This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust.

When starting a new web design project, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right platform for your website. Since I focus on design rather than development or backend management, I want my clients to be well-informed about their options before committing to a platform. Below, I’ll break down the pros and cons of WordPress, Squarespace, and Showit to help you make the best choice for your business.

---

Why Choose WordPress: The Most Powerful & Scalable Option

Best For: Bloggers, businesses, eCommerce, long-term growth

Pros:

• Unlimited customization – With thousands of plugins, themes, and custom coding options, WordPress is the most flexible platform.
• Best for SEO – Full control over SEO optimization, making it ideal for businesses that rely on search engine traffic.
• Scalability – Handles everything from small blogs to large corporate sites.
• Strong eCommerce support – WooCommerce allows for highly customizable online stores.
• CRM & Email Integrations – Works with HubSpot, Mailchimp, and other marketing tools.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve – Requires more setup and maintenance. (Elementor can be added for drag-and-drop functionality to help with layouts and custom coded elements)
• Requires hosting – You need to choose and manage your hosting provider (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost).
• Ongoing maintenance – Updates, security, and backups need to be managed (can be handled with managed WordPress hosting).

Get started with WordPress by signing up for hosting through my recommended Bluehost provider, offering reliable performance and security.

---

Squarespace : The Simple, All-in-One Solution COMPARED TO WORDPRESS AND SHOWIT

If you’re choosing between WordPress Squarespace and Showit, Squarespace is the simplest solution for small businesses and portfolios. It offers an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface but has some limitations in customization compared to WordPress and Showit.

Best For: Small businesses, portfolios, simple websites

Pros:

• User-friendly – Drag-and-drop builder with a clean, modern interface.
• All-in-one solution – Includes hosting, security, and updates.
• Built-in SEO tools – Decent SEO capabilities without the need for extra plugins.
• Good for small eCommerce – Simple online stores available with built-in checkout.
• Basic CRM & Email Marketing – Can integrate with Mailchimp and Squarespace Email Campaigns.

Cons:

• Limited customization – Cannot modify beyond the provided templates without custom code.
• Not ideal for long-term growth – Less scalable than WordPress.
• Fewer third-party integrations – Limited plugin options compared to WordPress.

Try Squarespace today and start building a stunning website with ease.

---

Showit: The Most Design-Flexible Option VS. WORDPRESS AND SHOWIT

When you’re deciding between WordPress Squarespace and Showit, Showit is the most flexible when it comes to design freedom. It’s perfect for creatives who want complete control over their website’s layout, without needing to know how to code. While WordPress offers more powerful SEO tools and Squarespace is simpler to use, Showit provides unparalleled design flexibility.

Best For: Photographers, creatives, designers

Pros:

• Full creative control – Drag-and-drop design freedom without coding.
• Uses WordPress for blogging – Best of both worlds for designers who need strong blog functionality.
• Easy-to-use interface – More flexible than Squarespace in terms of design.
• Themes for purchase – Choose from various custom designs ( Tonic’s themes and Buffalo Collective’s themes are some of my favorites. Use code “LOVELY15” for Buffalo Collective to save %15 off!)
• Personalized support – Smaller company with direct support.

Cons:

• Performance issues – Can be slower if not optimized.
• Requires separate hosting for the blog – Blogging is handled through WordPress.
• Limited third-party integrations – Fewer options for expanding functionality.
• eCommerce limitations – Requires Shopify integration for selling products.

---

Can You Start with Squarespace & Move to WordPress Later?

Yes! Many businesses start with Squarespace because it’s simple to set up, then migrate to WordPress as they grow. Here’s when to consider switching:

• You need advanced SEO & marketing tools – If you’re ready to scale your content strategy.
• You require custom functionality – If you need specialized integrations that Squarespace doesn’t support.
• Your business is expanding – More pages, features, or custom elements that Squarespace can’t handle.
• You want better eCommerce options – WooCommerce provides far more flexibility than Squarespace’s built-in store.

Migration can be complex, so it’s best to plan ahead. If you expect to outgrow Squarespace, you might consider starting with WordPress from the beginning to avoid future headaches.

---

Which Platform is Right for You?

• Choose WordPress if you want the most control, SEO power, and scalability.
• Choose Squarespace if you want a simple, all-in-one website with minimal maintenance.
• Choose Showit if you’re a creative who values design flexibility and a strong blogging platform.

Each business has unique needs, and your platform should align with your long-term goals. While I specialize in design services for WordPress, Squarespace, and Showit, it’s important to note that my expertise is focused on the visual and functional aspects of your website. Any tasks outside of design, such as platform management, security, updates, or technical support, will need to be handled either by you or a third-party service that you approve. My goal is to create a beautiful, user-friendly website for you, and I’ll be happy to recommend trusted partners if additional services are needed.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your project, I’d be happy to discuss your vision and help guide you toward the right choice and see what options or discounts may apply! Contact me today.