The lowdown on Wordpress vs. Squarespace

Reevaluating My Preference: Squarespace vs. WordPress

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a website platform, the eternal debate between Squarespace and WordPress continues to rage on. As someone deeply immersed in the world of web design and content creation, I frequently encounter the question: “Why do I like Squarespace so much better than WordPress?” This inquiry is entirely valid, given WordPress’s dominant market presence and Squarespace’s increasing popularity. In this comprehensive exploration, I will share my personal insights and experiences with both platforms to shed light on the factors that sway my preference.

A Journey Through Web Creation

Early Days of HTML and Dreamhost

My journey into web creation dates back to 1999 when I crafted my first website using HTML and hosted it on Dreamhost. Back then, it was a simple blog-like platform with a monthly diary and a couple of pages. It wasn’t until 2005 that I discovered blogging on Blogger and started my own proper blog. My desire for more design options led me to Typepad and eventually to a self-hosted WordPress blog. While I dabbled in HTML and CSS, I never delved into the depths of PHP or Java. My goal was to have enough technical knowledge to modify my blog’s appearance and functionality.

WordPress: Clunky Dashboard and Plugin Puzzles

WordPress served me well during this phase. However, I always found its dashboard somewhat clunky and the need for frequent version updates and plugin maintenance intimidating. I often skipped the recommended backups due to their perceived complexity. Updates left me anxious, hoping everything would work smoothly.

Plugins, though powerful, often had complex user interfaces that confounded me. The fear of plugin designers abandoning their creations or failing to keep up with updates lingered, causing my site to slow down or even break, leading to bewildering error messages. Occasionally, I had to resort to removing plugins through unconventional means when designers were unresponsive. Admittedly, much of this exceeded my technical capabilities and interests. My primary focus was on design, aspiring to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional blog that enhanced the visitor experience.

Nonetheless, I persisted, gradually becoming more comfortable with the technical intricacies required to maintain my WordPress site.

The Discovery of Squarespace

In 2008, I stumbled upon Squarespace, then in version 5, and was captivated by its style editor. Suddenly, I could shape my website’s design without writing CSS code or relying on plugins. The version 5 editor was incredibly intuitive, and I had never encountered anything quite like it. I wholeheartedly embraced Squarespace for a few years, until the release of version 6 in 2012, which left me disenchanted. While the new layout engine empowered a potent website builder with a cleaner interface, it stripped away much of the design capability, once again requiring CSS for many tweaks.

I returned to WordPress in 2012, shuttling between the two platforms for two years. Squarespace’s elegant templates still enthralled me, but the resurgence of CSS use led me to lean toward WordPress, where I could access certain blogging features like the CommentLuv plugin and the blog subscription widget. Fast forward to October 2014, and Squarespace unveiled version 7, which marked a turning point.

Embracing Squarespace 7

Version 7 proved to be a game-changer. Squarespace offered more functionality, beautiful templates, improved styling options, and an integrated commerce platform. It transformed my life, catalyzing my transition into web design when I successfully revamped my friend Maddie’s Luminous Elephant website. Since then, I haven’t looked back.

WordPress undeniably boasts power and flexibility, akin to the PC of website platforms, securing its place in our online world. Nevertheless, as a fervent Squarespace advocate, I am drawn to its elegant and modern templates, alongside its intuitive website builder. This post aims to illuminate why I hold Squarespace in such high regard, particularly for small business owners and creative entrepreneurs.

The Cost of Ownership

Comparing WordPress and Squarespace Costs

When it comes to cost, WordPress presents a multifaceted landscape. It offers two variations: hosted and self-hosted. WordPress.com, the hosted version, provides a basic free option but charges for add-ons such as custom domain connections. This pricing model, akin to modern airlines, entices with low base prices but accumulates costs through additional features.

On the other hand, the self-hosted WordPress, available for free from WordPress.org, necessitates external hosting. Many hosting services, while offering inexpensive basic packages, tack on charges for extras like storage and visitor volume. GoDaddy’s WordPress hosting starts at $3.99 per month, Bluehost at $19.99 per month, and Dreamhost at $7.99 per month. Numerous hosting providers exist, each with its pricing structure, specials, and caveats.

WordPress templates are no longer widely available for free. ThemeForest offers themes ranging from $14 to $500, while Elegant Themes starts at $69 per year. The world of WordPress templates has evolved into a lucrative industry.

Squarespace, in contrast, offers two clear-cut website and commerce packages with no bandwidth or storage restrictions, always including templates. An annual payment plan garners substantial discounts, and Squarespace allows a free two-week trial without requiring a credit card.

User-Friendly Design and Interface

Transitioning from WordPress to Squarespace

While transitioning from WordPress to Squarespace may entail a learning curve, most individuals quickly recognize the platform’s superior user-friendliness. Squarespace operates on a “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) system, where changes appear in real-time on the page, eliminating the need to save beforehand. Manipulating colors and fonts in the style editor is a breeze, as is constructing page layouts using intuitive drag-and-drop content blocks.

Conversely, WordPress follows a more cumbersome approach. Users make modifications in the backend, then refresh a separate browser window to view changes. Although plugins and themes ease this process, none rival the elegance and ease of Squarespace’s style editor and drag-and-drop system.

While WordPress boasts a comprehensive dashboard for managing pages, posts, plugins, and settings, its layout has remained relatively consistent over the years. This familiarity contributes to its popularity. Squarespace’s admin area, equally robust, offers greater versatility and organizes information and settings in a more intuitive, user-friendly manner.

Technical Proficiency Requirement

Navigating the Technical Landscape

WordPress, particularly the self-hosted version, demands technical proficiency. Many design adjustments necessitate knowledge of HTML and CSS, along with responsibilities such as updates, database management, and hosting. Those lacking technical expertise may find themselves bewildered and seeking external help, often resorting to WordPress designers. This maintenance aspect is a significant revenue stream for designers.

Going solo with WordPress is possible, but it requires considerable time and patience to master. Many individuals struggle to maintain their WordPress sites effectively, resulting in poorly designed and underperforming websites. Squarespace, being a hosted service, eliminates backend concerns. There are no system updates or plugins to manage. In case of technical issues, Squarespace’s exceptional customer support resolves them promptly, without extra charges.

For those who enjoy coding and design customization, Squarespace accommodates such needs.