Why I Switched From Wordpress to Squarespace
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to should I use Wordpress or Squarespace. Each platform is suited to a different job and a different user. It all really depends on what you need your website to do.
The technical differences
Squarespace is a closed source platform that requires that you host your site on their servers, and they maintain complete control over the platform, this is great if you don’t want to have the responsibility of maintaining the back end of your site.
Wordpress is an open source platform meaning that you can install the platform on any server you’d like and you can make any extensions / modifications to it that you would like, this is a great option if you are willing to maintain the back end of your site.
The upkeep of each site is completely different because with Squarespace you can literally design it and not have to update or maintain anything and it will keep humming along where as with Wordpress you need to constantly update the version, plugins and make sure security is 100%.
Security
Wordpress sites are prone to getting hacked because of them being open source and this means you need to make sure you have a back up of your site, someone to be able to fix it if it does get hacked and installing high security protection.
Squarespace sites are highly monitored by Squarespace and because of it being solely developed and third party partners being properly checked and integrated, you never really have to worry about downloading an iffy plugin or whether your site is secure. All of that is done for you.
Find out your websites need
I find that Wordpress is better suited to websites that needed more flexibility when it came to customisation and the user is willing to spend the time learning or could afford to outsource changes.
Squarespace on the other hand is suited to websites that don't need custom built functionality and the user is happy with what is available with the platform as well as having the option to maintain the website.
Cost
With every website you need to pay for a domain name and hosting.
WordPress is 100% free for use. Of course you still have to purchase hosting and a domain, but the software itself is $0. How ever you do need the knowledge to use it and update it yourself which can cost you more money in the long run if you need to hire a developer, which from my experience happens a lot of the time.
Squarespace will need a domain name connected like any other site and because you host on their servers you don't need to pay extra for this. Prices range from $12-$40 USD depending on what plan you choose.
User friendly
Wordpress can be a bit tricky to navigate and make changes to if you haven't had any web experience before and you can end up spending a fair bit of time trying to work it all out and again end up with having to go to a developer to get what you want done.
Squarespace on the other hand is super user friendly and is really intuitive. Because it has been developed as a drag and drop system, what you see on your screen is what you can drag, drop and edit.
Support
Wordpress doesn't have a team behind it but it does have an online network so if you have a problem you can always spend time searching for the answer.
Squarespace have two really great support systems, a live chat and a huge online knowledge base that is full of video tutorials, blogs and helpful information.
So when it comes to choosing a platform take these things into consideration.
Cost - Time - Security - Support - Customised needs
Let’s work together
Got an amazing business idea you need help bringing to life? Time to refresh your existing brand? Ready to get serious and connect with your customers with a stunning Squarespace site?
