What is the difference between the WordPress and Squarespace Platforms?
Many business owners ask me the difference between WordPress and Squarespace, so I decided to write out an article. Both are commonly used for business websites, here are some things to consider.
Similarities between the two CMS platforms include:
- Blogging capability: Both platforms are set up by default to display sections of information or news that are chronologically organized.
- Easy to use interface: Ability to update text and images on the site without coding knowledge.
- Ease of Google Analytics Integration: A code can be implemented into your website so you can view your website traffic and gain insight on the different ways through which your audience is reaching your website..
Here are the distinct differences between the platforms for your reference, so you can choose the platform that is best suited for your company’s needs.
About WordPress
WordPress is an open-source website tool built with PHP, HTML, CSS. It’s considered one of the most powerful website content management systems (CMS). There are millions of developers worldwide that create WordPress Themes (otherwise known as templates) and plugins (that expand its functionality).
Benefits of using WordPress:
- Fully Customizable Look: WordPress templates provide flexible and in-depth customization. They allow advanced customization from customized backgrounds, pop-up graphics, and websites that mimic the look and feel of a product or brick-and-mortar establishment. This is ideal for companies that want a more branded and less template look for their website.
- Wide Integration: Integrates with many mainstream third-party online services such as MailChimp, InfusionSoft, PayPal, Stripe, and more.
- Expandability: WordPress is a database-driven website tool, which can accommodate plugins. These plugins can help expand website functionality. Examples include client/member login, event registration, calendar of events, extensive forms (if a user checks this box, then show xyz), eCommerce/online store, store/location locator, photo galleries, video galleries.
- SEO Friendly: Google loves WordPress because it’s built-in a way that’s structured for SEO.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Most templates are designed to conform to cell phone and tablet devices so content is easily viewable without having to zoom, move around or pinch the screen. However, be wary when you are choosing templates built before 2005. Back then it wasn’t standard practice for templates to be mobile responsive. If you’re unsure, email the developer and ask whether there are limitations when viewing the site on a cell phone or template.
Hosting & Long-Term Maintenance:
WordPress websites are commonly hosted on the web hosting servers through companies such as BlueHost, WP Engine, SiteGround, or GoDaddy. WordPress sites require routine maintenance that web developers take care of. Due to the open-source nature of WordPress, the platform and plugin updates are released throughout the year. Regular updates address security, compatibility, and updated features. Experienced professionals are recommended to backup and update them to ensure accuracy of the process as well as to prevent malware.
The investment for hosting and maintenance varies. Variables to the investment can include:
- Whether you have an existing hosting account
- Whether we are facilitating text and image content updates on your behalf
- The anticipated frequency of updates to your content
- The functionality and/or complexity of your website
Considerations:
Investment for setup and long-term maintenance is slightly higher than other platforms.
About Squarespace
Squarespace is an online website builder that can be designed with a simple module based interface. It allows limited customization through CSS. This platform is best known for it’s simple, sleek and trendy templates.
Benefits of using Squarespace:
- Cost-Effective: Squarespace websites are typically less expensive to set up and manage in the long run.
- Inclusive Hosting: When you sign up for a Squarespace account, Squarespace takes responsibility to host and monitor your website. The likelihood of your website getting hacked is therefore less due to Squarespace’s controlled environment.
- XML Data Backup: You can backup your website into an XML file and import it into a WordPress site if you choose to upgrade in the future. Note: This will only backup your site’s text and images. It will not retain the look and feel of the site, it’s a template, or the website layout. You’ll have to reapply the text and images throughout your website template.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Most templates are designed to conform to cell phone and tablet devices so content is easily viewable without having to zoom, move around or pinch the screen. The only exception is if you add in custom-coded sections. You’ll have to adjust those yourself.
Hosting and Long-Term Maintenance:
Squarespace has a support team that performs under-the-hood maintenance as necessary. Their customer support team is available 24/7 by email, chat, or online meeting.
The investment for Squarespace ranges from $140 — $300 per year (depending on whether you pay for their services monthly or annually). You can find more information at www.squarespace.com
Considerations:
Most companies that prefer a customized look, have tons of pages or need expanded functionality do not move forward with Squarespace. This is because the platform is really simple, so it doesn’t allow as much expansion or integration with third-party party tools as WordPress does. Squarespace has aftermarket plugins or integrations available for more advanced features, but they typically require a monthly fee.
The only payment processors that work with Squarespace are PayPal and Stripe, so if you need to process payments with something like Authorize.net, Google Checkout, or BitCoin it’s best to go with a different platform.
If you’re still on the fence and have specific questions about either platform, feel free to drop me a line.
Sheri Nelson, Project Manager at Reverence Global Web Development Agency
