Akim Perminov

Certified Squarespace expert

What Is Better: Wix or Squarespace? - Choosing the Right Website Builder in 2024

Wix and Squarespace have emerged as leading contenders in the realm of website construction. Each offers flexible and user-friendly tools that cater to a broad audience. Their prominence is reflected in the consistent high rankings they receive due to their capacity to facilitate the creation of personalized and dynamic web spaces.

Choosing between Wix and Squarespace can be pivotal for anyone looking to establish a professional online presence. Wix particularly stands out for the majority of users with its comprehensive features. Yet, preferences vary, and the best fit for an individual hinges on their specific website needs and goals.

It's important to explore each option to identify which platform aligns with one's personal requirements and professional aspirations.

1. User-Friendly Website Creation

Initiating with Wix or Squarespace

Both Wix and Squarespace stand out for their user-centric approach to website development. Initiating the process on either platform is as simple as visiting their website, signing up for an account, and embarking on the journey of website creation. They offer multiple routes: you can opt for a pre-designed template, start from scratch, or utilize each platform's unique design aid tool.

Wix interacts with you through its AI-powered chatbot, which asks questions to grasp the essence of your site, including content preferences for possible blog posts. After this initial dialogue, you're directed to a dashboard infused with apps, images, and text shaped by your responses.

This is not to be misconstrued as a fully designed website but rather a foundation from which to sculpt your site's full aesthetic. You retain the choice to either engage with a ready-to-use template or to let Wix conjure up a personalized design on your behalf.

Conversely, Squarespace extends its flexible template creation offering called Squarespace Blueprint. This tool empowers you to tailor a template uniquely catered to your website's needs. Diving in, you can set about configuring your homepage with different content blocks, select additional pages, determine your site’s color scheme, and specify typography.

Subsequently, if you fancy sparing yourself from writing initial content, Squarespace's AI can generate starting text based on a brief description of your enterprise.

Both platforms present streamlined avenues for projecting your vision into a starting template or moulding by hand from quality templates.

Comparative Ease between Wix and Squarespace

In the realm of customization, the terms 'structured' and 'unstructured' design often come up. Wix epitomizes an 'unstructured' design experience, delivering a drag-and-drop interface that grants the freedom to unleash your creativity fully.

This can be a double-edged sword; while you can position any element precisely where you desire, there’s also the risk of inadvertently compromising your website’s cohesion.

Wix counters this by offering content blocks called 'sections' and editing flexibility for global styles. However, to exploit Wix's full potential, you'd venture beyond simply employing these prefab sections.

In the corner of structured design lies Squarespace with its 'section-based' editor. This framework involves adding sections and administering your site's structure, supplemented by the ability to integrate custom elements into designated regions.

However, this tool doesn't allow random placements; it uses a grid system to retain content's structured appearance.

Armed with different philosophies, Wix encourages an incremental, piece-by-piece composition of a site's form, while Squarespace favors defining a solid structural base before personalization.

Squarespace emerges as more forgiving, narrowing the chances of unintentionally detracting from your site's visual or functional harmony.

While both offer intuitive experiences and creative liberties, they cater to different design workflows. Squarespace slightly edges out by reducing the probability of crafting an unstructured or visually unappealing site, thus winning the favor in this comparative analysis.

2. Exceptional Template Collections

Premier Selections of Web Builder Templates

Thoroughly selected and widely admired, the templates offered by Wix and Squarespace stand as prime examples of excellence in the realm of web builder resources. These platforms shine with their expansive libraries of templates that blend volume, aesthetic appeal, and adaptability effectively.

The palette of designs available through Wix exceeds 800 variations, organized into numerous categories and finer subdivisions. This extensive array ensures a match for virtually any project theme, including niche markets like sports commentary platforms or environmental service portals.

Moreover, Wix elevates user experience by granting profound customization control, empowering users to transform templates for diverse needs, such as converting a holistic healing audio series theme into a chic boutique for pet apparel.

Though Squarespace presents a more focused gallery of over 160 templates, each design is meticulously crafted, exuding sophistication and modernity. The template collection, categorized by content relevance and functional style, has earned acclaim, reflecting the high-caliber design that Squarespace regularly delivers.

While the array at Wix boasts considerable variety and quantity, it is the consistent quality across their template spectrum that garners particular recognition.

Nonetheless, for enthusiasts of minimalist and visually compelling designs, Squarespace remains a strong contender, lauded for templates that are as functional as they are refined.

When considering both offerings, it's challenging to declare a definitive leader. Wix's extensive and quality-rich template selection is impressive, yet for those inclined toward the allure of sleek, contemporary designs, Squarespace's collection is equally worthy of consideration.

3. Enhanced Functionality through Plug-ins and Apps

Squarespace Seamless Integration

Squarespace excels in incorporating external functionalities into its platform with little to no disruption in user experience. Even with the addition of external audio services like SoundCloud and scheduling features via Acuity, the platform maintains a cohesive Squarespace environment.

Support for these integrated services is fully backed by Squarespace's customer assistance team. The option to explore app-like features lies a bit deeper within the site settings, under a dedicated Third Party Tools section.

Here, one may discover numerous integration options organized into practical business-oriented classifications such as Business Solutions and Logistics Management.

Comprehensive App Selection with Wix

Wix, on the other hand, presents a diverse array of applications with a straightforward accessibility principle. Alongside Wix’s inbuilt service connections, the platform boasts a substantial app marketplace.

Visitors to Wix’s app sphere find a vast selection of apps that span various functionalities, from advanced analytics to creative visual effects and photo editing capabilities.

The philosophies of the two platforms are distinct. Squarespace opts for a refined selection of features, integrating tightly with its website builder. In contrast, Wix's vast and eclectic range reflects a less restrictive strategy.

Despite the fact that one can encounter some unconventional apps on Wix, the variety ensures a broad spectrum of practical tools are available as well.

Squarespace's repertoire includes over 180 meticulously crafted templates tailored for a professional web presence. In comparison, Wix provides a library of more than 800 templates catering to an array of specific needs.

Squarespace focuses on a smaller set of proven business tools, whereas Wix users have access to an extensive inventory of applications, from monitoring site performance to adding whimsical elements to their pages.

While it's tempting to question the utility of certain Wix apps, the platform’s expansive assortment underscores its capacity to cater to many different user requirements.

Online Commerce Capabilities

Enhanced Online Store Features by Squarespace

While Squarespace and Wix competitively equip their users with online commerce tools, Squarespace enhances this offering with more intuitive management.

Both platforms provide critical e-commerce functionalities like automatic tax calculations, inventory management, and the selling of digital goods. In addition, they enable business owners to connect with customers on social channels and offer varied shipping choices.

E-commerce integration with either Squarespace or Wix ensures a seamless look and operation, adhering to the overall site theme. Both require upgrading from the most basic plans to activate these online selling features; for Wix, the Core plan, and for Squarespace, the Business plan suffice.

Product Management: Unlimited items, inventory tracking, and digital product offerings.
Sales Channels: Integration with platforms such as Amazon and Instagram.
Shipping & Payment: Multiple shipping options, payment processor variety including PayPal and Stripe, and features like free shipping and payment upon delivery are accessible.
Additional Tools: Subscriptions, dropshipping, and automated recovery of abandoned carts enhance the e-commerce experience.
Point of Sale: Support for POS systems ensures businesses can sell both online and in-person seamlessly.

Blogging Insights

Enhanced Writing Interface for Content Creators on Squarespace

For content creators focusing on blogging, the mediums of Squarespace and Wix offer functional platforms that include draft saving, scheduling and categorization.

However, the blogging interface on Squarespace provides an integrated experience, resembling the site's page design process and granting a preview of the final appearance. Wix, by contrast, uses a distinct blogging interface, which fails to offer an immediate sense of post presentation during the creation phase.

In terms of backend management, Squarespace surpasses Wix with an added search functionality, streamlining the process of locating past blog entries—a useful feature for prolific bloggers.

Content Visualization: Squarespace allows an immediate and clear preview of how blog posts will display.
Backend Management: Quick searching of previous posts is enabled on Squarespace, absent on Wix.

Management of a blog involves more than post creation. It includes description capabilities, collaboration potential for multiple authors, tagging efficiency, and content orchestration.

Squarespace generates a stronger content foundation with these capabilities. For instance, the platform enables easy tagging and CSS customization, which can appeal to collaborators aiming to craft strong content with a consistent style.

If a robust blogging platform or content management system is needed, beyond what’s offered by site builders, alternatives such as WordPress may be explored for their advanced features tailored to blogging needs.

6. Comprehensive Marketing Solutions

Enhanced Marketing Toolset by Wix

When it comes to enriching an online presence, the availability of advanced marketing resources is crucial. Wix not only provides a robust array of options for creating visually appealing email strategies, but it also offers a suite of tools that Squarespace users are familiar with—yet with added functionalities.

The implementation of promotional strategies on platforms controlled by Meta, like Facebook and Instagram, is streamlined thanks to integration options.

In addition, Wix's extended capabilities in search engine optimization (SEO) can put a business ahead, with custom SEO settings and connections to Google Ads. Businesses can further benefit from Google's tools by setting up a Google business profile, enhancing their visibility.

A standout in the marketing toolbox provided by Wix is the ability to craft custom brand elements. This encompasses everything from logos to merchandise such as t-shirts, solidifying a brand's identity across multiple touchpoints.

Tracking and assessing the impact of marketing efforts is streamlined with analytics tools, including Google Analytics. This ensures that sales strategies can be refined and email marketing campaigns optimized, based on performance data.

Email Campaigns: Design and dispatch impactful email communications that captivate prospects.
Google Integration: Seamless setup with Google business profiles and Ads to boost online discoverability.
Custom Branding: Develop unique branding materials that resonate with your audience.
Performance Tracking: Utilize analytical tools to gauge campaign success and refine tactics.

7. Search Engine Optimization Enhancements

Advancing SEO with Wix

Wix enhances the customization of search engine optimization (SEO) features, providing users with considerable flexibility.

Apart from enabling the editing of meta tags and custom URLs, Wix extends its capabilities to manage URL redirects and edit Robots.txt files.

The manipulation of Robots.txt is pivotal as it directly dialogues with search engines and can significantly affect a website's visibility and ranking.

Wix also presents a user-friendly artificial intelligence tool, known as the Wix SEO Wiz.

By responding to a brief questionnaire, Wix SEO Wiz tailors a site's SEO settings to align with specific answers, thus simplifying the optimization process.

In contrast, Squarespace maintains a focus on fundamental SEO tools necessary for competent web design.

This includes modifying tags, meta descriptions, and basic URL customizations.

While Squarespace enables the engagement of SEO professionals for optimization services, this is an additional cost and does not compensate for its more limited in-built SEO toolset compared to Wix.

It's evident that Wix stands out with its broader suite of SEO tools designed to attract higher traffic, whereas Squarespace stays true to offering essential services with the option of expert assistance.

8. Cost Considerations

Comparative Cost Analysis of Website Building Platforms

For individuals not looking to spend on their online presence, Wix is unique in offering a complimentary tier.

This version comes with Wix branding and a custom subdomain, lacking e-commerce features. While unsuitable for a professional presence, for temporary projects, it's an adequate solution.

Squarespace doesn't provide a perpetual complimentary tier, but one can explore their services with a 14-day trial period. This span usually suffices to gauge suitability for long-term use.

Evaluating the Pricing Tiers

When evaluated on an annual basis, Wix's entry-level tier aligns closely with Squarespace’s initial paid tier in both cost and offerings, including a free domain for the first year and considerable storage.

Each plan suits individual users not requiring advanced features.

For those interested in a professional site with business capabilities, Wix's Business tier is priced at $22.00 per month, with Squarespace's equivalent at $23.00 monthly. They both include e-commerce functions, analytics, and promotional tools.

Upon comparing the four ascending tiers of paid plans offered by each platform, Squarespace often has the competitive edge on annual pricing, barring the initial tier.

Being more cost-effective when opting for yearly settlements, Squarespace provides a notable advantage.

It's important to note that both platforms have higher tariffs for monthly payment schedules.

Conversely, Wix offers up to a three-year billing cycle, presenting more value in the long term.

Despite this, due to the prevalence of annual plans, Squarespace maintains a favorable position for many users in terms of budget.

9. Enhanced Customer Assistance

Greater Efficiency in Squarespace Assistance

Squarespace's customer assistance has been noted for its consistent efficiency.

Regardless of the mode of communication—be it live chat, email ticket system, or the official forum—the service remains steadfast.

This contrasts with other services where support quality can fluctuate, leading to a mix of rapid solutions or a circuitous chain of unhelpful resources.

Squarespace's structured approach to support ensures that customer inquiries are addressed promptly and effectively, often outperforming its competitors in this regard.

Support Channels: Live chat, email ticketing, forum
Availability: Steady and reliable
Performance: High efficiency, quick scheduling, reliable backup

Squarespace has refined customer support to a streamlined process that tends to outshine its rivals.

Wix Provides Unmatched Site-Building Flexibility

Opt for Squarespace for Superior Visual Appeal in Business Sites

Squarespace stands out when the objective is constructing visually captivating, professional-grade websites, particularly for businesses showcasing portfolios or visual galleries.

Its refined editing platform comes bundled with modern features while also safeguarding against design errors. The result is a website that not only draws visitors in but also leaves a memorable impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comparing Wix and Squarespace Pricing Structures

When evaluating Wix and Squarespace, users will find that both offer various price tiers with Wix's plans starting on a more affordable scale and Squarespace's having a higher entry point.

Wix provides a free tier, with premium plans that introduce additional features. Squarespace doesn't have a free tier but their plans often include advanced functionality from the lowest tier.

Wix:

Free plan available with Wix branding
Several tiered plans with progressively more features

Squarespace:

No free plan, but all plans come with a free custom domain for a year
Plans focus on providing a comprehensive set of tools from the lowest tier

Building Portfolio Sites on Wix vs. Squarespace

In terms of portfolio sites, Wix offers extensive customization options with drag-and-drop capabilities whilst Squarespace is known for its design-oriented templates which are highly polished but offer limited alterations.

Wix:

Highly customizable with drag-and-drop interface

Squarespace:

Cleaner, design-forward templates with limited customization

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wix vs. Squarespace for Ecommerce

Ecommerce solutions by Wix and Squarespace have their own sets of advantages and drawbacks.

Wix’s ecommerce features may be more suitable for smaller online stores, while Squarespace offers robust options tailored to larger operations with a focus on design.

Wix:

Great for small to medium-sized stores
Flexible design options

Squarespace:

More sophisticated tools for scaling
High-quality templates for showcasing products

Preferences of Artists for Showcasing Work on Wix vs. Squarespace

Artists often prefer platforms based on ease of use, template design, and the visual impact of their work.

Squarespace generally is the go-to for artists who prioritize beautifully crafted templates while Wix attracts those seeking maximum creative control.

Wix:

Favored for customizability

Squarespace:

Appreciated for its visually appealing template designs

User Experience Variances Between Wix and Squarespace

Navigating through Wix and Squarespace yields different user experiences.

Wix provides a more flexible, albeit sometimes more complex, interface, while Squarespace offers a streamlined and intuitive user flow.

Wix:

Flexible yet may require more time to master

Squarespace:

Simplified and more intuitive website-building process

Unique Features of Wix and Squarespace vs. Other Builders

Every builder has unique selling points. Wix and Squarespace stand out with specific features that differentiate them from rivals like WordPress and Shopify. Wix's ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) enables rapid site creation, while Squarespace is known for its strong focus on aesthetics and high-quality designs.

Wix: