WordPress, Squarespace, Showit… Oh my!

Choose the right platform for your website

Step 1 to creating your dream website is selecting the website platform (also known as a website builder) that’s right for you and your business. This website builder is what you’ll use to create every aspect of your website, and you’ll utilize it for every single edit you make on your website going forward. It’s not an easy or quick process to switch back and forth between different platforms, so it’s an important choice to get right the first time.

Unfortunately, that’s not always an easy decision because there are a lot of website builders to consider, but this blog post will help you sort through my top three — WordPress, Squarespace and my #1 fave, Showit.

WordPress

WordPress is the most popular website builder. It powers more than 40% of all websites… and for good reason! For the record, this review is analyzing the free, open-source WordPress.org software (not the free WordPress.com blog hosting service).

Pros:

• Many aspects of WordPress are user-friendly: Need to create new pages or blog posts, upload images, change your menu? Those edits can be super quick, even for business owners who aren’t tech-savvy.
• Wide range of templates: You can find so many options for WordPress templates, but so many of those templates require custom code or development to make major design changes. For sites that look more custom — with less code and are therefore easier for the business owner to maintain down the road, I love starting with the Divi or YOOtheme templates.
• Plugins galore: Need a new function on your website? There’s likely a plugin for that, and so many WordPress plugins are free. Plugins save development time and bring new features to your site.

Cons:

• Inconsistent design: Not all features and plugins can be customized (without a developer) to match the design and interface of your existing website. How much you can customize the design of your site relies on your template selection.
• Conflicting plugin and software updates: Some plugins have compatibility issues with other plugins or newer software updates. This can cause functions of your site to break and even cause your site to go down. It can be difficult to resolve some of these issues without an extensive web development background. If you want to be able to confidently DIY your site’s tech issues or have free access to a support team, consider Showit.

Squarespace

Pros:

• All-in-one solution: Squarespace allows you to create a website, set up an online store, book services and more all through the same web platform.
• Large collection of free and paid Squarespace templates: If you can find a template, that works for your content and looks exactly what you had in mind, it can be a quick change to update and replace your content.
• Mobile responsive: No need to design a separate version of your site. The mobile version is already ready to go!

Cons:

• Code included: Some website templates and custom Squarespace websites are created using extensive custom code. Code is great for elevating the design and creating a custom look, but it can make it more difficult for a non-developer to maintain or update down the road. Before purchasing a Squarespace template, ask the shop owner how much code is included and if he/she has included resources on how to edit that code.
• Not always intuitive: There’s definitely a steep learning curve for customizing a Squarespace site. Definitely start a trial before committing to a Squarespace plan.

Showit

Pros:

• Your design potential is never-ending: With Showit, you can design something however you envision. You’re not limited to a specific theme or template; you can create anything — all without code. You truly have complete creative control over how your website looks.
• Drag and drop builder: Sites on Showit are built using a drag and drop builder. Creating a desktop or mobile version of a page is as simple as dragging and dropping your content wherever you want it to go.
• Custom mobile site: With so many people accessing sites via their smartphone, the mobile version of your site is just as important — if not more important — than your desktop version, and compared to all other website platforms, Showit wins at mobile design. You can customize the mobile version of your site just as easily as the desktop version.
• Blog with WordPress: Showit’s top two tiers include blog hosting powered by WordPress. With Showit, you get the benefits of WordPress’s blogging platform with the beautiful design of Showit. Migrating from another content management system? Showit offers FREE blog migration.
• Top-notch support: Chat with the Showit support team directly from Showit, message other business owners and designers in the Facebook group, and check out the extensive collections of tutorial posts and videos. Lots of resources to answer your questions!

Cons:

• Learning curve: If you’re familiar with designing with the Adobe Creative Cloud software (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop), you’ll pick up Showit fairly quickly, but if you’re not a trained designer, there is a learning curve for more complex edits and processes. To speed up the process, watch the tutorials or consider starting with a website template or work with a designer on a custom site.
• Must use third-party ecommerce platform: Needing to sell products on your Showit site? At this point in time, Showit doesn’t include an online store feature; instead you must integrate another platform like Shopify Starter or Thrivecart with your Showit website.

Other website builders to consider

• Shopify: Have an online store (possibly in addition to in-person shop)? Shopify is the go-to commerce platform, and its website builder is just as comprehensive.
• Google Sites: If you’re creating your first website in a hurry, Google Sites might be an option for you, but the design features are extremely limited and there aren’t many search engine optimization capabilities.
• Wix: With a free option, Wix can be a great starting point, but it lacks deep analytics and flexibility with switching your design after your site is live.
• Weebly/Square Online: Weebly was acquired by Square in 2018, and both builders integrate Square’s ecommerce capabilities.

For the reasons listed above and so much more, I choose Showit for clients’ website design projects. With Showit, we have complete creative control in terms of design, and it’s easy for business owners to maintain and update the site after it is launched. Use this link to try Showit for free for one month.

If you’re interested in a custom quote for a WordPress or Squarespace site or regular maintenance, let’s chat.