First off, we’ve got a lot of love for Squarespace. It’s intuitive. It’s well-designed. Jeff Bridges uses it… We’ve noticed that many of our creative industry customers (i.e., graphic artists, interior designers, photographers, etc.) find Squarespace a great choice.
Although Squarespace’s photo-intensive templates and dreamlike CMS make it ideal for the artsy-fartsy, two things matter most if you’re starting a business: your ability to drive traffic and make sales.
So whether you’re in the creative space or not, you might want to think outside the box (or square in this case) and consider a few stellar small business alternatives.
Here are the top 10 Squarespace competitors your startup should consider before you pull the trigger on a site builder:
1. Shopify
Unlike Squarespace, which serves a broader range of website needs, including portfolios, blogs, and corporate sites, Shopify zeros in entirely on e-commerce, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to help businesses sell online, in-store, and across multiple channels.
Shopify’s platform is built to support businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, with features that manage products, inventory, payments, and shipping. This level of specialization offers a significant advantage for store owners who need advanced e-commerce capabilities, including integration with a wide range of payment gateways, detailed analytics to track performance, and the ability to scale as business grows.
Although Shopify’s focus on e-commerce comes with a learning curve and a price tag that might be higher than Squarespace’s for comparable plans, the investment is justified by its superior online store functionalities, an extensive app marketplace, and dedicated support for online merchants.
Why Shopify could be a better fit for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Designed for E-Commerce: Shopify’s features are specifically tailored for online stores.
- User-Friendly: Easy setup and management for non-technical users.
- Scalable Solutions: Capable of growing with your business from startup to large enterprise.
- Wide Range of Tools: Extensive e-commerce tools, from inventory management to marketing.
- Dedicated Support: Specialized support for online retail challenges.
2. Weebly
Weebly stands out from Squarespace’s straightforward approach to website building and focus on boosting online visibility and sales for small businesses. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies the web design process, allowing business owners to easily create a site without needing technical skills. This means more time can be devoted to growing your business rather than figuring out complex design tools. Weebly also offers effective SEO tools, helping your site rank higher on search engines and attract more customers.
When it comes to selling online, Weebly has an edge with its integrated e-commerce features that support everything from inventory management to secure payments. These tools are designed to help small businesses scale their online sales effortlessly. Moreover, Weebly’s pricing plans are budget-friendly, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses keen on maximizing their online potential. With Weebly, you get a blend of simplicity, efficiency, and affordability, making it an attractive option for small businesses aiming to enhance their online presence.
Here are five points on why Weebly could be a better fit for your business than Squarespace:
- Ease of Use: Weebly’s user-friendly platform allows anyone to build a website quickly.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features improve your site’s visibility on search engines.
- E-Commerce Features: Weebly supports your online sales with straightforward e-commerce tools.
- Affordable Plans: It offers a range of economical plans for small businesses.
- Customer Support: Access to helpful support resources and customer service ensures you’re never stuck.
2. WordPress
WordPress is a powerhouse for creating a website that truly stands out, especially for small businesses aiming to scale their online presence. Unlike Squarespace, which offers a more turnkey solution, WordPress provides unparalleled flexibility and customization options.
This open-source platform allows you to add functionality to your site through its vast library of plugins, from advanced SEO tools to e-commerce systems, social media integration, and more. While it might require a bit more effort to set up and customize, the potential to create a unique and powerful website with WordPress is almost limitless.
This platform particularly appeals to those looking for more than just a basic website. With WordPress, you can tailor every aspect of your site to meet your specific business needs and preferences. As your business grows, your website can evolve with you, integrating new features and technologies along the way.
Although WordPress is less turnkey and might seem daunting due to its technical aspects, its community support and resources make it accessible to those willing to learn. Plus, the ability to optimize your site for search engines and customize the user experience can significantly impact your online success.
Here are five reasons why WordPress might be the better choice for your business over Squarespace:
- Flexibility and Customization: WordPress offers endless possibilities to customize your website and add any functionality with plugins.
- Scalability: As your business grows, your site can easily grow with you, integrating new features and tools.
- SEO Advantages: With advanced SEO plugins, WordPress sites can be highly optimized for search engines.
- Community Support: A vast community of users and developers means support is always available.
- Control Over Your Site: You have complete ownership and control over your website, from hosting choices to design and functionality.
3. Pixpa
Pixpa is a specialized website builder tailored for creatives and small businesses looking to showcase their work and services online. Unlike Squarespace, which targets a broader audience, Pixpa zeroes in on the needs of photographers, artists, designers, and small business owners seeking a visually appealing online presence.
This focus is reflected in its sleek templates and intuitive design interface, which make it easy to build a stunning, portfolio-centered website. Pixpa’s simplicity does not come at the expense of functionality; it offers a suite of tools designed for showcasing work, selling online, and blogging without needing to code.
Pixpa differentiates itself by providing a more niche, curated experience alongside e-commerce capabilities for users who prioritize aesthetics and ease of use. The platform integrates gallery and portfolio functionalities seamlessly with e-commerce features, allowing users to sell prints, services, and digital products directly from their websites.
Here’s why Pixpa could be a better option for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Specialized Templates: Pixpa offers beautiful, customizable templates for creative professionals and small businesses.
- Integrated E-Commerce: Easily sell your work or services with built-in e-commerce tools designed for creatives.
- User-Friendly: An intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes website building simple and enjoyable.
- Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing plans include essential features without breaking the bank.
- Focused Functionality: Tools and features are specifically designed to support the needs of photographers, artists, and designers.
4. Duda
Duda distinguishes itself from Squarespace by focusing on the needs of professionals and agencies that manage multiple websites. Unlike Squarespace’s more general approach, Duda offers specific tools for collaboration, efficiency, and scalability. It’s built for speed, allowing users to quickly design, edit, and launch websites with automation tools and customizable templates.
With Duda, users access features that allow for personalized visitor experiences, which Squarespace does not emphasize directly. This includes faster site performance, vital for SEO and improving user experience. Duda also stands out for its client management capabilities, providing options for setting client permissions and offering white-label solutions.
This focus on productivity, alongside competitive SEO tools, positions Duda as a strong choice for businesses and agencies looking for streamlined website creation and management.
Here are key reasons to choose Duda over Squarespace:
- Efficiency in Scale: Ideal for managing multiple sites with tools designed for speed and collaboration.
- Visitor Personalization: Create custom experiences for different user groups.
- Fast Performance: Prioritizes website speed for better SEO and user experience.
- Client Management Features: Offers easy-to-use client permissions and white-label solutions.
- SEO Tools: Provides tools to help improve your website’s search engine ranking.
5. Orson
Orson offers a compelling alternative to Squarespace for small businesses and individuals on a tight budget who still want a functional and attractive online presence. Its standout feature is the incredibly affordable starting price of just $2 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective website builders. This price point is particularly appealing for those just starting or looking to maintain a professional website without the financial strain.
Unlike Squarespace, which caters to a wide range of users with various pricing plans, Orson focuses on simplicity and affordability. It offers a straightforward website-building experience with essential tools and features that make designing, launching, and managing a website easy.
While it may not boast the extensive customization options and advanced features of Squarespace, Orson provides all the basics needed for a solid website, including responsive design templates, basic SEO tools, and e-commerce capabilities for small online shops.
Here’s why Orson could be the better choice for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Affordability: Extremely low starting price of $2 per month, making it accessible to everyone.
- Simplicity: User-friendly interface designed for quick and easy website building.
- Essential Features: Includes all the necessary tools for creating a professional website.
- Responsive Designs: Offers mobile-friendly templates that look great on any device.
- E-commerce Ready: Supports small online stores with basic e-commerce features.
6. GoDaddy
GoDaddy’s Website Builder is a straightforward and effective option for small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence quickly. Unlike Squarespace, known for its sleek designs and robust feature set, GoDaddy focuses on providing a user-friendly platform that simplifies the website creation process. This approach is perfect for those who want to get their site up and running with minimal fuss.
One of the key advantages of using GoDaddy’s Website Builder is its integration with GoDaddy’s other services, including domain registration and hosting. This makes it a convenient one-stop-shop for getting a website online, offering a seamless experience from purchasing a domain to publishing your site.
Additionally, GoDaddy provides a range of customizable templates designed to be mobile-responsive, ensuring your site looks great on all devices. While it may not offer the same level of customization as Squarespace, GoDaddy’s builder is equipped with essential tools for SEO, e-commerce, and social media integration, making it a solid choice for businesses aiming for an effective online strategy.
Why GoDaddy’s Website Builder could be a better option for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the website building process with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Integrated Services: Offers domain, hosting, and builder under one roof for convenience.
- Mobile-Responsive Templates: Ensures your site looks good on any device with responsive design.
- Essential Online Tools: Includes key SEO, e-commerce, and social media features.
- Speed to Market: Allows for quick website setup, ideal for businesses needing an online presence fast.
7. Yola
Yola offers a straightforward and accessible solution for small businesses and individuals looking to build a website without delving into complex design processes. Unlike Squarespace, which targets a broad audience with sophisticated design options, Yola keeps things simple, emphasizing ease of use and basic functionality. This makes it an ideal platform for those who are less tech-savvy or who prefer to focus on getting their website live quickly and efficiently.
Yola’s appeal lies in its no-frills approach to website building, providing users with a selection of templates and a drag-and-drop interface that makes setting up a website a breeze. Although it may not boast the extensive customization capabilities of Squarespace, Yola covers all the essentials, offering SEO tools, e-commerce features, and mobile-responsive designs.
Additionally, Yola has a free tier available, allowing users to start building their online presence at no cost, with the option to upgrade to more feature-rich plans as their needs grow. This affordability, combined with its user-friendly platform, positions Yola as a cost-effective alternative for those seeking simplicity and efficiency in their website builder.
Why Yola could be a better fit for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Simplicity: Offers an easy-to-use platform with straightforward design tools.
- Affordable Plans: Includes a free tier and reasonably priced upgrades.
- Essential Features: Provides basic SEO, e-commerce, and mobile responsiveness.
- Quick Setup: Enables fast website creation and publishing.
- User-Friendly for Beginners: Ideal for users with minimal technical expertise.
8. Wix
Wix distinguishes itself from Squarespace by offering unmatched customization and flexibility, making it a go-to choice for businesses and individuals who want to craft a unique online presence. Unlike Squarespace, which balances design with ease of use, Wix provides a more extensive set of design tools and features, allowing for deeper customization without requiring users to have coding knowledge. This is largely thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a vast library of templates catering to various industries and styles.
Wix’s appeal lies in its ability to serve a broad spectrum of website creators, from beginners to more advanced users looking for specific functionalities. Beyond basic websites, Wix supports e-commerce, booking systems, and various third-party integrations, enabling users to create a website that truly fits their business needs.
Additionally, Wix offers a robust App Market, filled with apps and services to extend the functionality of your website, whether you’re looking to enhance SEO, integrate social media, or add customer management tools. While Wix’s flexibility and depth of features are its strong points, it also maintains user-friendliness, making it accessible to anyone looking to build a professional-looking website.
Here’s why Wix could be a preferable option for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Unmatched Customization: Offers extensive design flexibility with various templates and a drag-and-drop editor.
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Supports various website functionalities, from e-commerce to booking systems.
- App Market: Access a vast selection of apps to enhance your website’s capabilities.
- User-Friendly for All Levels: Easy for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users.
- Diverse Template Selection: Features a large collection of industry-specific templates, ensuring a perfect fit for your brand.
9. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a powerful choice for businesses that want to grow their online stores. Unlike Squarespace, which is good for various website types, BigCommerce focuses just on e-commerce. It gives you everything you need to sell products, manage orders, and handle customers easily. It’s great for businesses of all sizes, from small shops to big companies, because it has features that help you sell more, whether you’re selling to regular shoppers or wholesale buyers.
BigCommerce lets you connect your store with places where people shop, like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon, making it easier to reach more customers. It’s also good at handling payments and shipping, saving you a lot of hassle. While it might take a bit more time to learn all the ins and outs of BigCommerce because of its tools, it’s worth it if you’re serious about selling online. Plus, it has great tools to help you understand your sales and what your customers like, which can help you make better business decisions.
Why BigCommerce could be better for your business than Squarespace:
- Made for E-commerce: Specifically built for online stores, making it easier to sell products and manage your shop.
- Grows with Your Business: Good for small and big businesses, adapting to your needs as your store grows.
- Sell Everywhere: Helps you sell on different platforms and social media, reaching more customers.
- Easy Payments and Shipping: Makes handling money and shipping simpler, which is great for you and your customers.
- Understand Your Sales: Offers tools to look into your sales and customer preferences, helping you plan better for the future.
10. Webflow
Webflow stands out as a powerful alternative to Squarespace, particularly for users looking for deep customization options and the ability to implement complex design elements without writing code. Unlike Squarespace, which simplifies website creation for a broader audience with its user-friendly interface, Webflow targets designers, developers, and businesses that require more control over their site’s design and functionality.
Webflow combines the visual appeal of design software with the functionality of a content management system (CMS), offering a unique platform that bridges the gap between design and development.
One of Webflow’s main advantages is its visual editor, which allows users to design their site using a CSS, HTML, and JavaScript framework without coding. This provides unparalleled flexibility, enabling the creation of custom animations, interactions, and responsive layouts.
While Webflow’s learning curve is steeper than Squarespace’s, the trade-off is greater customization and control over the website.
Why Webflow could be a better option for your business compared to Squarespace:
- Customization: Offers extensive design customization without needing to write code.
- Scalability: Supports many projects, from simple sites to complex e-commerce platforms.
- Visual Editor: Combines the flexibility of code with the simplicity of visual design tools.
- Dynamic Content Management: Provides a powerful CMS for managing and updating content easily.
- Professional Tools: Ideal for professionals who need detailed control over site design and functionality.
Editor’s Note: The article is part of the blog series Grow Your Business by the marketing team at Unitel, the virtual phone system priced and designed for startups and small business owners.
