Should I use Wordpress or Squarespace?
If you're weighing up WordPress versus Squarespace for your next website, you're not alone. As a specialist in custom Squarespace and Shopify sites here in Western Australia, I've helped over 400 brands make this decision. Squarespace consistently comes out on top for those prioritising simplicity, security, and results without the ongoing hassle. Below, I'll break down the key reasons why, drawing on practical insights from years of building conversion-focused sites.
Ease of Use and Setup
Squarespace's drag-and-drop interface means you can launch a professional site in days, not weeks. No coding required—just intuitive tools that let you focus on your content and brand. WordPress, on the other hand, involves installing themes, plugins, and often custom code, which can lead to a steep learning curve and frustration for non-tech users. For small business owners or creatives, this simplicity translates to faster go-to-market times and less reliance on developers.
Built-in Hosting and Maintenance
Everything in Squarespace is hosted on their secure servers, with automatic updates and backups included. You won't face downtime from outdated plugins or compatibility issues. WordPress requires separate hosting providers and manual maintenance, which often means extra costs for premium hosting and regular security checks. In my experience, clients switching from WordPress appreciate the peace of mind— no more late-night fixes when something breaks.
Design Quality and Templates
Squarespace offers a curated library of responsive, mobile-optimised templates designed by professionals. They're built with visual hierarchy and user experience in mind, ensuring your site looks polished across devices. WordPress templates can be hit-or-miss; many free ones lack quality, and premium options still need tweaks via plugins, which can bloat your site. Plus, Squarespace's built-in styling tools allow for seamless customisations without risking site speed.
Predictable Pricing
Squarespace plans are straightforward, starting from a fixed monthly fee that covers hosting, domains, SSL certificates, and support. No surprises. WordPress seems free at first, but factor in paid themes (up to $100+), plugins ($50–$200 each annually), and hosting ($5–$50/month), and costs can spiral. For brands on a budget, Squarespace provides better value long-term, especially when you avoid the hidden fees of scaling a WordPress site.
Security and Reliability
Squarespace manages security at the platform level, with built-in protections against common threats like malware and DDoS attacks. Automatic SSL and PCI compliance for eCommerce come standard. WordPress, being open-source, is a frequent target for hackers—over 90% of hacked CMS sites are WordPress-based. You'll need additional plugins like Wordfence, which add complexity. Clients I've worked with often cite this as a major reason for migrating to Squarespace.
eCommerce and Integrations
If you're building an online store, Squarespace's integrated eCommerce tools handle inventory, payments (via Stripe or PayPal), and shipping without extra setup. It's seamless for small to medium shops. WordPress relies on plugins like WooCommerce, which can introduce bugs and require ongoing updates. Squarespace also supports key integrations like Mailchimp or Google Analytics natively, reducing the plugin overload that slows WordPress sites.
Support and Scalability
Squarespace provides 24/7 email and live chat support, plus extensive guides. As your site grows, it scales effortlessly without performance dips. WordPress support comes from forums or paid developers, which can be inconsistent. For growing brands, Squarespace's reliability means you can add features like memberships or scheduling without overhauling your setup.
SEO and Performance
Squarespace includes clean code, fast loading times, and built-in SEO tools like custom meta tags, alt text, and sitemaps. Sites often rank well out of the box. WordPress SEO depends on plugins like Yoast, and poor plugin choices can harm speed—Google penalises slow sites. In client audits, I've seen Squarespace outperform optimised WordPress sites in page speed scores.
Customisation Flexibility
While WordPress offers endless plugins for custom features, this can lead to a Frankenstein site that's hard to maintain. Squarespace allows custom CSS, JavaScript, and code injections for targeted tweaks, keeping things clean. For most brands, this strikes the perfect balance—enough flexibility without the risks.
Community and Resources
Squarespace has a focused community and official forums, plus my own expertise in tailoring sites for Western Australian businesses. WordPress boasts a massive ecosystem, but sifting through it can be overwhelming. If you need advanced features, Squarespace's developer mode opens doors without the full commitment of WordPress.
In essence, Squarespace is ideal if you want a hassle-free, secure platform that lets you focus on your business rather than backend management. WordPress suits those who need extreme customisation and don't mind the upkeep, but for most emerging brands, it's overkill.
Ready to explore Squarespace for your site? Reach out for a free consultation. We'll review your needs and outline a custom plan.
