Choosing the right website builder is a big decision, especially when you’re embarking on a DIY website project for your small business. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Two of the most popular drag-and-drop website builders are Wix and Squarespace.
Both are designed to be user-friendly, even for those with little to no technical experience, and they offer a variety of themes and customisation options. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of each platform to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your needs
Wix
Summary: Wix started with Flash websites but has significantly improved over time. It offers a more free-form design experience, allowing users to place elements anywhere on the page. With hundreds of free themes and a free tier for unlimited setup time, Wix provides flexibility for DIY users. However, its flexibility can lead to a less structured design, which may be challenging for beginners.
Pros:
- Hundreds of free themes
- Free tier available until you connect a domain
- Highly flexible design options
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor
- Extensive app market for additional features
Cons:
- Can lead to a less structured design, making it harder for beginners
- SEO can be slightly more challenging
- Customisation beyond templates may require coding knowledge
- Higher costs for additional features
- Hosting is on Wix servers, so migrating your site can be difficult
Squarespace
Summary: Squarespace offers a more structured and templated design approach, providing clean and modern themes that are easy to customise. It has fewer themes than Wix but makes up for it with high-quality design and more structured templates. Squarespace is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more guided design experience and need less customisation.
Pros:
- High-quality, clean, and modern templates
- More structured design approach
- Allows CSS customisation for advanced users
- Two-week free trial
- All-in-one solution with hosting included
Cons:
- Fewer themes compared to Wix
- Less flexibility in design, which can be limiting
- SEO capabilities are not as strong as WordPress
- Can become expensive with additional features
- Hosting is on Squarespace servers, so migrating your site can be difficult
Deciding between Wix and Squarespace ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Wix offers incredible flexibility and a wide range of themes, making it a great choice if you want complete control over your website’s design.
On the other hand, Squarespace provides a more structured, guided approach, ideal for those who prefer high-quality, modern templates and a straightforward design process.
While both platforms have their pros and cons, what’s most important is choosing the one that aligns with your vision for your website.
No matter which builder you choose, the goal is to create a site that effectively represents your brand and serves your business well, and remember, whether you start with one of these platforms or eventually move to something more robust like WordPress, the key is to make sure your website reflects who you are and what your business stands for.