makes blog posting a breeze.
Widely used: Over 27% of websites opt for WordPress, making it easy to find help or tutorials. Services like MailChimp or PayPal often tailor their products to seamlessly integrate with WordPress. In contrast, other platforms collectively make up less than 1% of all websites – a significant difference in market share.
Site ownership: With WordPress, you own your site. You can duplicate it, keep a copy on your computer, move it to another host provider, or take it offline and then make it public again. You have full ownership of all the code that shapes your site.
Digital ads. Adding Google AdManager and other ads to your site is a breeze with WordPress. Even if you think you don't need ads on your site, having the option for some extra income from a blog post with enough traffic is a smart move.
Social media ads: Ever heard of Facebook pixels and event codes? WordPress allows you to use these for custom advertising on Facebook and Instagram, offering more options than other platforms. While non-WordPress platforms let you use the basic Facebook pixel, they lack the capabilities of event codes and conversion pixels for better results with digital ads.
Search engine optimization (SEO): WordPress stands out for SEO, offering benefits like microdata for location tagging and proper formatting of page and URL structures for easy understanding by search bots. Trust me, when it comes to SEO, WordPress has the upper hand.
DisAdvantage:
Security Concerns: Since WordPress is open source and allows various plugins, it may face security issues, especially with added plugins and non-WordPress themes. But fret not – you can safeguard your site with these tips: Stick to plugins from WordPress.org, choose plugins/themes from regularly updating developers with support, use strong passwords, employ security features like iThemes Security or JetPack, regularly back up your site, and consider a security plan from your host provider.
Initial Overwhelm: At first, it might seem a bit much. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's user-friendly. Its flexibility can be overwhelming initially, but all the options are right there on the dashboard.
Extended Launch Time: Due to its customization depth, setting up may take a bit longer. However, I launched my blog, Canada Burgers, in about an hour using default settings. The time it takes depends on your goals.
Lack of Official Support: While there are countless tutorials and help forums, WordPress lacks official customer support. Many host providers offer support, possibly free or paid, but overall, you may find yourself navigating on your own. It's beneficial to have a reliable web developer for outsourcing or queries if you choose WordPress.
Pricing:
The possibility exists to construct your own server and host your site for free. However, many shy away due to the technical complexity and the potential nightmare of maintenance. Instead, they opt to pay for hosting. Generally, people allocate around $10 per month for a reliable host and an additional $20 to secure a domain name. For hosting, I recommend Websavers if you're in Canada and Bluehost if you're located elsewhere in North America. These are affiliate links, but I personally use both for my websites and client sites. I can vouch for their excellent customer service and uptime.
Shopify, an e-commerce platform equipped with its integrated payment processor, made its debut in 2006. Starting to sell online is a breeze with Shopify, especially if your business revolves around products. It's a top choice for those focused solely on product-based enterprises.
Top Features:
Built in Ecommerce: it's tailor-made for selling stuff online, and you won't break a sweat setting up those tricky cart and checkout pages like you might with other platforms.
Design Made Easy: With a bunch of ready-to-go themes, Shopify makes designing your online space a breeze. Load up your products, arrange your homepage with pre-made sections, and voila, you're good to start selling.
Sell Anywhere: Not just online, Shopify can be your go-to for managing inventory in physical stores or pop-up markets. Your website's product list updates itself when you make sales outside the online realm, and it keeps things marked as "out-of-stock" automatically.
Top-notch Security: Shopify handles the nitty-gritty of hosting and payments, so you can rest easy. Just be sure to set up a strong password and keep your login details safe.
Help whenever you need: Got questions or issues? Shopify's got your back 24/7 with a fantastic customer support team available via calls, emails, or online chat.
Trusted Experts: Need a web wizard? Shopify's got a vetted bunch of web developers and designers, certified as Shopify Experts. No need to worry about someone pretending to know the ropes – Shopify keeps a directory of the real deal.
DisAdvantage:
Not Ideal for Regular Websites: Shopify is specifically tailored for e-commerce, so if your website isn't focused on selling products or only offers a few, you might be better off with WordPress.
Limited Ownership: Your content resides on Shopify, and there's a risk of sudden shutdowns without warning. You can't keep a backup of your website, leaving you in a bind if you ever want to switch platforms or face blacklisting.
Specialized Developers Needed: Shopify uses a language called Liquid for some on-page dynamic content. This means not every web designer can work on your site. You'll need to find someone familiar with Liquid.
Potential Product Organization Challenges: Sorting and managing products can get complex, with various associations like sizing, colors, materials, brands, etc. Before building your site, it's crucial to have a clear plan for how products will be organized; otherwise, your store might become confusing and frustrating for customers.
Pricing:
For a total of $348 per year, the Shopify basic plan comes at $29 per month, along with a transaction fee of $0.30 plus 2.9%. This transaction fee aligns with the standard rates applied by all payment processors.
Wix, the quirky website builder, made its debut in 2006. Initially, the code running Wix wasn't typical website code; it was more like a clever code trick to transition a site from design to live. Appreciating it might require a bit of tech savviness, but take my word for it – it was far from the norm. In the early days, it was the first drag-and-drop builder I stumbled upon, and a lot has evolved since then. Notably, it now employs standard website coding language to create a bona fide website.
Top Features:
Seamless Drag-and-Drop: Among various platforms with drag-and-drop builders, Wix stands out by being intuitively designed, making the process feel downright enjoyable.
Cost-Free Setup: Getting started with Wix won't cost you a penny – you can create a Wix site for free, complete with a provided domain name. If you fancy selecting your domain name, opting for one of their paid plans is the way to go.
Versatile Templates: Wix offers an extensive range of templates catering to diverse needs, ensuring your site looks polished and professional.
App Integration: With Wix, you can seamlessly integrate numerous apps into your website, enhancing functionality and user experience.
DisAdvantage:
Constrained Customization: Wix has its limitations, particularly in terms of customization access. The layout can become unpredictable quickly, and integrating other services may pose challenges.
No Special Code Permitted: Similar to Squarespace, Wix doesn't allow special code, meaning no digital ads, tracking pixels, microdata, and minimal integration with other services and software.
Lack of Ownership: Your content resides solely on Wix, and unfortunately, you lack the ability to maintain a copy of your website.
SEO Limitations: Wix faces shortcomings in terms of SEO capabilities. Beyond the basics, achieving more advanced SEO strategies is not feasible. When it comes to competing in searches, a Wix site may struggle against the competition.
Pricing:
Creating a super basic Wix website is absolutely free, making Wix the perfect choice for non-business individuals or groups aiming to set up an informational site. It's also an excellent option for start-up businesses looking for a straightforward site to test the waters in their market.
Squarespace originated in 2003 as a hosting company and only transformed into the user-friendly drag-and-drop builder it is today after a substantial influx of venture capital in 2014. Renowned for crafting beautiful and easily created websites, Squarespace, however, is deeply invested in advertising, primarily targeting artists and creative entrepreneurs. It shines as the superior platform, particularly for companies in industries centered around visuals and aesthetics. This is where Squarespace truly excels.trade-off – it prioritizes ease of use over flexibility and extensive functionality.
Top Features:
User-Friendly: Squarespace excels in ease of use, simplifying web design for individuals who might feel overwhelmed setting up a website.
Aesthetic Excellence: Squarespace stands out with its beautiful themes. Unlike some platforms with less appealing options, Squarespace's themes start off looking good, showcasing a magical ability to maintain an attractive appearance from the get-go. While customization allows for flexibility, the initial beauty is a strong selling point.
Mobile Optimization: Squarespace ensures that your website looks stunning and functions seamlessly across various devices, prioritizing a responsive and mobile-friendly design.
Design Consistency: With Squarespace, you can maintain a consistent and professional look across different pages of your website, creating a cohesive and visually appealing experience for visitors.
Integrated E-Commerce: For those venturing into online selling, Squarespace offers a user-friendly e-commerce solution with integrated tools for managing inventory, orders, and customer interactions.
Blogging Capabilities: Squarespace provides a robust platform for blogging, allowing you to share your ideas and content seamlessly.
Analytics: Squarespace includes built-in analytics tools, helping you understand your website's performance, user behavior, and other crucial insights.
Secure Hosting: Squarespace takes care of hosting, ensuring your website remains secure and reliable, allowing you to focus on content and design.
Remember, Squarespace's user-friendly approach and aesthetically pleasing themes are just the beginning of the features it offers.
DisAdvantage:
Limited Ownership: With Squarespace, you don't possess ownership of your site. Your content resides solely on Squarespace, and regrettably, you lack the ability to maintain a copy of your website. If you decide to switch platforms or take a break from paying fees, be prepared to start from scratch.
Text-Only Customer Support: Squarespace offers customer support exclusively through email and live chat during specific days and times. For non-techy individuals seeking assistance, the absence of phone support might pose a challenge, as talking to someone directly over the phone is often more accessible and straightforward.
Pricing:
For an annual payment, Squarespace's basic plan starts at $12 per month, totaling $144 per year. This plan also includes the added benefit of a complimentary registration for a non-premium domain name.
Conclusion:The Best Content Management System
Squarespace stands out as the premier Content Management System (CMS) among competitors like WordPress, Shopify, and Wix. Renowned for its unparalleled visual appeal, Squarespace takes the lead in the aesthetic department, offering beautifully designed themes that set websites apart effortlessly. Squarespace emerges as a top choice for businesses seeking a user-friendly, visually striking, and consistently designed CMS.