These are two different platforms that are often in competition for the new website owner who doesn’t want an overly complicated website. These are Wix and Squarespace. Both of them have similar traits but there are small differences between the two platforms. So which are the best for your website project: Wix or Squarespace?
Ease of Use
If you look at the two platforms, there are certainly benefits to using Wix if you want to get an easy-to-use platform. Wix is considered the more beginner-friendly platform and their user experience is more focused on visual ease and appearance. All you need to do is click on the element you want to change and make the changes.
The drag-and-drop editor is also great. It's intuitive and perfect for use across devices. There are also Site History options that allow you to recover any content that you may have accidentally changed on there.
There is also a great Wix ADI that is a tool that can help you build your website quicker. Within Squarespace, there are still easy-to-use elements, but they just aren’t as good as Wix.
Design & Flexibility
Both Squarespace and Wix don’t allow you to choose between themes or templates once they’re on your website with ease. When you switch to Squarespace, you can lose a lot of data and customizations. This is in comparison to platforms like Shopify and WordPress where data can be transferred between templates.
In Wix, there are more than 1000 free templates. With Squarespace, there are just 100. Therefore, you’ve got more choices with Wix, which means you can easily build a great website without having to do too many customizations.
If you want to have the customizations, Wix does offer that with ease. Even two websites in the same niche with the same template can look vastly different.
However, not all of Wix’s templates are fully responsive. You have to tweak them manually to work on mobile devices. However, this isn’t a bad option as it allows you to customize the experience for different audiences.
Page Structure
Wix offers a more flexible page structure than Squarespace and tends to offer a ‘play it safe’ option. Between the two there isn’t really a clear winner, but Wix might be better for the choice that you get.
E-commerce
While Wix isn’t the first eCommerce name that you would think of, it certainly has a lot to offer within the process. Wix Payments is a great option for lots of brands and they don’t charge a setup fee and their transaction costs are similar to other payment processors.
SEO
There isn’t much here. Squarespace does have some flaws within the SEO area of their builder, Wix isn’t well-known for SEO optimization. However, with some good knowledge, both websites can perform well. You just need to know how to turn your website into a magnet for traffic.
Wix vs. Squarespace: An Overview
Core Functionalities and Usability
Wix and Squarespace both offer robust core functionalities for website building but with distinct approaches to usability. Wix excels in providing a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it ideal for beginners seeking ease of use. Squarespace, while also user-friendly, leans towards a more streamlined approach, offering a cleaner, more design-centric user experience.
Template Design and Aesthetics
In the field of design and aesthetics, both platforms stand out with their unique offerings. Wix provides a vast library of templates, catering to a wide range of styles and industries, allowing for greater personalization. Squarespace, known for its elegant and sophisticated template designs, appeals to users looking for a modern, high-quality aesthetic.
Support and Resources
Support and resources are crucial for effective website management, and both Wix and Squarespace excel in these areas. Wix offers extensive support through its help center, forums, and customer service, ensuring users have access to assistance when needed. Squarespace also provides robust support options, including comprehensive guides, community forums, and dedicated customer support, facilitating a smooth website building and maintenance experience.
Key Considerations When Choosing Between Wix and Squarespace
User Experience and Learning Curve
When choosing between Wix and Squarespace, consider the ease of use and learning curve. Wix is known for its user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners, while Squarespace requires a bit more learning but offers sophisticated design capabilities. Your technical comfort level and time availability for learning should guide your choice.
Template Quality and Variety
The quality and variety of templates are vital factors to consider. Wix boasts a larger selection of templates, offering more variety to fit different niches. Squarespace, while having fewer options, provides templates that are highly curated and aesthetically superior, appealing to users seeking a more refined look.
Integration and Extensibility
Consider the platforms' capabilities for integration and extensibility with third-party services and tools. Wix offers a comprehensive app market, allowing for extensive integration with various external applications and services. Squarespace, while more limited in direct integrations, focuses on seamless in-house solutions for common website functionalities.
Conclusion: Which Is Better Wix or Squarespace?
While Wix and Squarespace are very similar, Wix certainly has an edge over its competitors. It is easier to use, has more templates, has a great eCommerce package, and with the right knowledge it can also rank on search engines well. Wix Payments is also a great option for many small to medium eCommerce businesses.
* read the rest of the post and open up an offer