Squarespace vs WordPress
Why I Choose Squarespace for Small Business Websites
(And Why It Matters for Your Business)
As a web designer with a computer science background, I get asked this question a lot: "Why do you build websites on Squarespace instead of WordPress?" It's a fair question—WordPress powers about 40% of the web, so surely it must be the best choice, right?
Well, not necessarily. In my experience I've found that for most small businesses, solopreneurs, and creative entrepreneurs, Squarespace is actually the smarter choice. Let me share why.
Why I Chose Squarespace (And Never Looked Back)
With my corporate experience working with Content Management Systems, I understand the technical complexities behind website platforms. When I first built a website on WordPress, I ran into issues that would have been impossible to solve without my technical background—and even then, it was a time-consuming headache. Instead of focusing on website strategy and design, I spent time sorting out incompatibilities and thus made the project more expensive.
That's when I decided to only use Squarespace.
I had first discovered Squarespace at some years back when they were still on version 4 which, interestingly enough, is not mentioned on their website page telling about version releases. This was before 2012 because that was the year when v.5 came about. I still remember the name of my favourite v.4 template. It was called Cerulean with light teal and salmon pink colour scheme which sounds very characteristic of that era's web design aesthetic.
It was quite soon replaced by version 5. Squarespace 5 was actually a major redesign and overhaul of the platform, which is why it received significant attention when it launched. The transition from version 4 to 5 represented a substantial change in their approach to website building and design. I even have my old blog still running on version 5! Version 5 had some things that v.7.1 doesn’t have, like a Forum page type where I had user-generated content that helped my site end up #1 on SERPs for all related keywords. Squarespace analytics view would show the exact keywords the visitor searched for, matched to their ip address. I could also control website access via editing the .htaccess file. So v.5 was great in a way and mentioning it reminds me that I will have to migrate my old blog to v.7.1 pretty soon.
No mention about v.6 on the Squarespace website either. V.6 was a relatively short-lived version with a few visible inconsistencies. I designed a website for a friend using v.6.
I have built at least one website on each and every Squarespace version since v.4 to v.7.1 and proud of it. J I have witnessed the Squarespace platform grow and expand to the sophisticated all-inclusive design and marketing tool that it is today and I can honestly say that it just keeps getting better.
The Real Difference: Design Freedom vs. Technical Maintenance
Here's the thing about WordPress: it's built around themes and plugins. While this sounds flexible, it often means your content has to fit into the theme's constraints, rather than the website being built around your unique content and business needs. If you need to customise a Wordpress theme you’d better know PHP – an old technology whose use is declining. A Wordpress theme would not give much flexibility. You can have more flexibility with a theme builder. Elementor was launched relatively late, in 2016, when Squarespace’s version 7.0 was already out, stable and popular.
With Squarespace, I can create full custom designs that are built around your story, your brand, and your business goals. No cookie-cutter templates here—just strategic design that makes your business stand out.
Why Small Businesses Love Squarespace (And Why Their Bank Accounts Do Too)
1. All-in-One Simplicity
WordPress requires hosting, security plugins, backup plugins, SEO plugins, form plugins... the list goes on. Each plugin is another potential point of failure, another security vulnerability, and another monthly cost. Squarespace includes everything you need in one platform—hosting, security, backups, SSL certificates, and built-in SEO tools.
2. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Yes, WordPress itself is "free," but once you add quality hosting, premium themes, essential plugins, and ongoing maintenance, costs add up quickly. Most of my clients find Squarespace's transparent pricing refreshing—no surprise bills or hidden maintenance costs. While Squarespace offers many free templates for DIY-ers, premium templates are also available for purchase from website designers.
3. Bulletproof Security
I've lost count of how many WordPress sites I've seen get hacked due to outdated plugins or themes. Squarespace handles all security updates automatically, so you can focus on running your business instead of worrying about your website.
4. Mobile-First Design
Squarespace is flexible. For mobile-first website design no additional plugins are needed, no separate mobile themes. The editor allows independent editing for mobile devices.
When WordPress Might Be Better
I believe in choosing the right tool for the job. WordPress can be the better choice for:
Large corporate sites with substantial maintenance budgets
Complex functionality requiring specialised custom plugins
Sites that need very specific, unusual features
But here's the reality: 90% of small businesses don't need that level of complexity. They need a beautiful, professional website that works reliably and helps them grow their business.
The Professional Designer Advantage
Now, here's something important: while Squarespace offers templates for DIY builders, using these templates often results in generic, cookie-cutter websites that blend into the background. As a professional designer, I use Squarespace's flexibility to create custom designs that:
Tell your unique story through strategic design choices
Convert visitors into customers with psychology-backed layouts
Reflect your brand personality in every detail
Stand out from competitors instead of looking like everyone else
Custom Code When You Need It
One of Squarespace's best-kept secrets? I can add custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript when needed. This means I can create unique functionality and design elements that go beyond the platform's built-in features, giving you the best of both worlds—simplicity with the option for customisation.
Is Squarespace Right for Your Business?
Squarespace is particularly perfect for:
Small businesses and solopreneurs who want professional results without technical headaches
Coaches and consultants who need to showcase their expertise professionally
Creative professionals (photographers, artists, designers) who need beautiful portfolio displays
Small to mid-size online stores that want integrated e-commerce functionality
Service-based businesses that need appointment booking and client management tools
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Every platform has its strengths and limitations—that's why I always start with a Discovery call to understand your specific needs, goals, and budget. Sometimes, I'll even recommend a different platform if it's truly better suited for your unique situation. My goal isn't to sell you on Squarespace; it's to recommend the solution that will best serve your business.
The Bottom Line
Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned developer, Squarespace scales with your abilities. Newcomers can design beautiful sites using intuitive tools, while those with coding experience can unlock deeper customization options.
Beginners will find it easy to create professional-looking websites, and developers can leverage custom code to push the platform's capabilities further.
For most small businesses, Squarespace offers the perfect balance of professional results, design flexibility, and long-term affordability. You get a platform that grows with your business, looks stunning on every device, and frees you up to focus on what you do best—running your business.
Your website should be an asset that works for you 24/7, not a technical burden that keeps you up at night. That's exactly what Squarespace delivers, especially when combined with professional design strategy for achieving your business goals.
Ready to see how a professionally designed Squarespace website can transform your business? Let's chat about your goals and create something amazing together.