Wix vs Squarespace (2023): Uncovering Vital Differences
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When building a website for your business, you want a platform that is easy to use, visually appealing and capable of engaging your customers.
All of these sound like reasonable needs for a website, but picking the right platform for your website can feel like a big decision, right? Some would say it is essential, and I have also been there. So today, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of two popular choices: Squarespace and Wix.
They're like the heavyweights in website builders – both packed with features like SEO, mobile responsiveness, and e-commerce goodies.
But, as I've learned, they're not twins. There are some key differences that might sway your decision. So, let's break it down together and figure out which one's your perfect match.
The Freebie Factor: Wix's Free Plan
Straight away, Wix likes to entice with a free plan. It's a terrific starting point. The free plan provides 500 MB of storage and customer support, but the catch is Wix ads all over your site. Think of it like a 'try before you buy' deal; while it may work for personal websites, it is not for businesses looking for branding visibility.
Squarespace, on the other hand, doesn't offer a free plan but steps up with a no-credit-card-needed free trial. Great for a test drive, and if you work with a web design like Finkea Design, then you have 6-months to design and get the right website look before going live.
Price Tag Talk: Wix's Varied Pricing
Navigating Wix's pricing is like walking through a market with many choices. You can start without spending a penny and go up to a $ 172-a-month premium plan that packs a punch, so if you're scaling up, brace your wallet!
Squarespace keeps your finances more straightforward and gentler with plans that are straightforward and less variable, with plans from $16 to $65 a month.
| Squarespace | Wix |
|---|---|
| N/A | Free plan - $0 |
| Personal - $16/$23 a month | Light - $16/$23 a month |
| Business - $23/$33 a month | Core - $27/$34 a month |
| Basic Commerce - $27/$36 a month | Business - $32/$38 a month |
| Advanced Commerce - $49/$65 a month | Business Elite - $159/$172 a month |
A Template To Suit Anyone
Wix boasts over 800 templates, offering a vast selection for website creation. You can easily find a template that aligns with your vision and customize it to fit your unique style.
While not as extensive as Wix's, Squarespace's template collection focuses on quality over quantity. With around about
150 templates, each is crafted to exude a professional and polished feel, ideal for businesses aiming for a high-quality web presence.
Squarespace stays current, regularly updating and removing older designs to keep your site looking modern. The platform also simplifies the design process with preselected colour palettes, ensuring a cohesive look.
Also, Squarespace also empowers users who want to dive deeper into design with customization through CSS. Tools like Elfsight, Ghost Plugins or Spark Plugin offer over 100 customizations to enhance your site's functionality and aesthetics.
This makes Squarespace an excellent choice for creating a website that's both beautiful and uniquely yours. If you want to take your Squarespace site to the next level, consider partnering with a professional developer. You can find Squarespace developers on Toptal, a platform known for its rigorous selection of top-tier freelance talent, to ensure your website stands out with custom solutions.
Blogging Bonanza: Squarespace Wins
For all the bloggers out there, Squarespace is your friend. It's like walking into a room already set up for a party – easy and fun! Wix? You'll need to add a blog plugin first. Squarespace also lets you export your blog content, a handy little bonus.
Design Dilemma: Squarespace's Structure vs Wix's Flexibility
Before Squarespace came out with version 7.1 and their Fluid Engine, it may be fair to give Wix the structure of building a website. But since then, it has gotten closer to comparison, even though both still work in their own ways. So, choosing between Squarespace and Wix for design is like choosing between a tailored suit and a free-size t-shirt.
Squarespace offers meticulously structured design features, ensuring everything looks just right. Wix, with its more flexible approach, allows for a bit of creative chaos, which might be perfect for some but a headache for others. It's a matter of taste, really.
App Adventures: Wix's Extensive Library
Wix's app library is massive, giving you a world of add-ons at your fingertips. Squarespace, though more limited, still packs a punch with plugins like Spark and Mailchimp, to name a few of the popular standouts.
E-Commerce Equation: Transaction Fees
In the world of e-commerce, every penny counts. Squarespace charges transaction fees ranging from 0% to 3% depending on your plan, while Wix's fees hover around 2.1% plus 30 cents. It's a close call, so weigh your options based on the features you need.
Squarespace vs Wix: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between Squarespace and Wix is like picking between two great flavours of ice cream. Both are awesome, but it all comes down to what works for you. Need a sleek, professional site? Squarespace might be your go-to. If you want a free plan to start and a wide range of features, giving Wix a whirl may be the one for you.
If you are starting out and want to see how things go, neither will be wrong for the first year. Here is a quick table to help recap on what this article has been covering:
| Feature | Squarespace | Wix |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ❌ (Free Trial) | ✅ |
| Pricing Variability | Lower | Higher |
| Template Selection | Professional | Extensive |
| Blogging Functionality | Superior | Requires Plugin |
| Storage | Unlimited | Limited |
| Design Precision | High | Flexible |
| App/Library Options | Fewer | Extensive |
| E-commerce Transaction Fees | 0-3% | ~2.1% + Fixed |
While it has not been mentioned in this article, another contender is just as powerful and offers the same experiences as Squarespace and Wix, and that is WordPress!
I have spoken about WordPress, and here are some articles you may want to look at to learn more about this other option. Plus, why I build my websites using Squarespace.
Blogs to consider reading:
I hope you have learned, but I also enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions or would like help building a website, please reach out and let us discuss how we can get your business up and running.
Wix vs Squarespace: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster – Wix or Squarespace?
The speed difference is minimal. Optimize your site's speed by optimizing images, limiting app usage, and reducing CSS and JavaScript code.
Q. Does Wix or Squarespace cost more?
Pricing varies based on your chosen plan. Squarespace ranges from $16 to $65 a month, while Wix ranges from $0 to $172 a month.
Q. Do Wix and Squarespace offer free plans?
Wix offers a free plan with limitations, while Squarespace provides a free trial without requiring a credit card.
Q. Is Wix or Squarespace better for SEO?
Both platforms offer SEO optimization tools and integration with Google Search Console.
Q. Which is more flexible: Wix or Squarespace?
Both platforms offer flexibility, with a range of templates and customization options. Personal preference plays a significant role in the choice.
Q. Is Wix or Squarespace better for photography?
Squarespace offers unlimited storage and specialized templates for showcasing photography portfolios. Both platforms offer free trials for you to test their suitability.